Bhutan has two airlines: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, one international airport – Paro International Airport (2,235m), and three domestic airports: Bathpalathang Airport (BUT, Bumthang), Yonphula Airport (YON, Trashigang), and Gelephu Airport (GLU, Sarpang).
As you plan your journey to Bhutan, get ready for an amazing experience right from the start – your flight into Paro, the kingdom’s sole international gateway. Perched at an incredible 2,235m (7,332 feet) between towering peaks and plunging valleys, landing at Paro Airport perfectly sets the scene for the dramatic mountain landscapes awaiting you.
From mid-September through early June, you may be lucky enough to enjoy remarkably clear views of some of the tallest mountains on Earth on cloudless days. As your aircraft cruises at dizzying heights of 7,925m (26,000ft) to 11,887m (39,000 ft) you won’t want to miss the chance to gaze out in awe at the snow-capped giants of the Himalayan range rising majestically from the Tibetan Plateau below.
Kathmandu and Delhi to Paro
If your journey begins in Kathmandu or Delhi, we’d recommend reserving a window seat on the left side of the plane.
With clear skies, you can witness the breathtaking sight of four of the world’s five highest peaks – Mount Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586m) and Mt. Makalu (8,475 m). Keep your eyes peeled as well for other iconic summits like Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m) in Nepal, and Bhutan’s own soaring Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m).
For your departure from Paro back to those cities, be sure to request the right side to soak in stunning vistas of the lush Paro Valley as you ascend.
Bangkok, Singapore, Dhaka, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Ho Chi Minh to Paro
On clear days, if you are flying from one of these cities, you’ll want that right-side window seat to potentially glimpse famous Bhutanese peaks like the towering Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), the distinctively-shaped Mt. Gangchen Ta (Tiger Mountain) (6,840 m) and Table Mountain (7,100m).
Then on your return flight to these cities, swap to the left side for optimal mountain views.
Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Paro
If Lady Luck is on your side with cloudless skies arriving from Mumbai or Bangalore, a right side seat is your best bet to potentially spot Bhutanese mountains like Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m) as well as Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) and Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang to Paro
Flights from Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang may treat you to views of celebrated Bhutanese peaks like Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) and the distinctive Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m) from the right side on good visibility days.
Then, for your return, we’d suggest the left side to continue soaking in those mountain vistas.
Bumthang to Paro
On domestic flights from Bumthang to Paro, that right side window seat is highly recommended. You’ll be treated to potential views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), Table Mountain (7,100m), Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and the iconic Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
For your Paro to Bumthang flight, the left side is optimal.
Yonphula to Paro
Similarly, when flying from Yonphula to Paro, opt for the right side to possibly glimpse Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), Table Mountain, Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
Then on your Paro to Yonphula route, the left side is ideal.
Gelephu to Paro
Right side seats are recommended for flights from Gelephu to Paro, providing potential sightings of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum, Table Mountain, Mt. Tserim Kang, Mt. Jichu Drakye, Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
For Paro to Gelephu, request the left side.
No matter which path you take arriving to Bhutan, a thoughtful window seat selection on your flight to Paro can provide a spellbinding preview of the dramatic landscapes awaiting you in Bhutan. The experience is sure to awaken your sense of adventure for the journey ahead.
