Punakha has no airport for international visitors. You will fly to Paro and travel by road, normally in your operator’s vehicle.
Flying to Paro
Paro is Bhutan’s international airport, served by the national airline Drukair and by Bhutan Airlines. Routes commonly include Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu and other regional hubs, but they change, so check the airlines directly. Seats can sell out in peak season, and weather can cause delays, so keep a buffer before any onward connection.
By road from Paro and Thimphu
The usual route runs Paro, Thimphu, Dochula, Punakha. Roads are winding, so distances mislead. Times below are estimates.
| Route | Approx. drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paro to Thimphu | About 1–1.5 hours | Good main road |
| Thimphu to Punakha | About 2.5–3 hours | Over Dochula, with a stop at the pass |
| Paro to Punakha | About 4 hours or more | Often split with a night in Thimphu |
| Punakha to Wangdue | Up to 1 hour | Valley road |
| Punakha to Phobjikha | About 3 hours or more | Steep climb; check winter conditions |
Overland from India
Some travellers enter by land at Phuentsholing, on the Indian border, and drive north. It is a long journey, so plan for at least one overnight stop. Check current border rules for your nationality.
Permits and transport in Bhutan
A route permit may be needed beyond Thimphu and Paro. Operators normally handle this. Self-drive and public transport options exist, but rules for foreign visitors vary, so check first. See our visa and SDF guide.
Combining Bhutan with Nepal
Flights between Paro and Kathmandu are often used to pair the two countries, subject to current schedules. For the Nepal side, see our sister guide to Everest Base Camp.
