Travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland have long been among the most committed visitors to the Himalaya, and many come to Bhutan after Nepal or Ladakh. This page explains how to get to Bhutan from Germany and its neighbours, and what the journey involves. It is in English for now; a German version of this site is planned.
Routes to Paro
No European airline flies to Bhutan. You fly from Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna or Zurich to a city served by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, and continue from there to Paro. Delhi is usually the shortest way; Bangkok and Dubai are the alternatives, and Kathmandu is the choice if you are combining Bhutan with Nepal. All the cities are on our page about getting to Bhutan.
Plan one night in the connecting city in each direction. Paro is a visual-approach airport in a narrow valley, open only in daylight and good visibility, and delays to the next morning do happen. If you stay the night in Delhi you enter India and need an Indian visa, so check the entry rules of your connecting country first.
Visa and the nightly fee
Citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland need a visa, approved before departure. It costs US$40 and we apply for it as part of your booking, from a scan of your passport (valid six months beyond the trip) and a photograph. The Sustainable Development Fee is US$100 per adult per night and US$50 for children aged 6 to 11. Prices in Bhutan are quoted in US dollars, and ours include both charges. A plain account of the rest is in what a trip to Bhutan costs.
Time difference
Bhutan is five hours ahead of Central European Time in winter and four in summer.
Walking and trekking
If you walk in the Alps you will be at home on Bhutan’s trails, with two differences: the altitude is far greater, and every trek is a camping trek with a crew, cook and pack animals, because there are no huts. The Druk Path is six days on foot between Paro and Thimphu, crossing a pass at about 4,200 m. The Jomolhari Trek and the Laya–Gasa Trek go higher and further. All eight are set side by side in the treks compared. The seasons are April to early June and late September to November.
Culture, and how long to stay
Ten days to two weeks is usual from Europe. The Grand Cultural Tour reaches Bumthang in ten days. The East to West journey crosses the whole country in seventeen and goes where few visitors do.
Money and practical things
Bring US dollars in clean notes for spending money: they are the easiest currency to change. The supply is 230 volts as at home. The flat two-pin Europlug fits many Bhutanese sockets; the round Schuko plug often does not, so bring an adaptor. Travel insurance is no longer required for the visa but is strongly advised, with cover for altitude if you trek.
Travelling from somewhere else?
We have written the same kind of page for travellers from the USA, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, France, India and Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Ask us
Tell us your dates and where you are flying from, and we will reply within 24 hours with a route, an outline of the days and a price. Send an enquiry, or start from a tailor-made trip.
Visa and fee checked against the Department of Tourism on 12 October 2026, and the cities with flights to Paro against Drukair on 3 October 2026. Airline timetables change with the season, so check the days before you book.