Delhi is one of the main gateways to Bhutan, with Drukair and Bhutan Airlines flying to Paro. The flight takes about 2 hours, so you can leave Delhi in the morning and be walking around the Paro valley by lunchtime. That makes a Bhutan trip from Delhi realistic even for a week's leave.
We are a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and plan tailor-made trips rather than fixed packages, so this page does not list package prices. Instead it focuses on planning: which route suits you, how long to go for, a sample plan, documents and budgeting. For a general introduction to visiting Bhutan from the capital, read our New Delhi travel guide, and for permit details see our complete guide for Indian travellers.
Getting from Delhi to Bhutan
Fly Delhi to Paro
This is the simplest option. Flights take about 2 hours and schedules change by season, so check the current timetable when you choose your dates. Flights into Paro depend on visibility, so avoid a tight connection on your way home. You receive your entry permit on arrival at Paro, and your guide and driver meet you outside. Our flying to Bhutan from India page explains booking and baggage.
Fly to Bagdogra and come by road
If Paro flights do not suit your dates, fly from Delhi to Bagdogra and drive about 165 km to Phuentsholing, which takes around four and a half to five hours. After entry formalities, it is another five to six hours to Thimphu, usually the next day. We can meet you at Bagdogra; see our Bagdogra to Bhutan car hire page. This adds time but gives more flexibility on flights.
How long should your trip be?
- 4 to 5 days: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Tiger's Nest. See our 5 day itinerary.
- 7 days: add the Phobjikha Valley and Haa, as in our 7 day itinerary.
- 10 days: go on to Trongsa and Bumthang with our 10 day itinerary.
- Long weekend: our 3 day itinerary covers Paro, Thimphu and Tiger's Nest.
Permit essentials when flying from Delhi
Flying from Delhi, you collect your entry permit on arrival at Paro. Indian citizens need no visa, only a valid Indian passport or Voter ID for each adult. Airlines can have their own ID rules, so check with yours when you book the ticket.
- Bring the original birth certificate for any child travelling without a passport.
- Punakha, Haa and Phobjikha are outside Thimphu and Paro, and current rules require a licensed guide there; the guide arranges the route permits too.
- Hindi-speaking guides can be requested, and we will confirm who is available.
We double-check the requirements before you travel. The complete guide for Indian travellers goes deeper, and our New Delhi travel guide covers the airport side.
A long weekend from Delhi: 4 to 5 nights
Because the flight is short, Delhi is the Indian city where a long weekend in Bhutan makes the most sense. With four nights you can see Thimphu and Paro and climb to Tiger's Nest; with five, add Punakha over Dochula. Adding a day or two of leave around a public holiday is usually enough.
Sample 6 day plan from Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Paro, drive to Thimphu
Fly to Paro, collect your entry permit and meet your guide. Drive to Thimphu, about an hour, and visit the Memorial Chorten.
Day 2: Thimphu
Visit Buddha Dordenma, the Folk Heritage Museum, a craft school and Tashichho Dzong. Your guide arranges route permits for Punakha.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Cross Dochula Pass and descend to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Cross the suspension bridge in the morning, then drive back to Paro. Evening at leisure.
Day 5: Paro and Chele La
Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, and drive up to Chele La if the weather is clear.
Day 6: Tiger's Nest hike
Hike to Paro Taktsang; our Tiger's Nest hike guide explains the trail. Fly back to Delhi the next morning.
Planning around Delhi holidays
Flights from Delhi to Paro fill up around long weekends, Diwali, Christmas and the summer school holidays. If your dates are fixed, book flights early and leave a buffer day on the way home in case of weather delays. Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons; the summer months are quieter and greener but often cloudy. Bhutan's cool air is a welcome break from Delhi's May and June heat, though the monsoon arrives in Bhutan around June. See our best season guide and the festival calendar if you would like to see a tshechu.
Budgeting your trip
The main costs are the return flight, hotels, the car and driver, the licensed guide, meals and the SDF. Delhi travellers holding Indian ID pay the SDF at INR 1,200 per person per night. For comparison, most other nationalities pay USD 100 per adult per night, confirmed until 31 August 2027. Fees are subject to change, so your quote shows the rate for your dates. Use our trip cost calculator for a ballpark, then ask for a written quote. We list exactly what is included, so you can compare it fairly with other offers. Our free trip planner helps if you are still choosing a route.
Money matters
- Rupee and ngultrum are equal in value, and rupees are taken almost everywhere.
- Large Indian notes may not be accepted, so carry smaller ones.
- Bring some cash; card and digital payments are not accepted everywhere, and paying by UPI is not something to rely on.
- For ATMs and exchange, read our currency guide, and for data, the SIM card guide.
Tips for Delhi travellers
- Bhutan's winter nights in Paro and Thimphu drop well below what most Delhi winters bring, though days are often sunny, so pack proper woollens from December to February.
- In spring and autumn the cool, clean air is a welcome change from the city, but evenings still call for a fleece.
- Respect dress codes at dzongs: long sleeves, long trousers or skirts, and no caps inside.
- Many hotels cook North Indian food alongside Bhutanese dishes. Our food guide suggests what to try.
- Take the first afternoon slowly to adjust to the height; see our altitude guide.
- Shops and restaurants close earlier than in Delhi, so plan evening shopping for the afternoon.
Choosing hotels and pace
Hotels in Bhutan range from simple family-run places to international resorts. Tell us your comfort level and we suggest options in each valley. If you are travelling with parents or young children, we can slow the pace, add rest afternoons and arrange horses for part of the Tiger's Nest climb. See our family trips page for ideas.
Want only a car, or a full trip?
Some Delhi travellers only want a car and driver for Thimphu and Paro. That is possible, but travel beyond those two districts needs a licensed guide under current rules. Our car rental with driver and guide hire pages explain how it works, and our Paro airport transfer page covers pickups.
Planning a trip from Delhi? Message your preferred trip length and dates on WhatsApp +975 17661648 or write to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to Paro?
About 2 hours. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly the route; schedules change by season, so check the timetable for your dates.
Can I go from Delhi to Bhutan by road?
Not directly. Most people fly to Bagdogra and drive to Phuentsholing, about four and a half to five hours, then on to Thimphu.
How many days do I need for Bhutan from Delhi?
Five to six days covers Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Tiger's Nest. A week lets you add Phobjikha or Haa.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian nationals receive an entry permit on arrival at Paro or at Phuentsholing. Bring a valid passport or Voter ID, and a birth certificate for young children.
What is the SDF for Indian tourists?
At present it is INR 1,200 per person per night, and we confirm the figure for your travel dates in case it has changed.
Can I use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Yes. Rupees are taken almost everywhere because the ngultrum is worth exactly one rupee. Carry smaller Indian notes, and some cash, as cards and digital payments are not accepted everywhere.
Do you offer fixed Delhi to Bhutan packages?
We plan tailor-made trips and quote each one individually, so your quote reflects your dates, hotels and group size.
