La Paz is the seat of Bolivia's government, and its gateway to the world is El Alto International Airport (LPB), perched on the Altiplano high above the city. For travellers who live among the Andes, a trip to the Himalaya has a certain symmetry: you leave one of the world's highest airports and, several flights later, land in a deep mountain valley in Bhutan.
Up to El Alto: Starting the Trip from La Paz
The climb from central La Paz to El Alto is the first leg of the journey, whether by taxi or by the cable-car network that links the two cities. Allow time for traffic and for the slower pace that comes with the altitude.
The Bolivia guide notes that travellers from La Paz (or from Santa Cruz's Viru Viru International Airport) typically begin with flights to transit points such as Santiago in Chile or European cities like Madrid, before connecting to an Asian gateway. Santa Cruz can be worth comparing if it offers a better long-haul connection, though it means an extra domestic flight from La Paz.
Santiago, Auckland or Madrid: Crossing to Asia
The Bolivia guide lists Santiago, Auckland and Madrid as transit options between South America and Asia. It gives one example: Boliviana de Aviación or LATAM from La Paz to Santiago, then onward to Bangkok via Qantas or another carrier.
- Via Santiago: a short first hop across the Andes, then a long Pacific crossing.
- Via Auckland: an alternative trans-Pacific path mentioned in the guide.
- Via Madrid: an Atlantic routing, continuing to Delhi, Bangkok or Kathmandu.
From those Asian gateways, only Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, Bhutan's single international airport. The guide recommends booking well in advance through your tour operator, because the Paro schedules are limited. Check current schedules before deciding which direction around the world to take.
An Example of the La Paz to Paro Journey
Below is a sample outline to help you picture the trip. It is an example only and does not represent a fixed timetable.
- Day 1: Fly from El Alto to Santiago with LATAM or Boliviana de Aviación.
- Day 1 to 2: Long-haul connection from Santiago across the Pacific towards Bangkok.
- Day 3: Arrive in Bangkok and rest overnight.
- Day 4: Morning flight from Bangkok to Paro; your guide meets you on arrival.
The Bolivia guide estimates around 30 to 40 hours of travel including layovers. A night in Bangkok is almost essential for recovery, and it also guards against weather delays on the visual approach into Paro.
Before you book, check transit requirements for every country on your route, including Chile, any Pacific stop and Thailand.
Body Clock Check: La Paz and Bhutan
Bolivia keeps UTC-4 all year with no daylight saving, and Bhutan holds UTC+6 throughout the year. Bhutan is therefore ten hours ahead of La Paz in every season. At 7pm in La Paz, it is already 5am the next morning in Thimphu.
A ten-hour shift is substantial. One advantage you do have, though, is altitude experience: having lived at La Paz's elevation, you are likely to find Bhutan's valleys comfortable, which leaves you free to focus on adjusting to the clock.
Altiplano Dry Season vs Himalayan Seasons
La Paz has a cool highland climate with a dry, sunny winter from about May to September and a rainy summer from roughly December to March. Bhutan follows its own pattern. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are its most popular seasons, offering mild weather and clear views.
Bhutan's monsoon arrives in summer (June to August), at the same time as La Paz's dry winter. Bhutanese winters (December to February) are cold but often clear, especially at altitude, and they coincide with the wet season back home. Paro Tshechu is a spring festival and Thimphu Tshechu an autumn one, both scheduled by the lunar calendar. You will be used to cold nights in La Paz, so your usual warm layers should serve you well.
Visa and Fees for Bolivian Travellers
Bolivian citizens need a Bhutan visa, applied for online in advance and usually arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator once your trip is confirmed.
- Sustainable Development Fee: currently USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors; please check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking.
- Insurance: mandatory cover for the full length of your stay in Bhutan.
- Transit: confirm requirements for Chile, Spain, Thailand or India as applicable.
- Cash in Bhutan: the ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee, and ATMs are concentrated in towns.
Suggested Trip Lengths from La Paz
With such a long journey, give Bhutan at least seven nights: enough for Paro, Thimphu and one more valley. Ten to twelve nights allows you to explore central Bhutan at leisure. Two weeks or more suits trekking, where your altitude acclimatisation from La Paz may be a genuine asset. Add a buffer day before your departure from Paro.
La Paz Travel Questions
Is it better to start in La Paz or Santa Cruz?
Both are mentioned in the Bolivia guide. Compare the long-haul connections from each; Santa Cruz requires a domestic hop from La Paz.
Will Bhutan's altitude be a problem?
Coming from La Paz, you are likely to find Bhutan's main valleys comfortable, though high treks still need care.
How long does the trip take?
The guide estimates roughly 30 to 40 hours with layovers.
For a complete guide to visas, SDF and itineraries, read How to Travel to Bhutan from Bolivia, and contact us when you are ready to plan your trip from La Paz.
