Drukair resumes Bangkok-Bhutan Flights via Gaya, India - A Pilgrimage Route Reopens
Singapore – September 3, 2025 – Drukair, the royal Bhutan Airlines, will reinstate its seasonal flights connecting Bangkok with Paro, Bhutan, via Gaya, India, starting December 1st, 2025, and running through the end of March 2026. This route is specifically geared towards facilitating Buddhist pilgrimage tours, offering a unique and spiritually significant travel experience.
the twice-weekly service will utilize an A319 aircraft with a capacity of 111 seats.Travelers originating in Bangkok will benefit from a land tour encompassing Gaya and Bodh Gaya – a pivotal location in Buddhist history where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment - before continuing onward to Bhutan.
(Image: bhutan’s extraordinary Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure and one of the country’s most significant landmarks. Photo credit: Andrew J Wood.)
Flight Schedule:
Paro – Gaya – Bangkok (KB122):
Departs Paro (PBH): 1430 (Wednesdays & Sundays)
Arrives Gaya (GAY): 1520 (Wednesdays & Sundays)
Departs Gaya (GAY): 1600 (Wednesdays & Sundays)
Arrives Bangkok (BKK): 2050 (wednesdays & Sundays) – Flight time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Bangkok - Gaya – Paro (KB123):
Departs Bangkok (BKK): 1005 (Mondays & Thursdays)
Arrives Gaya (GAY): 1145 (Mondays & Thursdays)
Departs Gaya (GAY): 1225 (Mondays & Thursdays)
Arrives Paro (PBH): 1405 (mondays & Thursdays) – Flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes
A Journey of Spiritual Meaning
This route provides a seamless connection for those seeking to explore the heart of Buddhist heritage. Bodh Gaya, located just 15km from Gaya airport, is a cornerstone of Buddhist pilgrimage, housing the revered Mahabodhi Temple. Beyond Bodh Gaya, the “Buddhist Circuit” in India offers further exploration of significant sites like Varanasi, Rajgir, and Nalanda.
Bhutan, the “land of the Thunder dragon,” complements this journey with its breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries – including the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) – and deeply rooted Buddhist culture.Paro, home to Bhutan’s international airport (47km from the capital, Thimphu), serves as the gateway to this enchanting kingdom.
Optimal Timing for Travel
December 2025 presents an ideal window for visiting both India and Bhutan. The weather during this period is typically pleasant and dry, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and trekking.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
While dedicated tour packages combining Bangkok, Gaya, and Paro are currently limited, travelers can construct their own enriching itinerary.Several tour operators offer specialized tours focusing on the Indian Buddhist circuit or Bhutan individually.
such as,the Maha Tare Buddhist Center is offering a Bodh Gaya Pilgrimage Funds tour from December 3rd to 10th,2025,concentrating on the key sites around Bodh Gaya.This new Drukair route promises a compelling and convenient option for pilgrims and travelers seeking a
