El Dorado International Airport (BOG), on the western side of Bogotá, is Colombia's busiest airport and the most convenient starting point for a trip to Bhutan from the Colombian capital. As our Colombia guide explains, the usual approach is to cross the Atlantic to Europe, continue to an Asian gateway and then take a short flight into Paro. This page sets out that journey step by step for Bogotá travellers, with an example itinerary, the time change, a seasonal comparison and the visa process for Colombians.
El Dorado to Europe: Bogotá's Transatlantic Start
Our Colombia guide describes the first leg typically taken as a flight from Bogotá to a European gateway, such as Madrid or Amsterdam, with airlines including Avianca and Iberia. From Europe you then fly on to Delhi, Bangkok or Kathmandu. Plan to arrive at El Dorado with time to spare, as international check-in and security can be busy, particularly on evening departures.
Linking Europe with Asia: Gateways for Paro
Once in Europe, the next step is a flight to one of the cities served by Bhutan's carriers. The Colombia guide notes that Drukair operates from Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu and Kolkata, among other points, and that Bhutan Airlines serves similar routes.
- Delhi: often the most practical connection from Europe.
- Bangkok: a good choice if you would like a stopover.
- Kathmandu or Kolkata: useful for travellers combining Bhutan with Nepal or eastern India.
Only these two airlines are authorised to fly into Paro. Check current schedules on the final leg, which change with the season, and ask your tour operator to book it alongside your visa.
Sample Route: Bogotá, Madrid, Delhi, Paro
As an example only, a Bogotá traveller might plan the trip like this:
- Day 1: overnight flight from El Dorado to Madrid with Avianca or Iberia.
- Day 2: arrive in Madrid, connect to a flight towards Delhi.
- Day 3: reach Delhi and stay at an airport hotel to recover.
- Day 4: morning Drukair or Bhutan Airlines departure to Paro.
Our Colombia guide estimates total travel times of 25 to 40 hours including layovers, and it recommends overnight stops in transit cities to reduce jet lag. It also advises booking three to six months ahead through your tour operator.
Eleven Hours Ahead: Bogotá Versus Bhutan Time
Colombia stays on UTC−5 all year with no daylight saving, while Bhutan holds UTC+6. The result is a constant eleven-hour difference, with Bhutan ahead. Noon in Bogotá is 11 pm in Thimphu. This is one of the larger time shifts a traveller can make, so plan to spend the first couple of days on lighter activities, and use your stopovers in Europe and Delhi to start adjusting gradually.
Eternal Spring Meets the Himalayan Year
Bogotá sits high in the Andes, so its temperatures are cool and fairly steady all year, often described as an eternal spring, with rainy periods rather than true seasons. Bhutan has much more pronounced seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular, with clear skies and comfortable conditions. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon. Winter (December to February) is cold but clear, especially at altitude, and colder than anything Bogotá usually experiences, so warm layers are essential. On the plus side, residents of a high-altitude city like Bogotá often adapt comfortably to Bhutan's valleys.
Paro Tshechu in spring and Thimphu Tshechu in autumn are the best-known festivals; their dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year.
Visa, Fee and Insurance for Colombians
Colombian citizens need a Bhutan visa, applied for online before travel. It is usually arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who submits your passport details and itinerary on your behalf and passes on the approval once it is issued.
Colombians will also be charged the Sustainable Development Fee, now USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors. Check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking. Travel insurance covering your entire stay in Bhutan is required. Because your route crosses Europe and Asia, check the transit and entry rules for every country you pass through, including the Schengen area and India.
The ngultrum, Bhutan's currency, is pegged to the Indian rupee. ATMs are mainly in towns, so carry some cash with you.
A good order of booking is to confirm your Bhutan programme and Paro seats first, then choose the long-haul flights from Bogotá that fit. Seats into Paro are limited, especially in spring and autumn, so they should drive the rest of the plan.
Packing deserves a moment's thought too. You will move from Bogotá's cool highland air to a European airport, then to the heat of Delhi or Bangkok, and finally to the crisp mornings of Paro. Dress in layers for the journey and keep a warm top, any medication and copies of your documents in your hand luggage, as checked bags may be transferred between several airlines along the way.
Trip Lengths for Travellers from Colombia
- Eight nights: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha.
- Eleven to twelve nights: adds Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan.
- Two weeks or more: combines Bhutan with Nepal, India or a European stopover.
Bogotá FAQ
Can I fly from Medellín or Cali instead?
Our Colombia guide mentions both cities, but El Dorado in Bogotá is usually the most convenient for international departures.
Why route through Europe rather than the USA?
Our Colombia guide describes European connections such as Madrid and Amsterdam as a common approach; compare options on your dates.
Will altitude in Bhutan be a problem?
Coming from Bogotá, many travellers adapt well, but take it gently on high passes and treks.
For the complete guide with itineraries and costs, read How to Travel to Bhutan from Colombia.
