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Paro valley, Bhutan
A first look
Paro at a glance
One valley, a lifetime of first impressions — from the cliffside Tiger's Nest to prayer flags strung between the pines.
The valley that greets you
Terraced fields, farmhouses and pine ridges cradle Bhutan's only international airport — the famous banking approach is your first thrill.
Prayers on the wind
Lung ta flags carry blessings across every ridge and pass.
Living faith
Centuries-old temples still draw pilgrims through the rice fields.
Fortress above the river
The 15th-century Rinpung Dzong presides over the town, with the round Ta Dzong — now the National Museum — watching from the ridge above.
Flight information
Bangkok ⇄ Paro (PBH) Daily flights
Outbound flight
B3 701
Bangkok to Paro
Departs · local time
BKK
Bangkok
≈ 4h 30m
1 stop · Kolkata (CCU)
Arrives · local time
PBH
Paro
Return flight
B3 700
Paro to Bangkok
Departs · local time
PBH
Paro
≈ 4h 30m
1 stop · Kolkata (CCU)
Arrives · local time
BKK
Bangkok
Schedules and flight numbers vary by season and can change. The OMG Experience Team confirms current times, availability and the final fare with you before any payment.
Planning your trip
Paro travel essentials
Getting there. Bhutan Airlines flies Bangkok (BKK) to Paro International (PBH) in about 3 hours 15 minutes, with return fares from THB 17,853 including taxes. Paro is Bhutan's only international airport, set in a deep valley at roughly 2,200 m; some services route via Kolkata (CCU), which extends total journey time. Checked baggage is 30 kg in Economy and 40 kg in Business, plus 7 kg cabin — confirmed at booking.
Visa and the Sustainable Development Fee. Most visitors need a visa or entry permit arranged before travel — not on arrival for most nationalities. Bhutan also charges a Sustainable Development Fee: currently USD 100 per adult, per night (a reduced rate in effect until 31 August 2027), paid separately from your air fare.
Money and language. The local currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged one-to-one with the Indian Rupee. Cards and ATMs are limited outside main centres, so carry cash for smaller towns. Dzongkha is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourism and hospitality.
When to go and who it suits. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring the clearest skies, mild hiking weather and festival season — including the Paro Tshechu. Paro suits culture lovers, trekkers and spiritual travellers seeking dzongs, mountain passes and the climb to Tiger's Nest.
About the destination
Why visit Paro?
The gateway valley
Where every Bhutan journey begins
Paro rewards slow travel. Prayer flags ripple over terraced rice fields, the 15th-century Rinpung Dzong presides over the river, and centuries-old temples such as Kyichu Lhakhang still draw pilgrims. The valley is also the trailhead for the steep, deeply rewarding climb to Paro Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest — clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. With clean mountain air and warm Bhutanese hospitality, it is the ideal introduction to a kingdom that measures success in Gross National Happiness.
Book & HoldTop attractions
Sights not to miss
The Paro valley packs Bhutan's most photographed landmarks into a compact, walkable area.
Tiger's Nest Paro Taktsang
Bhutan's iconic cliffside monastery and the country's most rewarding day hike.
Rinpung Dzong The fortress
A 15th-century fortress-monastery presiding over the town and river.
Paro Tshechu Spring festival
Masked cham dances and centuries-old rituals in the heart of the valley.
Kyichu Lhakhang 7th century
One of Bhutan's oldest and holiest temples, still drawing pilgrims.
Chele La Pass 3,988 m
Bhutan's highest motorable pass, strung with prayer flags and views.
Drukgyel Dzong Upper valley
Historic fortress at the head of the valley, facing Mount Jomolhari.
Tour packages
See all packages →
Recommended Bhutan packages
3 days · First visit
Paro Highlights
Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum and the climb to Tiger's Nest at an easy pace.
View itinerary →
5 days · Classic Bhutan
Paro & Thimphu
Add the capital Thimphu, weekend markets and the giant Buddha Dordenma.
View itinerary →
7 days · Western Bhutan
Valleys of Happiness
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha with festivals, dzongs and mountain passes.
View itinerary →Practical travel information
Know before you go
Visa & entry permit
Most international visitors need a visa or entry permit arranged before arrival. Bhutan does not issue tourist visas on arrival for most nationalities. The OMG Experience Team can guide you through documents and processing when you book your flight.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee for most international visitors — currently USD 100 per adult, per night (a reduced rate in effect until 31 August 2027). Reduced rates apply to children, and it is paid separately from your air fare. The fee funds free healthcare, education and conservation in Bhutan.
Currency & payments
The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), pegged one-to-one with the Indian Rupee, which is also widely accepted. Carry cash for smaller towns; card acceptance and ATMs are limited outside main centres.
Getting around
Most visitors travel by private car with a driver, often as part of a guided itinerary. Roads are winding and mountainous, so allow generous travel time between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
Paro International Airport (PBH)
Paro is Bhutan's only international airport, set in a deep valley at roughly 2,200 m. It is one of the world's most scenic and demanding approaches, flown only by specially trained crews in daylight — part of what makes arriving so memorable.
Health & altitude
Paro sits at moderate altitude and higher passes reach over 3,000 m. Acclimatise gently, stay hydrated and pace the Tiger's Nest hike. Travel insurance and any personal medication are recommended.
Related articles
View all articles →Read before you fly
Before you fly
What Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee Actually Costs in 2026
Bhutan charges most visitors a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night in 2026 — a concession on the standard USD 200 that holds until 31 August 2027. Here is what it costs, who pays less, and what it buys.
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Before you fly
Do You Need a Visa for Bhutan? Requirements for Thai and Other Passports
Yes — Thai passport holders need a Bhutan visa, arranged before you fly. It is an e-visa, it costs USD 40, it takes about five working days, and you cannot apply as an unaccompanied independent traveller. Here is the full checklist.
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How Much a Bhutan Trip Really Costs from Thailand: A Baht Breakdown
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Read Story →
Paro FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes. Most visitors need a visa or entry permit arranged before travel, along with the Sustainable Development Fee. The OMG Experience Team can guide you through the requirements when you book your flight.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
The SDF is a daily fee charged by the Bhutanese government for most international visitors. It is currently USD 100 per adult, per night — a reduced rate in effect until 31 August 2027 — and is paid separately from your air fare.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Paro?
A direct Bangkok to Paro flight takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. Some services operate via a short stop in Kolkata, which extends the total journey time. Schedules vary by season.
Do I need a guide to travel in Bhutan?
Independent travel is possible, but many visitors still choose a licensed guide or organised tour for temples, treks and cultural sites. The OMG Experience Team can help you arrange guiding and itineraries.
When is the best time to hike to Tiger's Nest?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest skies and most comfortable conditions for the climb to Paro Taktsang.
Ready to visit?
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