Travel to Bhutan from Australia & New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom known for its pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the concept of Gross National Happiness, is a dream destination for many travellers. For those living in Australia and New Zealand, Bhutan offers an exotic and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Suppose you plan to travel to Bhutan from Australia or Bhutan from New Zealand. In that case, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making this dream journey a reality, including travel requirements, visa processes, flights, and much more.

Why Travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan is unlike any other place in the world. It is a country where tradition and modernity beautifully coexist. Its stunning natural beauty, including lush valleys, towering mountains, and ancient monasteries, draws visitors who seek tranquillity and adventure. Moreover, Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and its unique way of life make it an increasingly popular destination for eco-conscious travellers.

Whether you’re interested in trekking through the majestic mountains, visiting historical sites, or experiencing one of Bhutan’s colourful festivals, the kingdom has something for everyone.

Planning Your Journey to Bhutan

Travel to Bhutan from Australia & New Zealand: The Process

Both Australian and New Zealand citizens can travel to Bhutan by booking their trip through a registered Bhutanese tour operator or their international partner. Bhutan mandates that all tourists (except for those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must book a guided tour, which includes accommodation, meals, a guide, and transportation.

Bhutanese tour operators offer a variety of customizable packages, from cultural tours to trekking adventures. This all-inclusive approach ensures visitors can experience the country fully and sustainably.

Bhutan Visa Requirements for Australians and New Zealanders

Australian and New Zealand citizens must obtain a visa to travel to Bhutan. The visa process is straightforward and is handled by your Bhutanese tour operator. Here’s how it works:

1. Book a Tour: First, you must book a package tour with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who will handle all your visa arrangements.
2. Visa Application: After you confirm your trip and make full payment, you will need to send a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport to your tour operator.
3. Visa Processing: The tour operator will submit the visa application to Bhutan’s Department of Immigration, and the visa will be processed in 1–2 days.
4. Visa Approval: Once approved, you will receive an e-visa via email. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the actual visa will be stamped into your passport.

The Bhutan visa fee for Australians and New Zealanders is very nominal per person, you may get in touch with a tour operator like Amedewa to know more about visa fees, which is usually included in the overall package cost.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

When travelling to Bhutan, Australians and New Zealanders, like other international tourists, are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of a few hundred dollars per person per night. This fee contributes to Bhutan’s efforts to maintain its environment, preserve its culture, and support the local communities.

Flights to Bhutan from Australia & New Zealand

There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Bhutan, as Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, a scenic valley 54 kilometres from the capital, Thimphu. To travel to Bhutan from Australia or travel to Bhutan from New Zealand, you will need to connect through cities in South or Southeast Asia.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching Bhutan:

1. Choose a Connecting City: The most common connecting cities for flights to Bhutan are Bangkok (Thailand), Kolkata (India), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Dhaka (Bangladesh). From these cities, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate regular flights to Paro International Airport.

• Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport – BKK): The most popular choice for travellers from Australia and New Zealand.
• Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport – CCU): A convenient hub for flights to Bhutan.
• Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – KTM): Offers the shortest flight time to Bhutan with stunning views of the Himalayas.

1. Book Flights to the Connecting City: From Australia, airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways offer flights to Bangkok, while Air India and Singapore Airlines offer routes to Kolkata. From New Zealand, similar connections can be made through hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, or Sydney.
2. Book Flights from the Connecting City to Paro: Once in your connecting city, your Bhutanese tour operator can assist you in booking your flight with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. These two airlines are the only carriers operating flights into Bhutan. Flight schedules vary depending on the season, with more frequent flights during peak tourist periods in spring and autumn.
3. Flight Highlights: The flight into Paro is often regarded as one of the most scenic flights in the world. If you are flying from Kathmandu, ask for a seat on the left-hand side of the plane for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and Mt. Jomolhari.

What to Expect on Your Bhutan Trip

Once you arrive in Bhutan, you will be met by your local guide at Paro International Airport, and your Bhutanese adventure will begin. Here’s what to expect:

Bhutanese Culture and Heritage

Bhutan is steeped in Buddhist traditions and spirituality. While in Bhutan, you will visit monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), and temples, many of which date back centuries. The Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is a must-see. Perched on a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley, it is one of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks.

Festivals and Celebrations

Bhutanese festivals, known as Tsechus, are grand religious celebrations held throughout the year, where locals and visitors gather to witness traditional mask dances and rituals. If you plan your trip to Bhutan during the spring or autumn, you may be able to experience one of these vibrant festivals.

Trekking and Nature

Bhutan’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The country’s mountainous terrain offers excellent trekking opportunities, with trails that take you through forests, past serene lakes, and up to high-altitude passes. The Jomolhari Trek is particularly popular among trekkers, providing stunning views of the Himalayan range.

Sustainable Tourism

Bhutan’s approach to tourism is profoundly established in maintainability. By limiting the number of visitors and charging the Sustainable Development Fee, Bhutan ensures that its environment and culture are protected from the negative effects of mass tourism. This also means that your visit will have a positive impact on the local communities and help preserve Bhutan’s unique way of life.

Tips for a Smooth Journey to Bhutan

• Book Early: Bhutan’s peak tourist seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These are the best times to visit Bhutan, but also the busiest. Be sure to book your flights and tours well in advance to secure your spot.
• Check the Weather: Bhutan’s climate varies depending on the altitude. The lower valleys tend to be warm in summer, while the higher regions experience cold winters. If you’re planning to trek, make sure to pack appropriately for the season.
• Travel Insurance: It’s continuously a great thought to have travel protections that cover restorative crises, trip cancellations, and other unexpected circumstances. Your Bhutanese tour operator may also require proof of travel insurance.

Conclusion: A Journey of a Lifetime

Traveling to Bhutan from Australia or New Zealand offers an unforgettable experience filled with cultural discovery, breathtaking natural beauty, and the opportunity to experience a unique way of life that prioritises happiness and well-being. Though the journey may require some planning and multiple flights, the destination is well worth the effort.

By travelling with a registered Bhutanese tour operator like Amedewa Bhutan Tours & Trek, your entire trip will be seamlessly managed, from obtaining a visa to booking flights and arranging all accommodations. Once you arrive, Bhutan’s awe-inspiring landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich traditions will captivate you, making this an adventure you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, an eco-conscious travel experience, or simply a peaceful escape, Bhutan offers all this and more. So, why wait? Start planning your travel to Bhutan today, and embark on a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is unforgettable, contact Amedewa today to plan further!