Traveling from China to the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" is a bucket-list journey that combines modern urban hubs with ancient Himalayan tranquility. Since there are no direct flights from mainland China or Hong Kong to Paro (PBH), Bhutan, your trip requires a strategic transit. As of 2026, the process is smoother than ever, provided you follow the specific visa and transit protocols.
Here is your ultimate guide to traveling from China to Bhutan.
1. Choosing Your Gateway: Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong
Because Bhutan's national carriers—Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines—only fly from specific international hubs, you must first reach a "gateway city."
From Beijing (PEK/PKX)
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Best Route: Beijing → Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN) → Paro.
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Why: Beijing has excellent daily connectivity to both hubs. Flying via Singapore on Singapore Airlines or Air China is often preferred for a seamless, world-class transit experience, while Bangkok offers the highest frequency of connecting flights into Bhutan.
From Shanghai (PVG/SHA)
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Best Route: Shanghai → Bangkok (BKK) or Singapore (SIN) → Paro.
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Why: Shanghai is a major hub for Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways. Singapore’s Changi Airport is highly efficient for transfers, and Drukair operates regular flights from SIN to Paro (typically with a short 40-minute stop in Guwahati, India, where you remain on the plane).
From Hong Kong (HKG)
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Best Route: Hong Kong → Bangkok (BKK) → Paro.
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Why: This is the most popular route for travelers in Southern China. Bangkok has the highest frequency of flights into Bhutan (often daily), making it the easiest "buffer" city for your connection.
Flight Logistics
You will book your travel in two separate parts:
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China to Gateway: Book via Air China, Singapore Airlines, or Cathay Pacific.
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Gateway to Paro: Book via Drukair, Bhutan’s national carrier.
Important: Arrive in your gateway city at least one day before your Bhutan flight. Flights to Paro often depart early (around 6:00 AM from Bangkok or 12:30PM from Singapore) and are weather-dependent.
The most popular and convenient transit is via Bangkok. Drukair operates daily flights from Bangkok to Paro. Find out more details about travelling to Bhutan from Bangkok or travelling to Bhutan from Singapore.
Flight schedules and fares are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to www.drukair.com.
Tips
As the official representative of Drukair, Druk Asia can help you secure your flight tickets to Bhutan with confidence. We offer a complimentary 30-day reservation window, giving you plenty of time to finalise your connecting flights and travel plans—no rush, no pressure, and no risk of losing your seat.
Bhutan Visa & Entry Requirements for Chinese Citizens
Yes, Chinese citizens require a visa to enter Bhutan—but you won’t need to go through a stressful application process. Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator will handle everything for you.
What you need:
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa clearance letter. Present it at check-in and upon arrival in Paro, where your actual visa will be stamped.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?
Bhutan’s climate changes with the altitude, but here’s a quick seasonal breakdown for the best time to visit Bhutan:
Spring (March–May): Flowers in bloom, clear skies—perfect for trekking and festivals.
Autumn (September–November): Cool temperatures, vibrant tshechu festivals, and great visibility.
Winter (December–February): Snowy mountain views, fewer tourists, lower prices.
Summer (June–August): Lush green valleys but occasional rain—great for photography.
Must-Visit Places in Bhutan
No visit to Bhutan is complete without hiking to this cliff-hugging marvel. It’s iconic, spiritual, and surprisingly achievable—even for casual hikers.
This is Bhutan’s capital, but don’t expect traffic lights or skyscrapers. It’s a charming city with artisan shops, monasteries, museums, and cafés.
One of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan, set against the backdrop of rivers and purple jacaranda trees in spring.
At over 3,000 metres, this high mountain pass offers stunning panoramas of the Himalayas. It’s dotted with 108 stupas—a must-stop en route to Punakha.
For nature lovers, this quiet valley is paradise. In winter, you can spot endangered black-necked cranes here.
Check out the Top 40 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bhutan.
Tips
As the official representative of Drukair, Druk Asia can help you secure your flight tickets to Bhutan with confidence. We offer a complimentary 30-day reservation window, giving you plenty of time to finalise your connecting flights and travel plans—no rush, no pressure, and no risk of losing your seat.
Planning Your Trip from China to Bhutan
If you’re thinking about a trip to Bhutan, it’s a good idea to start planning a few months in advance—especially if you’re aiming to travel during the beautiful spring or autumn seasons. These are some of the best times to visit, offering mild weather and the chance to experience colourful festivals like Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu, where Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage is on full display.
Choosing the right Bhutan travel package can really elevate your journey. Whether you're keen to explore the cultural gems of Thimphu and Paro or looking to immerse yourself in nature on treks like the Jomolhari Trek or Druk Path Trek, a customised private tour gives you the flexibility to travel on your own terms and focus on what interests you most.
While you no longer need to engage a tour agency to enter Bhutan, having a tour guide is still mandatory to visit monuments and dzongs in Bhutan. Engaging a trusted agency like Druk Asia makes the entire process seamless—we’ll handle your visa arrangements and design a personalised itinerary that fits your travel style, whether it’s culture, adventure, luxury, or a bit of everything.
We offer a variety of Bhutan tour options to suit every kind of traveller, and if you have something specific in mind (such as a surprise birthday celebration, honeymoon, special occasions), we’re more than happy to tailor your trip accordingly for a truly memorable experience.
Why travel to Bhutan with Druk Asia?
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Fully customizable tour based on your travel preferences
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Winner of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023
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Winner of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024
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Winner of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025
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Best Bhutan Travel Specialist by Luxury Lifestyle Awards
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Check out what our travellers say about their Bhutan adventures.
Bhutan Tour Costs (and Why It’s Worth It)
Chinese tourists are subject to a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night. This fee aims to maintain the country's cultural and environmental integrity, preserving its unique beauty for generations to come.
By respecting Bhutan’s sustainability practice through the SDF fee, visitors actively contribute to the conservation of Bhutan's natural wonders. Children aged 5 and below are exempt from the SDF, while those aged 6 to 11 are required to pay USD 50 per night. It's important to note that the SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transportation, or guide services.
Engaging a Bhutan Tour Operator
Booking a full tour to Bhutan is absolutely worth it—not just because it's the most convenient way to travel, but because it takes care of everything for you. From visa processing and hotel bookings to a personal guide, private transport, and all meals, it’s all included. You won’t need to stress over logistics—just focus on soaking up the views, the culture, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes Bhutan so special.
What’s included in a Bhutan tour package:
Typical cost:
USD 350–400 per person, per night (customisable based on hotel category)
Flight estimate (round trip):
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Beijing → Bangkok = ~USD 270–650
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Beijing → Singapore = ~USD 300–800
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Shanghai → Bangkok = ~USD 185–700
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Shanghai → Singapore = ~USD 250–850
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Hong Kong → Bangkok = ~USD 250–500
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Bangkok → Paro = ~USD965
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Singapore → Paro = ~USD1100
Flight schedules and fares are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please get in touch with our Travel Specialist.
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What’s the Best Trip Duration?
For a well-rounded trip, aim for 7 to 10 days, covering Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and optionally Phobjikha or Bumthang. If you can spare a week, a 7-day Bhutan itinerary allows you to venture beyond the capital, Thimphu, and Paro Valley to include the lush and scenic Punakha Valley. This gives you a deeper insight into Bhutan’s history and traditional way of life, with visits to impressive dzongs, riverside villages, and peaceful countryside.
For a truly immersive experience, a 10-day Bhutan journey is ideal. It opens up the possibility of heading into the more remote regions such as Gangtey or even Bumthang—the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. With more time, you can travel at a relaxed pace, soak in the culture, enjoy nature hikes, and experience local festivals or farm stays depending on the season.
Recommended Popular Tours in Bhutan
Food & Travel Tips for Chinese Travellers to Bhutan
Bhutanese food is spicy and hearty—think chilli-cheese stews, red rice, and savoury dumplings. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a must-try.
Meat options: pork, beef, chicken.
Vegetarian-friendly: Bhutan has plenty of vegetarian options.
Chinese traveller tip: Let your guide know if you prefer milder food—hotels and restaurants are happy to adjust.
Language & Communication
You’ll be glad to know that English is widely spoken, especially by guides and hotel staff. Your guide will be fluent, so there’s no language barrier. Dzongkha is the national language, and signs are often in both English and Dzongkha.
There are also a limited number of Chinese-speaking guides available<; however, these need to be requested in advance and usually come with an additional fee due to high demand and limited availability.
Money, Connectivity & Safety
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Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), pegged to Indian Rupee
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Cash or card? Cash is king. Bring USD or EUR for exchange
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Credit cards: Accepted in high-end hotels and selected souvenir shops
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ATMs: Available but may not work with all cards
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Mobile networks: Buy a local SIM card (TashiCell or B-Mobile) for better rates
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Crypto payments: Yes—Bhutan supports Binance Pay at selected shops!
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Safety: Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world. Solo and female travellers will feel secure.
What to Pack
Bhutan’s terrain is mountainous, so layering is key. The capital Thimphu sits at 2,300 metres, while highland valleys like Bumthang can be chillier.
Essentials:
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Lightweight and warm layers
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Waterproof jacket
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Hiking shoes with good grip
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Modest clothes for temples (long sleeves, covered legs)
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Daypack, water bottle, sunblock
Tip: If visiting in winter (Dec–Feb), pack gloves and a hat—it gets chilly in the mornings! Check out the full Bhutan packing checklist.
FAQs: Travelling to Bhutan from China
1. Are there direct flights from China to Bhutan?
At the moment, there are no direct commercial flights from mainland China to Bhutan. Most travellers fly via major hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi or Kathmandu before connecting to Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines.
2. How long does it take to travel to Bhutan from China?
Depending on your departure city and transit point, total travel time usually ranges from 10 to 20 hours, including layovers. Routes via Hong Kong, Bangkok or Singapore tend to be the quickest and smoothest.
3. Can I travel to Bhutan without a tour agency?
Independent travel is allowed within Paro and Thimphu, but visiting major cultural sites such as dzongs, monasteries and rural regions requires a licensed guide. Most travellers choose to book through a Bhutanese tour operator to simplify visa processing, logistics and sightseeing.
4. How long does it take to get a Bhutan visa for Chinese travellers?
Visa approval typically takes around 3 to 5 working days once all documents and payments are submitted.
5. Can I use Chinese yuan (RMB) in Bhutan?
No, RMB is not accepted in Bhutan. It’s best to bring USD, then exchange money into Bhutanese Ngultrum upon arrival. Some remote areas may still operate mainly in cash.
6. Is Bhutan safe for Chinese tourists?
Very safe. Bhutan is one of Asia’s most peaceful and secure destinations, with low crime rates and a strong culture of respect towards visitors.
7. Should I worry about altitude sickness in Bhutan?
Most popular destinations such as Paro, Thimphu and Punakha are below 3,000 metres, so serious altitude issues are uncommon. Drinking plenty of water and taking it easy on your first day usually helps.
8. Is Bhutan suitable for families and elderly travellers?
Yes. Bhutan is calm, clean and well-suited for travellers of all ages. It’s especially popular with families seeking cultural experiences and nature without crowds.
