Banjul, the Gambian capital at the mouth of the River Gambia, is a long way from the Himalaya, but the journey to Bhutan is very possible with a little planning. International flights leave from Banjul International Airport (BJL), a short drive inland near Yundum, and the route to Paro typically involves two or three connections. Here is a practical outline written for travellers starting in Banjul.
Out of Banjul International
From BJL, the Gambia guide describes two main ways to begin: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Both carriers then link you towards South or South-East Asia, where you change to a Bhutanese airline.
Banjul's long-haul options are fewer than at large hubs, so it is sensible to settle your first flight early and plan the rest of the trip around it. Check current schedules carefully, as frequencies can change between seasons.
Addis Ababa, Istanbul and the Asian Gateways
After Addis Ababa or Istanbul, your next stop is a city with flights to Paro. The Gambia guide names three:
- Delhi, described in the guide as having daily Bhutanese flights;
- Bangkok, with Bhutan flights several times weekly according to the guide;
- Kathmandu, with frequent services in peak seasons.
Treat those frequencies as a general picture rather than a timetable, and confirm them nearer the time. Only Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines operate into Bhutan, so your tour operator will normally coordinate this last sector with your international tickets. The guide gives a total travel time of about 20 to 30 hours, depending on layovers.
Sample Itinerary: Banjul via Addis Ababa
As an illustration only:
- Day 1: depart Banjul International with Ethiopian Airlines and connect in Addis Ababa.
- Day 2: arrive in Delhi and check into an airport hotel for a proper rest.
- Day 3: fly into Paro on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, where your guide meets you.
The overnight in Delhi is a safeguard. Landings at Paro rely on a visual approach through the valley, and weather can delay them, so building buffer days into your plans is recommended in the Gambia guide too.
Gambian Time and the Six-Hour Shift
The Gambia uses Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) all year and has no daylight saving. Bhutan uses UTC+6, again without changes. Bhutan is therefore six hours ahead of Banjul in every season, as the Gambia guide also notes: when it is noon in Banjul, it is 6 pm in Paro.
Six hours east is enough to feel, though it is much easier than the larger shifts faced by travellers from the Americas. A useful trick is to set your watch to Bhutan time when you board in Addis Ababa or Istanbul, and to eat and sleep according to it from then on. Sleep on the night flight if you can, and plan an easy first day in Bhutan with a walk in daylight and an early dinner.
Rainy Season in Banjul, Monsoon in Bhutan
Banjul has a tropical climate with a pronounced rainy season, roughly from June or July to October, and a long dry season the rest of the year. Interestingly, Bhutan's monsoon falls at a similar time, from June to August. The most popular months for visiting Bhutan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Winter (December to February) is cold but usually clear, especially in the hills.
Many Gambian travellers choose late autumn, leaving as their own rains end and arriving to clearer Himalayan weather. Spring is another good window. Remember that Bhutan will feel far cooler than the coast, so pack fleece and a warm jacket. Paro Tshechu (spring) and Thimphu Tshechu (autumn) follow the lunar calendar, with dates changing every year; the Gambia guide recommends booking early around festival periods.
Documents and Fees for Gambian Nationals
Gambian citizens need a Bhutan visa, which is applied for online in advance and normally arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Manifest Bhutan Expeditions prepares the application from your passport details and photo, then sends you the approval to carry. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity beyond the trip, as the Gambia guide advises.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors at the time of writing. Check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking. You also need travel insurance for the whole period you are in Bhutan, and you should check any transit visa rules in Ethiopia, Türkiye or India for Gambian passport holders.
Packing and Practical Notes for the Trip
Coming from Banjul's warm climate, the biggest adjustment for most travellers is temperature. Pack a warm jacket, a fleece and comfortable walking shoes even for spring and autumn trips. Bhutanese flights can have tighter baggage limits than long-haul carriers, so a mid-sized bag is easier than a large suitcase. Carry some cash: the local currency is the ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee, and ATMs are found mainly in towns.
Nights in Bhutan and Your Questions Answered
With a full day's travel at each end, most Banjul travellers allow at least a week. Six or seven nights suit Paro and Thimphu with some countryside; nine or ten nights allow a broader loop; two weeks give room for a trek or a festival.
Is there a direct flight from Banjul?
No. You will connect at least twice, typically through Addis Ababa or Istanbul and then an Asian gateway.
Which Asian city should I choose?
Delhi often works well, but Bangkok and Kathmandu are also used. Your operator can match the choice to current Bhutanese schedules.
Is there an overland option?
Bhutan can be entered by land via Phuentsholing from West Bengal, India, but flying into Paro is the norm for long-haul visitors.
Read our full country guide, How to Travel to Bhutan from Gambia, for more on budgets and itineraries.
