Paro, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by scenic hills and lush greenery, is one of the most enchanting destinations in Bhutan. Known for its rich culture, traditional Bhutanese architecture, and historic landmarks, Paro is home to the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Wondering how to reach this beautiful valley? Here’s a guide on traveling to Paro by air, train, and road.
How to Reach Paro by Air
Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, serves as the primary gateway to this charming town. Known for its scenic and challenging approach, only a select number of skilled pilots are permitted to land here.
Travelers from Indian metropolitan areas and some international destinations can access Paro by air, with Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operating direct or connecting flights via Kathmandu. Major Indian airports with connectivity to Paro include:
– Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
– Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata)
– Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri)
– Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati)
Additionally, travelers from cities like Kathmandu (Nepal), Singapore, Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Bangkok (Thailand) can also find direct flights to Paro with Druk Air.
How to Reach Paro by Train
While Bhutan lacks direct railway connections to other countries, travelers can reach Paro by taking a train to nearby Indian cities and continuing by road. For a journey from India:
- West Bengal: Take a train to Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, New Alipurduar, or Hasimara. From these stations, visitors can drive to Jaigaon (near the Phuentsholing border), secure a Bhutanese visa, and continue to Paro via the Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway (143 km from Phuentsholing).
- Assam: Board a train to Bongaigaon or Guwahati. From Bongaigaon, drive 50 km to the Gelephu entry point, then continue along the Wangdue-Tsirang Highway (250 km to Paro). From Guwahati, enter Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar and proceed along NH-27 for approximately 459 km.
How to Reach Paro by Road
For road travel to Paro, Kolkata is an ideal starting point with several transportation options:
– Direct Bus Service: The Royal Bhutanese Government operates direct buses from Kolkata’s Esplanade Station to Thimphu. The journey takes approximately 18 hours, after which travelers can hire a taxi or board a bus for the 50 km drive to Paro.
– Self-Drive to Jaigaon: Another option is to drive approximately 696 km from Kolkata to Jaigaon, at the India-Bhutan border. After crossing into Bhutan at Phuentsholing, travelers can take a scenic 143 km drive to reach Paro.