The Himalayas are the greatest mountain system in Asia and one of the planet’s youngest mountain ranges. It extends for around 3,500 km across South and Central Asia, spanning all or parts of 6 countries. The Himalayas form the core of this region, stretching across Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The term ‘Himalaya’ literally translates to ‘Abode of Snow,’ derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Hima’ meaning snow and ‘Alaya’ meaning abode. These mighty mountains form an immense barrier between the Tibetan Plateau to the north and the Indian subcontinent to the south. The Himalayas are home to some of the highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. This majestic mountain range acts as a mesmerizing natural boundary across several countries in South and Central Asia.
Bhutan has two airlines: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, one international airport – Paro International Airport (2,235 m), 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 2,235 m (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 7,925 m (26,000 ft) 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
For flights from Delhi or Kathmandu to Paro, secure a window seat on the left side of the aircraft. From this side, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas as the flight passes over Nepal.
With clear skies, you can witness the breathtaking sight of four of the world’s five highest peaks from the left – Mount Everest (8,848 m – the highest mountain peak in the world), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Kangchenjunga, and Mt. Makalu (8,475 m). Keep your eyes peeled as well for other iconic summits like Mt. Pumori (7,161m), Mera Peak (6,476 m) in Nepal, and Bhutan’s own soaring Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m, third highest mountain in Bhutan) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m).
These Himalayan mountain vistas offer the best views from the left side when traveling to Paro. A left window seat on flights from Delhi or Kathmandu allows you to fully absorb the majestic natural grandeur.
For your return journey from Paro to Kathmandu or Delhi, request a window seat on the right side of the plane. From the right, you can soak in the stunning vista of Paro valley when the plane starts ascending. Then, you will again meet the amazing sights of Mount Everest and other famous Nepal Himalayan peaks once more as you bid farewell to the mountain landscapes of Bhutan.
Bangkok, Singapore, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Gaya, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Dhaka to Paro
All flights into Bhutan arrive from India.
- Bangkok to Paro: Flights from Bangkok to Paro may either be direct or have a stopover in Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, or Gaya.
- Singapore to Paro: Direct flights from Singapore to Paro or flights with a stopover in Guwahati.
- Hong Kong to Paro: Direct flights or flights with a stopover in Kolkata.
If you are flying from one of these cities to Paro, whether it’s a direct flight or with a stopover as mentioned, we would recommend reserving a right-side window seat. Due to the flight directions, you’ll have the opportunity to potentially glimpse famous Bhutanese peaks like the towering Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) – the first highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, the distinctively-shaped Mt. Gangchen Ta (Tiger Mountain) (6,840 m), and Table Mountain (7,100 m).
The Bhutan Himalayas, being closer to the plane, provide a better chance of clear mountain views compared to the left side of the aircraft. From the left side, you can see Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m) in the Bhutan Himalayas, as well as peaks in the Sikkim Himalayas (part of the Indian Himalayas), including Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Pandim (6,691 m), and Rathong (6,679 m).
For your return flight from Paro to these cities, you can choose whether to sit on the right side for optimal mountain views of the Sikkim Himalayas and Bhutan Himalayas together or on the left side to see the Bhutan Himalayas again and say goodbye.
Mumbai and Bangalore to Paro
If Lady Luck is on your side with cloudless skies arriving from Mumbai or Bangalore, a right-side window seat is your best bet to potentially spot Bhutanese mountains like Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) and Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
Similar to the flights from other cities, a left-side window seat can offer views of the Himalayan mountains in Bhutan like Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532m), as well as the Sikkim Himalayas (Indian Himalayas), with famous peaks like Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), Pandim (6,691 m), and Rathong (6,679 m).
For the return flights from Paro to Mumbai or Bangalore, you can request a left-side window seat for optimal mountain views of the Bhutanese peaks on your departure. On the right side, you may be able to glimpse the Sikkim Himalayas, including Kangchenjunga and Bhutan Himalayas as well.
Dubai to Paro
For flights from Dubai, when sitting on the left side, you can potentially see views of the Nepal Himalayan mountains including Mt. Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485 m), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m), as well as the Sikkim mountains like Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), Pandim (6,691 m), and Rathong (6,679 m).
Also, as the flight approaches Bhutan, you can marvel at the celebrated Bhutanese peaks like Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m), 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.
For your return flight from Paro to Dubai, we recommend booking a left-side window seat to fully enjoy the breathtaking Bhutanese mountain views. The right side may provide occasional glimpses of the Nepalese Himalayan mountains as you depart.
Bumthang to Paro
On domestic flights from Bumthang to Paro, be sure to secure a right-side window seat for a front-row view of Bhutan’s mesmerizing mountain vistas. With clear skies, you may be rewarded with breathtaking sights of the mighty Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) dominating the horizon, the distinctive flat-topped Table Mountain (7,100 m), the soaring Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), the impressively sculpted Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), the iconic Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m), and the uniquely-shaped Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m) reminiscent of a crouching tiger.
For your return Paro to Bumthang journey, opt for a left-side seat to bid farewell to these majestic peaks as you depart the Paro Valley.
Yonphula to Paro
When flying from Yonphula to Paro, that right-side window is your ticket to Bhutan’s mountain grandeur. Keep your eyes peeled for the towering Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), the striking Table Mountain, the prominent Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m) with its distinctive ridgeline, the revered Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m), and the unforgettable Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
On your Paro to Yonphula route, be sure to choose the left side for continual vistas of these legendary peaks.
Gelephu to Paro
When flying from Yonphula to Paro, that right-side window is your ticket to Bhutan’s mountain grandeur. Keep your eyes peeled for Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), Table Mountain, Mt. Tserim Kang (6,532 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,662 m), Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m), and Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,840 m).
When returning from Paro to Gelephu, a left-side window is ideal to savor every last moment with these breathtaking Bhutanese peaks in view.
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.
