Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. I’ve already written about how Paro is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world, but it also happens to be the most beautiful…and unique.
Paro International Airport – Unique
As you step off the airplane in Paro, you are greeted by a unique fleet of aircraft neatly parked in a row, fresh air, and a terminal building unlike any I have ever seen.
You’ll also be greeted by a massive picture of the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuc, the Queen Jetsun Pema, and the Crown Prince, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuc. Portraits of state leaders are not unique to Bhutan, but images of the royal family of Bhutan are present everywhere.
The new arrivals terminal was dedicated in 2015 by the king.
Stepping inside, your first photo opportunity is a sign welcoming you to Bhutan and underscoring how lush and green much of Bhutan is compared to its neighbors in the region like India and Nepal.
Inside the arrivals hall, you are met with more unique architecture, portraits of royal family members, a tree that reaches up to the skylight above, and music playing in the background.
Look at the ornate details on the immigration counter:
Your “Sustainable Development Fee” (currently $100 per day for travelers 13 and over and $50 per day for travelers 6-12 years old) must be paid online before entering and will be processed at the immigration counter. I will address this in a separate post.
Beyond immigration, there are beautiful models of fortress-like structures called Dzongs that are preset in Bhutan.
There’s a duty free shop…alcohol is very expensive in Bhutan:
…and also a warning not to take any antiquities out of the country without permission.
There are no rental car counters…foreigners are (generally) not permitted to drive. Instead, you will meet your pre-arranged guide outside the baggage hall.
Paro Airport has a beautiful arrivals facility that underscores what a unique country Bhutan is.
It was time to explore Bhutan.
I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting Bhutan just before the pandemic. Yes Paro airport is beautiful beyond words, and has the energy and vibe of warm and welcoming people. As an avid traveler and an aviation enthusiast, it was equally fun to watch the amazing pilots approaching the airport maneuvering around the hills and mountains around the airport. This also makes the entire airport an incredible and serene place to watch incoming planes and to just take in the breathtaking views!
The taxi stand has Yaks to ride to one’s hotel .
The airport is guarded by a Tibetan Mastiff .
I visited Paro and toured the country for 10 days in Sept. The airport is indeed very nice. The whole country is very clean and the citizens treat tourists very well. Nice hotels are in short supply outside of Paro and Thimbu. The other small villages have homestays and smaller properties, although all are clean and organized. There are lots of monastaries and monuments to visit. Speed limits are low in the mountains, so what you accomplish in one day may be less than first planned. Our local guide and driver took great care of us.
We are doing the exact same trip as this person just a day or two later. From the Hyatt Katmandu, to flying to Paro. We are now at the Dhensa Botique resort in Punakha. I expect a review of this place in the next day or two!
Fun fact: The campus buildings at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) were inspired by the unique architecture of Bhutan.
Is it worth taking flight to paro?
We’re contemplating on whether to arrive via flight or by road to Bhutan from India.
Had gone through others experiences of landing at Paro Airport, but adding flight arrival to the itinerary itself is costing an additional 50k INR!
So need suggestions whether to take flight to Paro or skip and take road route via Bagdogra.
How long does the road take?