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 and Fare for Swiss Citizens

• Delhi To Paro KB201, Dep:1230 Arri:1520 and return Paro to Delhi KB202 Dep: 1155 Arri:1345
• Round trip Fare is USD 645 per person
• Kolkata to Paro:KB211, Dep: 1320 Arri:1520 and return Paro to Kolkata KB210 Dep: 0700 Arri: 0800
• Round trip fare is USD 465 per person
• Kathmandu to Paro: KB401, Dep: 0900 Arri:1020 and return Paro to Kathmandu KB400 Dep: 0700 Arri: 0800
• Round trip Fare is USD 550 per person
• Bangkok to Paro KB153 Dep: 0600 Arri: 0815 and return Paro to Bangkok KB152 Dep:1100 Arri:1510
• Round trip Fare is USD965 per person

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.

Similar Sight seeing

• Flights to Bhutan
• Bhutan Travel from Europe
• 5 Days Bhutan Tour from India
• Travel to Bhutan From France
• Flight to Bhutan From India
• Bhutan Cycling Tour
• 6 Days Bhutan Tour
• Travel to Bhutan from Indonesia
• Bhutan Weather and Climatic Conditions
• Visit Bhutan in July

Bhutan Cycling Tour for Swiss

• Day 1 Arrival at Paro International Airport. Altitude 2300M.
• Day 02: Paro to Haa Valley | Ride Distance 45 KM | Elevation Gain 1200M
• Day 03: Haa to Thimphu | Ride Distance 75 KM | Elevation 400M
• Day 04: Thimphu City Ride. Altitude 2400M above sea Level | Elevation 100M | Optional Ride around Thimphu City
• Day 05: Thimphu to Punakha | Ride Distance 70 KM | Elevation 800M | Via Dochula Pass 3100M above sea Level.
• Day 06:Punakha to Phobjikha via Lawala Pass | Ride Distance 35 KM | Elevation 1280M | Descent 450M
• Day 07: Rest Day at Phobjikha | Ride Distance 35 KM | Elevation 1280 M
• Day 08: Phobjikha to Trongsa Via Lelela Pass | Ride Distance 80KM | Elevation 550M |
• Day 09: Trongsa to Bumthang Via Yotongla Pass | Ride 65KM | Elevation 1200M
• Day 10: Bumthang to Paro Via Domestic Flight | 25 to 30 Minutes Flights | Altitude 2300M.
• Day 11: Paro Cultural Tour | 2300M Above sea Level
• Day 12:Paro Tiger Nest Temple | Distance 15 KM | Hiking Time 4 Hours | Altitude 3120M
• Day 13: Paro to Chelela and Kili Goenpa Hike
• Day 14:Paro Cultural Tour. Altitude 2300M
• Day 15: Paro to the Airport and see Off. Altitude 2300M.

FAQS

What documents do Swiss citizens need to travel to Bhutan?

Swiss citizens will need the following documents:

Visa clearance, which is processed by the tour operator and sent to you electronically.

A valid passport (with at least six months of validity).

A confirmed tour booking (required for visa processing).

Are there direct flight from Switzerland to Bhutan?

There are no direct flights to Bhutan from Switzerland. The most recommended options are to fly to New Delhi (India) or Kathmandu (Nepal) and then fly into Bhutan with Druk air and Bhutan Airline.

How long does it take to get from Switzerland to Bhutan?

It takes approximately 13h 11m to get from Switzerland to Bhutan, including transfers.

How much is the Bhutan visa cost for Swiss citizens / nationals ?

The Bhutan visa cost for Swiss citizens / nationals is US $ 40 per person per trip. The duration of visa depends on the length of the package tour booked with the local tour operator.

Can I get Bhutan visa on arrival in Bhutan ?

No, you will not get Bhutan visa upon arrival in Bhutan. You have to book pre-paid package tour with one of the Bhutanese tour companies who will then process your Bhutan visa.