Paro

Travel guide

By Air: Paro International Airport is Bhutan's sole international airport and one of the most dramatic airports in the world, with planes weaving through Himalayan peaks to land on its narrow, 1,980-meter runway. Only Bhutan's two carriers, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, operate here, connecting to Kolkata, Delhi, Bagdogra, Kathmandu, and Bangkok. Only a small number of certified pilots are cleared to land at this airport, given its technical difficulty. By Rail: Bhutan has no railway network. The nearest Indian railheads are Hasimara or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, from where travelers continue by road via Phuentsholing. By Road: Paro is connected to Phuentsholing on the Indian border via the Indo-Bhutan National Highway, a scenic mountain drive of roughly 5–6 hours. From Thimphu, Paro is about 1 to 1.5 hours away by road, making it an easy day trip or final stop before departure. Taxis and private cabs run regularly between Paro, Thimphu, and Phuentsholing. Entry Permits: Travelers arriving by road via Phuentsholing need an entry permit from the Immigration Office there before proceeding to Paro; those flying in directly complete formalities on arrival with a registered tour operator.