Travel to Bhutan from France

Travelling to Bhutan from France involves a few steps, as there are no direct flights from France to Bhutan. Travelling to Bhutan from any European Country is easy. Here’s how to plan your journey, including flights and visa requirements:

Flights from France to Bhutan

You will need to take connecting flights from France to one of the countries with direct flights to Bhutan. The steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Flight to an Asian Hub
  From France (Paris or another city), book a flight to one of the international airports that have direct flights to Bhutan’s Paro International Airport. The most common hubs are:
  • Delhi, India
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Singapore
  These cities have regular flights to Bhutan operated by the two Bhutanese airlines: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
• Step 2: Flight from Hub to Paro International Airport (Bhutan)
  From one of these hubs, you can catch a flight to Bhutan. Flights into Paro offer spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains, making it one of the most scenic flights in the world.

Visa Requirements for Bhutan for French Citizens

Travellers from France (and all other foreign countries) need a visa to enter Bhutan. Here’s how to get one:

• Booking a Tour Package:
  Bhutan requires all international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) to book a guided tour through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. This tour in Bhutan includes accommodation, meals, transport, and a licensed guide.
• Visa Application:
  Once you book your tour, the tour operator will handle the visa application process for you. You will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport. The visa approval letter is usually issued after you have paid the full price for the trip.
• Visa Fee:
  The visa fee is typically USD 40, which your tour package includes.
• Tourist Tax and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
  Tourists must also pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per day per person(or more, depending on the season), which contributes to the preservation of Bhutan’s environment and culture.
• Visa on Arrival:
  Once your Bhutan Visa is approved, you will receive a visa clearance letter. Upon arriving at Paro International Airport, the visa will be stamped on your passport.

Summary of Key Steps to Travel Bhutan from France Paris:

• Fly from France to a hub city (Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, or Singapore).
• Take a connecting flight to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
• Obtain a visa through a registered Bhutanese tour operator after booking a guided tour.
• Arrive in Bhutan, where your visa will be stamped on arrival at Paro.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a hassle-free and well-organized trip to Bhutan from France.

Places to Visit in Bhutan

Bhutan is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and serene landscapes. Here are some of the top places to visit in Bhutan.

Paro only International Airport

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang): One of Bhutan’s most iconic sites, this monastery is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike to this spiritual site is rewarding with breathtaking views.
• Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): A stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, this fortress monastery overlooks the Paro Valley and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• Kyichu Lhakhang: One of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century.

Thimphu the Capital City of Bhutan

• Buddha Dordenma Statue: A massive 51-meter-tall statue of Buddha overlooking the capital city, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
• Tashichho Dzong: This majestic fortress houses the office of the king and government ministries. It is an important religious and political landmark.
• Memorial Chorten: A stupa built in memory of the third king, it is an important religious site and a great place to observe local customs.

Punakha the Old Capital of Bhutan

• Punakha Dzong: One of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. It’s known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
• Suspension Bridge: Near Punakha Dzong, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering views of the rivers and surrounding landscapes.

Bumthang the Cultural Hub

• Jakar Dzong: Known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” this dzong offers a stunning view of the Bumthang Valley.
• Jambay Lhakhang: Another ancient temple dating back to the 7th century, a significant spiritual site in Bhutan.
• Tamshing Lhakhang: A monastery known for its traditional religious practices and ancient murals.

Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey)

• Gangtey Monastery: A major Buddhist monastery overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, which is home to the endangered black-necked cranes during the winter months.
• Phobjikha Valley: A glacial valley that offers scenic hiking opportunities and is a great spot for birdwatching, especially during the Black-Necked Crane Festival. You can also hike the Popular gangtey trail in Phobjikha

Haa Valley

• Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo: Two ancient temples situated in the beautiful Haa Valley, offering insights into Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.
• Chele La Pass: Located between Paro and Haa Valley, it’s one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Jomolhari.

Trongsa

• Trongsa Dzong: The largest dzong in Bhutan, located in central Bhutan, it has historical significance as the seat of Bhutan’s monarchy.
• Ta Dzong: A watchtower above the Trongsa Dzong, now a museum dedicated to Bhutan’s monarchy and history.

Lhuentse

• Lhuentse Dzong: A remote and beautiful dzong located in the northeastern part of Bhutan, known for its cultural significance.
• Kurtoe: The ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, rich in history and culture.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

This beautiful trek passes through picturesque alpine lakes and provides stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. It’s perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path trekking experience.

Trekking Routes

• Jomolhari Trek: One of Bhutan’s most popular treks, offering views of the sacred Jomolhari mountain.
• Druk Path Trek: A moderate trek that takes you from Paro to Thimphu, offering views of stunning lakes and mountain scenery.