Jerusalem has no international airport of its own, so travellers from the city usually begin their journey to Bhutan at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), which lies between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. From Ben Gurion there are no direct services to Bhutan, so every trip involves a change of plane in Asia before the final flight into Paro. This page focuses on the practical side of that journey for people setting out from Jerusalem.
From Jerusalem to Ben Gurion
The first leg of your trip is on the ground. Ben Gurion is reachable from Jerusalem by road or rail, and on a long-haul day it is wise to allow extra time for the journey and for airport security, which can be thorough. Once you are through, you will be looking for a flight that brings you to one of the Asian cities from which Bhutanese airlines operate.
The Israel guide describes the route in broad terms: no direct flights, and transits through major Asian hubs that connect to Paro. It does not tie you to a single airline for the first leg, which gives you room to compare options at the time you book.
Picking an Asian Gateway
Only two airlines fly into Bhutan: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines. Common gateway cities for flights into Paro include Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore and Dhaka. For a traveller leaving from Ben Gurion, the ones most likely to suit are:
- Delhi, a large hub with plenty of onward options;
- Bangkok, good if you want a city break before or after Bhutan;
- Kathmandu, ideal for a combined Himalayan trip;
- Singapore, useful if your long-haul airline routes that way.
No particular route is guaranteed to run on a given day, so check current schedules and ask your tour operator which gateway lines up best with the Bhutan sector.
Jerusalem to Paro: An Illustrative Itinerary
To give a sense of the rhythm, here is one example. It is not a promise of specific flights.
- Day 1: travel from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion and fly to Bangkok, connecting en route if needed.
- Day 2: rest in Bangkok, ideally at a hotel close to the airport.
- Day 3: fly to Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines and meet your guide.
The rest day is more than a comfort. Flights into Paro use a visual approach through the valley, and weather can delay them, so a buffer on both ends protects your plans.
Israeli Clocks vs Bhutan Standard Time
Israel observes daylight saving time, moving from UTC+2 in winter to UTC+3 in summer. Bhutan stays on UTC+6 all year. That means Bhutan is four hours ahead of Jerusalem during Israeli winter time and three hours ahead while Israel is on summer time.
The gap is easy to manage. If you leave in the evening and sleep on the long-haul flight, you will often arrive in Asia feeling reasonably fresh. Note the date when Israeli clocks change if your trip falls close to it, so your transfers are booked for the right hour.
Jerusalem's Climate Compared with Bhutan's
Jerusalem's upland setting gives it hot, dry summers and cool, sometimes wet winters, with the occasional cold snap. Bhutan's seasons follow a different logic. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon, and winter (December to February) is cold but clear, especially at altitude.
Autumn is a favourite for travellers from Jerusalem, coinciding with Thimphu Tshechu and generally clearer skies. Spring offers Paro Tshechu and a softer green landscape. Both festivals follow the lunar calendar, so check the dates each year. If you are used to dry Jerusalem summers, the Bhutanese monsoon will feel very different, which is why most visitors avoid June to August.
Entry Steps for Israeli Citizens
Israeli passport holders need a Bhutan visa, applied for online in advance and usually arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Manifest Bhutan Expeditions prepares and submits the application once your itinerary is confirmed. The Israel guide notes that a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay and a recent photograph are typically requested, and that the approval letter must be shown when you arrive.
The Sustainable Development Fee is currently 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 whole stay is required. It is also worth checking any entry rules for Israeli passports in your chosen transit country before you finalise the route.
Suggested Stays from Jerusalem
- 5 nights: Paro and Thimphu at a steady pace.
- 7 to 8 nights: add the countryside beyond the western valleys and more time for walking.
- 10 nights or more: a festival-focused trip or a trek.
Remember to add your transit nights in Asia when planning time away. If you can travel outside Israeli school holidays, flights and Bhutanese seats are often easier to secure.
Frequently Asked by Jerusalem Travellers
Which airport do I use from Jerusalem?
Ben Gurion Airport, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is the usual departure point for international flights.
Can I enter Bhutan overland instead?
Bhutan can be entered overland via Phuentsholing from West Bengal in India, but most long-haul travellers fly into Paro.
What currency is used in Bhutan?
The ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Carry some cash, as ATMs are mainly in towns.
For more on visas, costs and sample itineraries for Israeli visitors, read How to Travel to Bhutan from Israel.
