Bhutan is sandwiched between two countries India and China in the eastern Himalayan ranges. It is a landlocked country that is accessible only through India by road and Bhutan flights. Bhutan is considered the last Shangri-la and it remained isolated for many years. After the construction of the road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu in the year 1960 by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.. Bhutan opened its doors for tourism in Bhutan in the year 1974, when the fourth King of Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk was crowned and invited many international guests through the road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu.
United States America(USA) is located on the other side of the Globe. Many Americans want to travel to Bhutan from USA. Many want to fly into Bhutan to find the last Shangri-la and pristine Himalayan mountains. Bhutan is the first nation in the world with negative carbon emissions. The Constitution of Bhutan directs every citizen to keep 70% of land covered with forest. Most people think Bhutan is an expensive destination but when we calculate the package of each component you are getting, it is not so.
For example, Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan with three domestic airports. Only Bhutan flights operate i.e. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. No international flights operate in Bhutan. Bhutan tourism policy only provides a package tour with minium daily tariff. The package includes all meals, 3-4 star hotels, English speaking guide, and standard transportation.
How to travel to Bhutan by flight
Travel to Bhutan from USA by flight will be nearest airports from India, Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and Bangladesh. It is connected by Bhutan flights(Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air). India(New Delhi, Kolkatta & Bagdogra), Nepal(Kathmandu) play alternative days flights to Bhutan, Thailand(Bangkok) play daily flights to Paro Bhutan, Bangladesh(Dacca) alternate days to Paro Bhutan. Bhutan flights play alternate days flight to Bhutan. Your Bhutan Tour Agency will guide you on the best possible and cheapest way.
Travel to Bhutan from USA by flight is not direct but through connecting flight via New Delhi,Bangkokand Singapore There are no direct flights from the US to Bhutan. In fact, you can find just five countries and nine airports in the field that have routes to this kingdom this is certainly isolated. Then you need to obtain connecting flights to at least one of these ten airports initially if you should be planning on flying to Bhutan.
Flights to Bhutan from USA
The most common route to travel to Bhutan from USA by air is, from New York( JFK International Airport) to New Delhi India, or to Bangkok, Thailand. Now Bhutan flights are connected to Singapore thrice in a week that also makes non-stop flights from USA to Bhutan. The flights can take up to maximum of 17 hours flight journey to connecting airports in Asia. Some of the best airlines that fly from USA to India, Thailand, and Singapore are as follows.
- Thai Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Air India
- United Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Air Emirates
- Singapore Airways
Flights to Bhutan from USA tend to be handled by only two providers, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines as mentioned above. Both are Bhutanese-owned airlines. International airlines are forbidden from landing at Paro International Airport. Flights to Bhutan are from Dhaka in Bangladesh; Bagdogra, New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, and Guwahati. Other international airports that are connected with Bhutan flights are Kathmandu in Nepal; Bangkok in Thailand and Singapore.
Flights to Bhutan from USA to selected airports in Asia from US are California, Austin in Tx, Washington DC, and NY. Flight rates starts from US$460 with connecting routes to Bhutan. It takes about 14 hours to land to connecting airports and total of 30 hours to get in into Paro international Airport in Bhutan.
Bhutan Flight Fares
Bhutan flight fares for both Airlines i.e. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are at par. The fares mentioned below is rate quoted before theCovid19 pandemic . Bhutan Flight fares for round trip in Economy class are metioned below.
- From Bangkok to Paro and back Bangkok fare in economy class : US $ 978.00
- From New Delhi to Paro and back to New Delhi fare in Economy class : US $ 624.00
- From Kathmandu to Paro and back to Katmandu fare in Economy class : US $ 442.00
- From Kolkata to Paro and back to Kolkata fare in Economy class : US $ 440.00
- From Dhaka to Paro and back to Dhaka fare in Economy class: US $ 445.00
Note Business class tentative aditional US$ 220 more than Economy class mentioned above. Change in Price perior to notice.
Baggage requirements for Bhutan Flights
- 40 Kg in Business Class & 30 Kg in Economy class in both flights
- For Infants paying 10 % of the Bhutan flight fares are not entitled for any baggage allowance.
- Hand cabin Baggage to carry with you. for 5 Kg in Economy class and 7 Kg in Business class.
Note Excess baggage charged extra (per kg of the 1.5 % of one way Adult fare).
By land
Travelers traveling from USA can also can travel by land. If you are touring in India and Nepal. They can fly to any of the destinations in India or to Kathmandu in Nepal. They can further travel by land to Phuntsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu, which are all entry points for visitors traveling by land. Samdrupjongkhar and Gelephu points are on basis are not in regular basis. Phuentsholing entry point will be most appropriat entry point.
In India, the two closest Indian airports are Bagdogra airport in West Bengal and Guwahati airport in Assam. Travelers can either catch a flight from these two airports to Paro or drive buses or Taxis to the Jaigoan the opposite border town to Phuntsholing. It is roughly 170 kilometers away from Bagdogra International Airport in West Bengal and about 5 hours’ drive. Tourists can also travel by train from India to the nearest train station to the Bhutan border, from there you can catch a taxi or a bus to the border town of Phuntsholing.
How to book your Bhutan tour from USA
Any visitor flying into Bhutan cannot travel to Bhutan on their own and Bhutan doesn’t follow the policy of visa on arrival. Due to limited resources and an underdeveloped country, Bhutan is strictly against mass tourism. Therefore Bhutan tourism follows a strict tourism policy that states that every tourist must book a tour in advance through an authorized Bhutan tour agency.
New SDF Charges US citizens
The tourists are required to pay SDF(Sustainable Development Fund) to Government of Bhutan US$200 per person per day. 50% discount on SDF for children whose age is from 6 to 12 years old. the minimum daily tariff for US citizens laid by Tourism Council of Bhutan is no more but only SDF . Extra cost like flight tickets,hotels,meals,internal transport,visa fee,guide charges are additional. For Once the tour is booked with an authorized tour agency. Bhutan tour agency will make all necessary arrangements before your arrival from USA. Tour agency from Bhutan will communicate to you every detail for your travel to Bhutan from USA.
If you decide to travel to Bhutan
- Browrse U.S. Embassy’s web page or social media platforms regarding recent updates on COVID-19.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19. - Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get information.
- Follow on social media platforms of Department of State.
- Review for Safety & crime details for Bhutan.
- U.S. citizens who travel Bhutan should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist below for Bhutan
Steps for traveling to Bhutan from USA.
- Ask for a tour itinerary & daily minimum package tariff. Confirm Bhutan flight tickets for flying to Bhutan by Bhutan flights.
- Transfer the payment. Transfer of payment through the wire is secured in Bhutan.
- Bhutan Tour Agency process Bhutan through online with necessary documents(visa form dully filledup, valid passport copy with minimum six months while date of arrival to Bhutan. One page blank is reguired minimum.
- Get vaccinated fully for any kind of diseases prevailing in Bhutan important is Covid-19 vaccination
- Get Bhutan Visa and e-tickets from your Bhutan Tour agency.
- Pack your language and enjoy your tour to Bhutan.
Bhutan Consulate in New York, NY
For more information you can call or visit Bhutan Consulate in New York
Address for Bhutan Consulate in New York : 763 United Nations (1st Avenue),NY 10017,New York,United States,Phone:+212-6822268,+212-6822312, +212-6822371,+212-6822752,Fax:+212-6610551
Email: [email protected]
US Embassy in New Delhi, India
US Embassy is not estbalished in Bhutan. Services to U.S. citizens in Bhutan are limited. If you loose your U.S. passport replacement will be difficult and costly. So travelers travelling into Bhutan should keep documents safe and sound.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi,India has consular responsibilities for Bhutan. It maintains frequent and friendly communications with the Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi. Officer in US Embassy in New Delhi,India often visit Bhutan any kind of official work like renew passports and so on. .
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
India. Telephone No: +(91) (11) 2419-8000, Telephone No: +(91) (11) 2419-8000,Fax No.: +(91) (11) 2419-8407. Email id: [email protected]
Bhutan Visa & application for American Citizen
Bhutan Visa need to process before hand through your Bhutan tour agency. Bhutan Visa cannot be process by online or yourself . It has to be pre-booked. Once your tour is booked through your agency, documentation of Bhutan visa is process.
Processing when it comes to Bhutan visa & application for American citizens takes around 7 working days to process. Bhutan visa & applications for Americans need to be sent applications for at least 30 days before your day that is expected, so it’s important to book as soon as possible. During high season it is better to process early as possible.
Once the Bhutan visa is processed. Everything is taken care of Bhutan tour by your agency. Flight tickets connecting to your nearest airport are booked through Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. It is better for you to get at cheaper rate instead you buy online. An E-ticket will be emailed to you. Bhutan Visa will be e-mail to you after it is being processed through an online platform through “Tashel”.
Procedures before entering Bhutan.
Once you reach the airport at Paro or the border crossing at Phuentsholing, you shall need to show your Bhutan Visa and stamped passport at the Bhutan Immigration immigration counter. The assigning officer will process and add the visa stamp to your passport. This often takes less than an hour, however in busy times into the peak season, may take longer than is little at Paro Airport. It will take less time at Phuentsholing Immigration. Coming from India by land you need to visit Indian Immigration office at Jaigaon for stamp out in your passport. The office is very near Star Cinema hall, MG road, or Super Market.
Don’t forget to register or fill-up the form for your gadgets like a camera or Drone etc. Drone is banned in Bhutan. for further quiries on drone shooting and film shooting you need to process through your agency for permit.
Even if you want to bring tobacco and cigarettes you can buy and declare on the counter. Smoking and chewing tobacco are banned in Bhutan but for tourists, you can import and smoke in designated areas.
Most important is to take care of your Passport and other related documents because if you are misplaced or lost while you are in Bhutan, it is difficult to process in Bhutan. There is no US Embassy in Bhutan.
Best time to visit Bhutan
The best time to visit Bhutan is during spring season and Autumn season. From June and July the moonsoon starts and rainfall season starts. The rainfall is not like India or foothills of Bhutan. During rainny season Tourism Council of Bhutan offers off season rate of US$200 per season per night(June,July and August). It is advangte for tourists traveling into Bhutan during off season. During winter also Tourism Council of Bhutan offers discount to US$200 per person per night because of winter season.
Paro Festival and Thimphu festival Tours tourn out for tourist is maximum during the fall season. Thimphu Festival falls every september and October. Paro Festivals every spring season. Moreover main festivals of Bumthang also falls during fall season.
The best time for visit Bhutan esepecially for trekking in Bhutan will be during spring and autum. Less trekking is done during monsson and Winter season.
Covid 19 updates for US citizens
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi,India looks after COVID-19 situation in Bhutan. Covid 19 Case numbers decreasing with 13 active cases, case detected so far 2641, recovered 2625 and death 3 aso off on 7.12.2021 in the country.
Entry for tourist purposes is suspended at this time. Please update information further from US Embassey in New Delhi.
7 Best Tour Packages for US
7 Best tour packages for US traveling to Bhutan will provide best of tour packages for all segements of clienst. We cusmozize tours as per your flight schedules from different sectors of flight orginating and connecting to different places like Kathmandu,New Delhi, Bangkok, Kolkatta, Bangdogra, Singapore,Dacca and so on.7 Best tour packages for US mentioned below for further details.
- 3 Nights 4 Days Bhutan Tour Packages for US
- Glimpse of Bhutan for 6 Days
- 7 Days Bhutan Tour Packages for US
- Bhutan Luxury Tour from US
- Thimphu Festival Tour
- The Shangrila Bhutan itinerary for 8 Days
- Bumdra Trek-the shortest trek in Bhutan
We can advice you for further after communicating through e-mail. We have wide range best tour packages for US. we provide birding package, toughest trekking in the world(Sonowman trek), white river rafting tour, School and college touring for Educational benefits, Camping in prestine himalayas, Cultural tour, Textile tour to Bhutan and many more.
What to bring for Bhutan tour ?
- Small carry bag for carrying your passport and documents.
- Hiking shoes for Taksang day hike. In Bhutan you will be walking atleast 3-4 km in a day.
- Rainroat during rainy season
- Full seleve shirts and trousers. You are not suppose to wear half seleves while visisting monastries and temples in Bhutan.
- Exchange your currency at Paro Airport and while leaving you can exchange Bhutanese currency at Airport. Exchange for Bhutanese currency is at par. You can use international debit/credit cards in Bhutan. you cant carry beyond US$10000.
- Sun cream and anti insect reppelent cream.
- You are not allowed to use Drone only on special permit.
- Carry enough battery packs and memory cards if you are photographer
- Chewing tobbacco and smoking is against law. Buy presecribed quota from Paro international Airport or at entry points for your consumption. Ask for receiept.
What to bring for Trekking in Bhutan
Before you trek you need to check your items before your trek starts.
- Your carry bag to carry your valuable items like passport and travel documents.
- Carry water bottle with you always.
- Rain coat/Umbrela when you are trekking during rainny season.
- Anti-insects reppellent cream.
- Sunglass/sun cap.
- Extra batteries and power bank if you using cameras for photography. Drone shots are not allowed only with sepecial permit.
- Flash light with power banks.
- Choclates and bars for your consumption while trekking.
- Trekking shoes.
- High altitude pills.
- Walking sticks or else ask to your tour agency.
- Your tour agency will provide you sleeping bag but if you want to use your own you can bring along with you.
- Always ask for hot water bag for sleeping peacefully during winters.
- Carry wollen and warm clothes. During summer temperator is around 10-12 centigrade. During winter it will be extreme running minus.
- Carry ear plugs for sleeping during night because of dogs around your campsite.
Tour Cancellation Policy for Bhutan
Tour booked through us and canceled shall follow
- No charges for tour cancellation within 30 days of the start of the tour.
- 10% of the quoted rate will be refunded within 21 days.
- 15% of the quoted rate will refund if cancellation is done within 14 days.
- Refund of 30% of quoted rate within 7 days.
- Refund of 50% of quoted rate within less than 7 days.
- No refund for after arrival to Bhutan.
Note for delayed Arrivals
There is no charge for delays pertaining to weather conditions, disrupting flights, roadblocks, and unnatural calamities for departure and inbound. The tourist must bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required by travelers.
Travel to Bhutan from USA Covid
COVID19 outbreak hit hard to Tourism Industry since april 2020. Till date Government and King of Bhutan making full effort to open up Tourism Industry in full swing. Infact it is open but 21 days quarantine manadaotry is disallowing for tourists to eneter Bhutan. 97% of the poplation of Bhutan is being vaccinated but due to outbreak of Covid19 in European countries and many countries undergoing lock down in Europe is making Bhutan not to declare Tourism Industry open fully.
Many stake holders of Tourism Industry requesting Government of Bhutan to open up Tourism Industry by april 2022. Further update please email us and we will let you know.
The mandatory three weeks quarantine reduced to two weeks of quarantine period for inbound international travellers. They should have full proof of vaccination from respective country of origin.Those who have not taken the vaccination at all or one shot should continue 21-days mandatory quarantine.
Note: Charges are brone by the travellers
FAQ’s for US passport holders travel to Bhutan
What to expect in Bhutan?.
Bhutan is first country with carbon negative in the world. Environment is clean, safe and peaceful country. No strikes and hartals like neighbouring countries. The maximum land is covered with forest(72%). Bhutan generate clean hydro-power from the steep and deep running rivers. The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains.
The average altitude you will be travelling will be 2400m above sea level. You will not tend to get altitude sickness. But when you are trekking higher himalayas you might tend to get sickeness. We advive trekkers to accamilizte before you trek.
Bhutanese culture and traditions will attract you. Bhutanese has unique culture. Bhutanese dont measure Gross Nationl Product but enjoy Gross National Happiness. Bhutanese hospitatilty is great. Even if you stay in Bhutanese homestays you will get excellent service.
Where is Bhutan?.
Bhutan is in the eastern Himalayas. It is sandwiched between China to the north and India to south, West and East. It lie between latitudes 26°N and 29°N, and longitudes 88°E and 93°E. The terrain consists mostly of steep and high mountains. Elevation rises from 200 m in the southern foothills to more than 7,000 m in the Northern Bhutan.
Is Bhutan Safe?
Bhutan is a very safe country . Crime is uncommon, you will small crime and crime rate is very low as compared to other countries. The beauty of Bhutan is you will never see traffic lights.
Can US citizens travel to Bhutan right now?
Bhutan is closed for tourists traveling to Bhutan due to Covid 19 Pandemic. Only Bhutanese citizens can enter but one has to undergo 21 days quarantine in hotels allocated. Foreigners can also travel to Bhutan but one has to undergo quarantine and need to pay the charges. Anybody can enter from towns such as Phuntsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephug. Now for tourists will be Paro and Phuentsholing entry points would be hassle-free.
Can I travel to Bhutan right now?
All tourists who wish to travel to Bhutan right now can travel but one has to go for mandatory quarantine in hotel in Bhutan for covid protocols policy. Anybody required a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese Tour agency or international tour agent who is connected here in Bhutan. Only registered Bhutan Travel agencies will take care Bhutan Visa issue.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Bhutan?
Everyone travelling to Bhutan should be vaccinated against COVID-19. All travellers are required to produce:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination from your country.
- All children aged 5 to 17 years old must also produce certification.
- should maintain all WHO protocols
- from 23rd september 2022 Quarantine in hotel is no more. Tourism in Bhutan is open from 23rd september 2022.
Note : please refer website of Bhutan Government regarding Covid-19
How much does it cost to go to Bhutan?
It is depending upon the nights you want to stay in Bhutan. How much it cost to go to Bhutan is how many nights, kinds of hotels you want to stay in Bhutan. Bhutan Depending on the duration and kind of hotel you stay in Bhutan.
The basic tour package cost of travel to Bhutan with 3 Nights 4 Days Tour to Bhutan will start from USS$ 715.00 including Hotels 3-4 star category, All meals, standard transport within Bhutan, an English Speaking guide, Bhutan Visa US$40. The package does not include Airfare International and domestic, Travel, and Medical Insurance, Our best tour Packages would be 6 Nights 7 Days Tour to Bhutan.
How to Get to Bhutan from US?
Contact Bhutan Tour agency in Bhutan. Get a quote for the Bhutan Tour package with your interest. Your tour partner will advise you the best possible to get to Bhutan from US. Already is mentioned clearly above for the US citizens flying into Bhutan.
How to travel to Bhutan from USA by Land?.
From India to Bhutan
If you are traveling to Bhutan from USA by land, the option that is best is to take the flight direct from the United States to Airport in India , northeast India, New Delhi or even to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport terminal in Kolkata. After that, it is easy to get a train to Alipurduar Junction, New Jalpaiguri(NJP), or Hasimara in the Indian State of West Bengal. India covers nook and corner of Indian cities and towns.
Through the railway station at Hasimara, you can easily get a taxi or bus to Jaigaon, regarding the border opposite Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s border town. From Hasimira is a 30-minute drive to reach Phuentsholing.From Alipurduar juncton is one hour drive and from NJP is 5 hours car drive.
After reaching Jaigaon you must stamp your passport for entering Phuentsholing Bhutan gate. Other entry point is Samdrup Jonkhar if you are flying to Guwahati under Assam state of India.
From Nepal to Bhutan
If you are already in Nepal and want to travel to Bhutan from land. You will need to get a flight to the Tribhuvan airport terminal from Kathmandu if you travel from the united states of America to Nepal. There are not any flights that are direct from the United States to Nepal, & most routes connect either in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul. As soon as you reach Kathmandu, where you can get across into India, although the border town of Kakarbhitta in east Nepal could be the easiest & most preferred.
The crossing goes to the West Bengal city of Panitanki, from where you could get a train that is direct Hasimara, near the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. From Panitanki you can directly get the bus to reach border town Jaigaon. if you want Bhutan vehicle we can arrange at the border of Nepal and India.
FAQ’s for USA travellers travelling to Bhutan
Can I obtain Bhutan Visa on Arrival?
No.Bhutan dont allow Bhutan Visa on arrival. Bhutan Visas must be obtained throught Bhutan Tour agency in advance. Minium seven days working days is requireged for Bhutan Visa by Bhutan Tour Agency to process after submitting all required documents.
What documents required for Bhutan Visa Application?
Following details are required for Bhutan Visa through your Bhutan Tour agency.
- Bhutan Visa application form dully filled by each client
- Passport size scan copy of colour picture
- six months validity of passport scan copy. email the copy to your tour agency.
- if Student email scan copy of student ID card scan copy.
What you need to do before Traveling to Bhutan?
- First important is your US passport should be valid. Minimum 6 months minimum after the date you plan to exit Bhutan.
- Carry your health documents
- If you are trekking carry trekking items. consult with your travel agent in Bhutan.
- Insure while coming to Bhutan.
- You might face health risks in Bhutan.Get all of the vaccines, medications, and travel supplies you need for your trip to Bhutan.
Important Notice for US citizens
Note: It has been brought to the notice of the Tourism Council of Bhutan office that some guests are booking their tours through unregistered Tour Operators in US or worldwide. Client are making direct tour payments to the companies outside. Such arrangements have caused immense difficulties to both guests as well as this office.
This office would like to inform and request all travellers planning their tours to Bhutan to make their reservations only through registered Tour Operators in Bhutan. A list of local Bhutanese Tour Operators is available on www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/tour-operators or if in doubt, this office can confirm the authentication of the operators should a request for the same be made.
Therefore, we would like to inform all concerned parties that the Tourism Council of Bhutan will not be responsible for any complaints related to or resulting from a tour booked through unregistered Tour Operators.
For further information, and authentication of the tour operators please visit the link
Notice: courtesey from Tourism Council of Bhutan.
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