Due to a distance of 1921 km, people prefer the fastest way to get there by taking a direct flight from Delhi to Paro. It takes only 2-3 hours to cover the distance. However, the flights are quite expensive to Paro and if you wish to go for a cheaper option, one can also choose to travel from Delhi to Bagdogra, West Bengal via flights and then commute through road.
Let's break down the routes to make it simpler!
Delhi to Paro by Flight - The Preferred Way of Travelling
Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and has air services to many Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and Mumbai. The flight from Delhi to Paro will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Paro, situated at an elevation of 7,300 ft above the sea level, is surrounded by the Himalayas. Travelling through the air to Bhutan has its own charm as you will cross the majestic Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Nearest airport: Paro International Airport
Flight Options Available
DirectIndirectNew Delhi to Paro
1. Druk Air, the National Carrier of Bhutan operates regularly from Delhi to Paro.Timing: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday- 10.05 to 12.55Duration: 2h 20mEstimated Price: INR 8,000- INR 49,000
2. Bhutan Airlines operates only a few days a week.Timing:Monday, Thursday and Saturday: 10:20-13:00Tuesday and Friday: 13:35-16:15Duration: 2h 10m
1. New Delhi to Gelphu (halt at Kathmandu Airport and Paro International Airport)Flight: Druk AirTiming: Wednesday and SaturdayDuration: 21h 52mEstimated Price: INR 12,000- INR 26,0002. New Delhi to Gelephu (via Paro International Airport)Flight: Druk AirTiming: Monday and SaturdayDuration: 21h 52minEstimated Price: INR 20,000- INR 55,000
Preferable local transport available from the airport: Paro Valley is located 6 km away from Paro International Airport. There are regular buses and taxis available for commuting to and from the city. Recently, air-conditioned shuttle services with free Wi-Fi services from Thimphu has been launched as well.
Tip: Being situated at a considerable height, this airport is considered to be quite challenging and hence, flights operate only during the daytime. Therefore, it is advisable to pre-book your transportation before you reach the airport.
Delhi to Bhutan by Road
Travelling from Delhi to Bhutan via road, be it by bus or car is not easy. It takes approximately 37 hours of continuous driving, due to a distance of 1,939.3 km. It is easier to take a train to either Kolkata, Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal or Guwahati in Assam and then takes a cab or a bus or a car thereafter. However, if you still opt for a road trip from Delhi to Bhutan, you should take your own car as arranging for car services like an Ola or Uber may be quite difficult, in such case. However, you can also opt for car services from different travel agencies. You might have to make quite a few halts mid-way.
Route 1
Delhi - Rampur - Banbasa - Krishnapur - Butwal - Gaindakot - Hetauda - Pokhra - Birtamode - Siliguri - Phuentsholing
Duration: Almost two days (37 hours)
Route 2: via NH 27
Road Condition from Delhi to Bhutan:Duration: 28 hoursDistance: 1,612 km
The road conditions from Delhi to Bhutan are pretty good, especially in Nepal and Bhutan area. However, the condition of Indian roads, especially in Bihar is not too great, and you should be aware of that. Route 2 has better condition and is preferred by most.
Eating Options on the way: You can enjoy a hearty breakfast at Agra or Nawabi cuisines at Lucknow. Mujzzafarpur too has great places for meals.
Possible stopovers on the way: Muzaffarpur or Siliguri.
Delhi to Bhutan by Train
There are no direct trains available from New Delhi to Bhutan. However, you can board a train to New Delhi to Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati or Hasimara, Hasimara being the best option. You will have to opt for a car or bus service thereafter.
Train options from New Delhi to Hasimara
Preferable local transport available from the drop station (Hasimara): The Royal Bhutanese Government-run buses regularly from Hasimara as well as Kolkata to the Indo-Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing. Although the conditions of the roads aren’t great and it is a 22-hour long journey, it is quite inexpensive and a viable option if you want to travel cheap. You can halt at Kolkata for a day right near the Howrah Railway Station, at an affordable rate.Mahananda ExpressBoarding Point: NEW DELHI (NDLS)Dropping Point: HASIMARA (HSA)Timing: 06:35 A.M.Duration: 36h 8mFrequency: Everyday, onceEstimated price: INR 650- INR 750
If you did not get a permit, be sure to get one while travelling by a private car. Permits can be obtained at Pheuntsholing from Regional Transport Office.
A better option would be to reach either Siliguri or Guwahati by train from New Delhi and thereafter, continue your journey to Bhutan by either private vehicle, car service or busses which ply regularly. The roads are well maintained as well, and the duration of the journey is shorter.