Planning your first journey to Bhutan from the US
If you have decided or planning to visit Bhutan, then this is your right pick as Bhutan is a unique destination that only a few people in United States have visited. Up until recent years, Bhutan was never a sought after destinations for most Americans except for few who knew about Bhutan or have been to Bhutan previously.
Get to know Bhutan
To many, Bhutan is known as the land of Happiness, the origins of Gross National Happiness and a country still being ruled by a King. Nestled in the Himalayan ranges, Bhutan is sandwiched between China in the North and India in the south, a landlocked country which has remained in isolation and independent throughout its history.
Until recently, Tourism in Bhutan was hardly known to Americans. Opening doors to the outside since the early 1990’s to the world has made Bhutan, a bucket list desitnation for most Americans eyeing to make a holiday trip.
To make a trip to Bhutan, as an American citizen, you are required to avail tourist visa. Tourist visa essentially provides you access to Bhutan, in care of a local travel agency who will handle all your travel needs and requirements until you depart from Bhutan. You can read about availing Bhutan visa here.
Traveling from the US to Bhutan can be a daunting task initially, but if you follow our steps, it’s easy. Firstly, there are no direct flights connecting USA and Bhutan therefore you will need to make some transit flights from the following destinations:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New Delhi, India
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Kolkata, India
- Singapore
Your journey can begin from either the east coast, or west coast of USA. The most common nonstop flight routes to Bhutan is, from New York, JFK International Airport to New Delhi India, or to Bangkok, Thailand. New routes from Singapore also makes non-stop flights from USA to Bhutan much easier now. The flights can take up to 15-17 hours long haul flight journey. Some of the best airlines with direct flights from USA to India, Thailand, and Singapore include:
*Please note that the airlines are ranked in no particular order
From each of the above-mentioned airlines, you have direct flights to a transit destination. Bhutan has only one international airport, therefore you will need to match times and connect your flight. Be sure not to lose days while you connect- ensure you have enough transit times to transfer your baggage to Paro International airport. From the transit destinations to Paro, International Aiport, there are daily flights, although there might be stopovers to pick up passangers or to fuel up the aircraft.
Flying into Bhutan
There are only two airlines operating for Bhutan, that is, Bhutan Airlines and Drukair.
The airlines have limited seats and limited flight timings, therefore be sure to book your flights early, as early as 6 months ahead as tourist season can be very busy. Read about the best times to visit Bhutan and then plan your trip accordingly.
*An American traveler vlogs his expereince
Booking your trip to Bhutan
Booking your trip to Bhutan is a no-brainer, if you would like us to book your trip, simply feel free to request a trip quote, but make sure you understand the tourist tariffs and fees applicable: you can read it all here.
Pick a tour package, customize your trip, and custom tailor your trip until you get something you wish to experience in Bhutan. Be sure, to discuss the costs and make sure you are fully aware of the costs. Once confirmed, your tour will be booked, rest is all taken care of, all the way from Airport pickups, hotels, personal guides, entrance fees and everything else in between.
To make your travel planning much easier, we have shared below a sample 7 day itinerary remains one of our most popular tours being booking througouht the year.
Enchanting Bhutan tours: 6 nights 7 Day Bhutan tour.
This cultural tour through the mystical Western valleys of Bhutan is an ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom. Experience Bhutanese hospitality, admire the ever-changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture. Highlights include Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpung Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.
Itinerary
You can get a detailed itinerary here by clicking this link for this tour.
COVID19 and tourism in Bhutan in 2021
COVID19 has hit Bhutan’s tourism industry very hard since 2020. Every effort is being made by the government to restore tourism to its full glory although it is unlikely, however, we are hopeful that post COVID, travel to Bhutan will be even more exciting.
Bhutan aims to get all Bhutanese fully vaccinated with the COVID19 vaccine by the first quarter of 2021 and hopefully open tourism sooner than planned.
** Always Bhutan would like to highlight that, our COVID19 policy allows you to change your travel dates until the end of 2021, with unlimited date changes and flexible booking. We look forward to seeing your travel to Bhutan in 2021
If you want to know more or have questions about traveling to Bhutan, simply get in touch with us, and we will be more than happy to help you out.