Travel to Bhutan from Switzerland
Traveling from Switzerland to Bhutan requires careful planning since Bhutan has a controlled tourism policy, and there are no direct flights between the two countries. Here’s a general guide to traveling from Switzerland to Bhutan:
Visa Requirements
Tourist Visa: All tourists, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa to enter Bhutan. Visas must be pre-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international partner.
Tourist Packages: Bhutan requires tourists to book their trip through an authorized tour operator. The operator will process your visa and arrange everything (hotels, transport, guides, etc.).
Booking Flights to Bhutan
Bhutan’s only international airport is Paro International Airport (PBH).There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Bhutan, so you will need to fly to a nearby hub (India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore) that has connecting flights to Bhutan.
Switzerland to Nepal (Kathmandu): You can fly from Zurich, Geneva, or Basel to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines offer connecting flights with layovers in places like Doha or Istanbul.
From Kathmandu, you can book a flight to Paro with Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
Switzerland to India (Delhi or Kolkata): Fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata.
Both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines have flights from Delhi and Kolkata to Paro.
Switzerland to Thailand (Bangkok): You can fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, which also has daily flights to Paro.
Druk air Flight Details
- Delhi To Paro : KB201, Dep:1230, Arri:1520
- Kolkata to Paro:KB211, Dep: 1320 Arri:1520
- Kathmandu to Paro: KB401, Dep: 0900 Arri:1020
- Bangkok to Paro: KB153 Dep: 0600 Arri: 0815
Trekking Tours in Bhutan for Swiss Nationals.
For adventurous Swiss Nationals, Bhutan is a heavenly country for having most of the best treks and hiking trails in the world. Bhutan is blessed with beautiful nature and landscapes before its GNH concept and Kings. The most recommended trekking in Bhutan is listed here.
- Jomolhari Trek: One of Bhutan’s most popular treks, offering spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326 meters), also known as the “Bride of Kangchenjunga.
- Druk Path Trek: A shorter, scenic trek that connects Paro to Thimphu via ancient trade routes. Offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests.
- Laya-Gasa Trek: A spectacular trek that begins with the Jomolhari trek and continues to the remote village of Laya. Offers a combination of natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, especially in Laya, home to the Layap people known for their distinctive dress and way of life.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the most popular times to visit Bhutan due to the pleasant weather and cultural festivals like Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu.
Monsoon (June to August) can be rainy, and winter (December to February) can be quite cold, especially in the higher altitudes.
Booking a Tour Operator
You need to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. They will handle your visa, transportation, accommodation, and other logistics. Once you’ve selected your route and booked your tour, you’re all set to explore the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.
Places to Visit in Bhutan
Bhutan offers breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a peaceful atmosphere that make it a dream destination for travelers. Here are some of the best places to visit in Bhutan for travelers from Switzerland:
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): One of Bhutan’s most iconic sites, this cliffside monastery is perched dramatically on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It’s a must-visit for its spiritual significance and stunning views.
Buddha Dordenma: A giant bronze statue of Buddha standing at 51 meters tall, offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
Tashichho Dzong: The seat of the Bhutanese government and the king’s office. It’s a stunning piece of Bhutanese architecture and is especially beautiful at night.National Memorial Chorten: A sacred Buddhist site where locals come to pray and meditate. It’s a great place to experience Bhutanese spirituality.
Folk Heritage Museum: Offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life, including local crafts, food, and architecture.
Dochula Pass :Located between Thimphu and Punakha, Dochula Pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially during clear weather. The pass is also known for its 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines), which create a striking and serene atmosphere.
Chele la Pass: One of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, located between Paro and Haa Valley. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is a great spot for short hikes and photography.
Punakha Dzong: Considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, it is set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a backdrop of towering mountains.
Chimi Lhakhang: Also known as the “Fertility Temple,” this site is popular with locals and tourists for its quirky legend and its association with fertility blessings.
Phobjikha Valley: This glacial valley is a major conservation area and offers incredible opportunities for trekking and nature watching, particularly for bird enthusiast.
Local Currency and Exchange Tips
- Provide information about currency exchange from Swiss Francs (CHF) to Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Explain the best places to exchange money and whether Swiss credit/debit cards are widely accepted.
- Suggest travelers carry some cash for smaller purchases or when visiting remote areas, where card acceptance may be limited.
Things to do in Bhutan
- Trekking: Bhutan is famous for its trekking routes, including the Druk Path Trek and Jomolhari Trek, which offer incredible views of the Himalayas.
- Cultural Festivals: Experience traditional Bhutanese culture by attending festivals like Paro Tsechu, Thimphu Tshechu, or Punakha Drubchen. These are vibrant and colorful events with masked dances, music, and religious performances.
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