Khartoum International Airport (KRT) was historically the starting point for any journey from the Sudanese capital to Bhutan. Since the conflict that began in April 2023, however, the airport has been closed to regular commercial flights, and most international services for Sudan now operate from Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan from Khartoum, check the current status of both airports first. This page sets out the general route to Paro, an example journey, the time difference, seasonal advice and the entry steps for Sudanese citizens.
Khartoum's Airport Situation and Where to Fly From
Until Khartoum International reopens to scheduled services, the realistic departure point is Port Sudan, reached overland from the capital. That overland stage can take a long time and conditions change, so plan it carefully and allow extra days. Some travellers instead cross into a neighbouring country and fly from there. Whatever you decide, keep your plans flexible and confirm arrangements close to departure.
Our Sudan guide lists Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines as carriers that connect Sudan with the onward gateways for Bhutan. Which of these are serving Sudan at the time of your trip should be checked directly with the airlines.
Hubs Between Sudan and the Paro Gateways
The Sudan guide describes Delhi, Bangkok and Kathmandu as the cities typically used from which to connect to Paro. Typical patterns are:
- Via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, onward to Delhi or Bangkok.
- Via Dubai with Emirates, continuing to Delhi.
- Via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, linking to South or South-East Asia.
Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, and both operate limited schedules. Check current schedules before committing to dates, and book the Paro leg through your tour operator so that it matches your visa.
An Example Journey to Paro
The outline below is purely an example; given Sudan's situation, actual routings may differ significantly:
- Stage one: travel overland from Khartoum to Port Sudan and stay overnight.
- Stage two: fly to a hub such as Addis Ababa or Dubai, then on to Delhi. Our Sudan guide gives 8 to 12 hours for this kind of journey to the transit point, depending on layovers.
- Stage three: rest in Delhi, then take the morning flight to Paro, which our guide describes as a scenic hop of around one to two hours.
The Sudan guide also suggests budgeting for possible overnight transits and notes that baggage allowances on the Bhutanese carriers are strict, so check them in advance.
Khartoum Time Compared with Bhutan
Sudan uses Central Africa Time, UTC+2, all year with no daylight saving. Bhutan uses UTC+6, also without clock changes. That gives a constant four-hour difference: 8 am in Khartoum is noon in Thimphu. The shift itself is manageable; the real fatigue usually comes from the length of the journey, so keep your first day in Bhutan light.
Desert Heat to Himalayan Cool
Khartoum's climate is hot desert, with fierce summer heat, very little rain and warm winters. Bhutan is a world away. Its most popular seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with mild days and clear mountain views. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon, bringing rain and cloud. Winter (December to February) is cold but clear, especially at altitude, and will feel very cold to travellers from Sudan. Bring a warm jacket, layers, gloves and a hat, along with comfortable walking shoes.
Festivals such as Paro Tshechu in spring and Thimphu Tshechu in autumn follow the lunar calendar, so their dates change each year.
Bhutan Paperwork for Sudanese Nationals
Sudanese citizens need a Bhutan visa, applied for online in advance and usually arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The operator files your passport details and itinerary, then forwards the approval for you to present at check-in.
Visitors from Sudan pay the Sustainable Development Fee, which currently runs at USD 100 per adult per night for most international travellers. Check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking. Travel insurance covering your full stay in Bhutan is required. Because your route may pass through several countries, check the transit and entry rules for each well before departure, as they can be stricter than Bhutan's own requirements.
Bhutan's currency, the ngultrum, is pegged to the Indian rupee. ATMs are mainly in towns, so carry some cash. Keep digital and paper copies of every document, since you may need them at several checkpoints along the way.
Because the start of the journey is less predictable than usual, communication with your tour operator matters. Share your planned overland timings and any changes as soon as you know them, so the operator can move your Paro flight or hotel dates if needed. Pack layers for the journey, as you will move from Sudan's heat through air-conditioned terminals to Paro's cool mornings, and keep medication and documents in your hand luggage.
Suggested Lengths for Your Stay
- Seven nights: Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, including the Tiger's Nest hike.
- Ten nights: adds the Phobjikha Valley and a gentler pace.
- Two weeks: extends into central Bhutan and Bumthang.
Given the complexity of leaving Sudan at present, generous buffer days at both ends are strongly advised.
Khartoum FAQ
Is Khartoum airport open?
It has been closed to regular commercial flights since 2023. Check its current status; most international flights have used Port Sudan.
Which airline should I use?
Our Sudan guide mentions Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines. Confirm which are operating to Sudan when you book.
Can my tour operator help with the Paro flights?
Yes. Your Bhutanese operator books Drukair or Bhutan Airlines alongside your visa.
For full itineraries and further detail, read How to Travel to Bhutan from Sudan.
