- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Bhutan helicopter services 2027
Helicopter flights in Bhutan
Scenic flights from Paro towards Jomolhari, and charter transfers to Punakha, Bumthang, Laya and other remote valleys. We plan and book them as part of your trip.
- Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services
- Heli Bhutan
- Up to 5 or 6 passengers
Who flies in Bhutan
Two helicopter operators
Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited, the state-owned operator, began flying in November 2015 from its base at Paro airport. Its Airbus helicopters carry up to five passengers on scenic trips, and it also flies medical evacuations across the country.
Heli Bhutan, the first private operator, received its Air Operator Certificate from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority on 22 April 2025. It flies a six-seat Airbus H125 from Ramtokto in Thimphu to places such as Jomolhari, Gasa and Laya. We book with whichever operator suits your route and dates.
- Flights are priced per helicopter, not per seat
- Weather decides the day, so we keep a road plan ready
- Bookable as an add-on to any of our tours
Routes and flight times
Popular helicopter routes from Paro
Flight times are approximate. Fares are indicative published charter rates per helicopter (up to 5 passengers) and change with fuel prices and season. We confirm the current fare before you book.
| Route | Landing | Flight time | Indicative fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro scenic flight | Tiger's Nest, Jomolhari, stop at Jangothang | 30, 60 or 90 minutes | From about USD 2,500 |
| Paro to Haa | Haa | About 12 minutes | About USD 875 |
| Paro to Thimphu | Lungtenphu | About 20 minutes | About USD 1,460 |
| Paro to Punakha | Zomling Thang | About 50 minutes | About USD 3,650 |
| Paro to Gasa | Gasa | About 52 minutes | About USD 3,800 |
| Paro to Laya | Laya village | About 80 minutes | About USD 5,830 |
| Paro to Bumthang | Bathpalathang airport | About 110 minutes | About USD 8,020 |
For comparison, Heli Bhutan reported a tourist rate of USD 3,000 per flight hour in 2025. All flights depend on weather and operator approval.
Why fly
When a helicopter makes sense
See the high Himalaya
A one-hour scenic flight reaches the Jomolhari area, which otherwise takes days of trekking.
Save a day of driving
Paro to Bumthang is under two hours by air against a full day or more on the road.
Reach remote villages
Laya and other highland villages are days from the nearest road. A helicopter gets you there in time for a festival.
Older travellers
A short flight can replace a long, winding drive for guests who find mountain roads hard.
Photography
Aerial views of dzongs, rivers and peaks that no road gives you.
Emergency cover
Helicopters also fly medical evacuations. Make sure your insurance covers this on treks.
Helicopter questions
Helicopters are chartered per flight, not per seat. A 30-minute scenic flight from Paro has been published from about USD 2,500 for the helicopter, and longer transfers cost more. We confirm the current rate for your route and date.
Up to five passengers on Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services scenic flights, and up to six on Heli Bhutan. Weight and altitude can reduce this on high routes.
Flights only go when the pilot is satisfied with conditions. If a flight is cancelled we move it to another day where possible, or switch to the road plan.
Helicopter flights are booked through a licensed operator as part of your visit, because you still need a visa, SDF and guide. We can add one to any itinerary.
Keep planning
More on getting to Bhutan
Free trip planning
Ask about a helicopter flight
Tell us which flight interests you and your travel dates. We will check availability with the operators and send a quote.
- Scenic flights and valley transfers
- Current rates confirmed in writing
- Road plan ready if weather changes
- A reply within 24 hours
- +975 17533776
- +975 77495028
- info@deyabhutantours.com
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Let's plan your Bhutan journey
Tell us a little about your trip. Our team in Thimphu will reply with ideas, a day-by-day plan and a full price.
We’ll reply within 24 hours. No booking fees, and no obligation to book.