Trashigang (Yonphula)

Landing at Yonphula Airport is not just the start of a journey, but an adventure in itself. Located amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks of eastern Bhutan, this small airfield is one of the highest and most picturesque in the world. It serves as the aerial gateway to Trashigang and the entire remote eastern region, offering travellers breathtaking views and a unique flying experience that will be remembered for a long time.

The main advantage of Yonphula Airport is its strategic location. It significantly reduces travel time to the eastern dzongkhags (districts) of Bhutan, turning a multi-day journey along winding mountain roads from Paro into a short one-hour flight. This opens up the opportunity for tourists to explore less visited, but no less fascinating corners of the kingdom.

The flight and landing here are an unforgettable spectacle. The airport is located at an altitude of about 2,500 metres, and pilots require special skill to manoeuvre between the mountain ranges. Passengers are rewarded with stunning panoramas of green valleys and snow-capped peaks directly from the window. Do not expect the scale of an international hub from Yonphula; it is a very compact and cosy airport with one terminal designed in the traditional Bhutanese style, which only adds authenticity to your journey.

• Official Airport Website: Yonphula Airport does not have its own official website. The most up-to-date information on flights and airport status is best checked on the websites of the operating airlines (Drukair, Bhutan Airlines) or on the portal of the Department of Air Transport of Bhutan.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the airport available in open sources. For all enquiries, it is recommended to contact your airline representatives directly.
• Airport Address: Yonphula Airport, Trashigang, Bhutan. The airport is located approximately 20 km from the city of Trashigang.
• Email: There is no specialised email address for passengers. Please use the contact forms or email addresses of the airlines for communication.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is necessary to contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support, including questions regarding tickets, check-in, and special assistance, is provided by the airlines operating flights to Trashigang (Yonphula) airport.

Yonphula Airport (Yonphula), serving the city of Trashigang, is situated on a mountain peak approximately 20 kilometres from the city. Due to the terrain, the journey takes about one hour. The most reliable and common way to get to the airport is to use a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer. Most tourists travelling through Bhutan move around in chauffeur-driven cars as part of a tour package, and in this case, the trip to the airport will already be included in the programme.

Public transport options are extremely limited. There are no trains or metro systems in the region, and dedicated airport shuttle buses are non-existent. Although theoretically, one could use local buses running in the district, their schedules are not always convenient and are not coordinated with flight departures. This method may require significant time and transfers, so it is not recommended for tourists.

Renting a car in the traditional sense (self-drive) is practically impossible for foreigners in Bhutan. Typically, transport is provided by tour companies along with a driver and guide. If you are travelling independently, which requires a special permit, the best solution is to hire a taxi. It is recommended to agree on the taxi fare in advance to avoid misunderstandings. There is a small parking area at the airport, sufficient for dropping off passengers and short-term parking.

To summarise, the key recommendation for travellers is to plan the transfer to the airport in advance. Whether booking a taxi through your hotel or coordinating with your tour operator, this ensures a timely and comfortable arrival for your flight without unnecessary stress, allowing you to enjoy the final views of the scenic Himalayan landscapes.

Trashigang Airport (Yonphula), known by the code YON, is a small regional airport serving eastern Bhutan. Its structure is extremely simple and straightforward, making navigation intuitive and fast even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of just one small terminal that serves both departing and arriving passengers. Due to the compact size of the building, there is no complex layout or need for long walks. All key zones—check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area—are located in the same building, just a few steps away from each other.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in close proximity. After checking in for the flight, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint and enter a small but cosy waiting hall. The arrival zone is a simple room where baggage claim takes place. Due to low passenger traffic, the process of retrieving belongings usually does not take much time.

Check-in and security procedures at Yonphula Airport are very fast. Thanks to the small number of flights and passengers, there are practically no queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities calmly. It is practically impossible to get lost in the airport—all navigation is intuitive, and staff are always ready to help and provide directions.

The history of Yonphula Airport, located near the city of Trashigang, is closely linked to the Kingdom of Bhutan's desire to improve transport accessibility to its eastern regions. Initially, in the 1960s, a simple airstrip was built on this site, used by the Indian Army. For decades, it remained nothing more than an airfield not intended for regular commercial flights.

Radical changes began in the 2000s when the Bhutanese government included the modernisation of Yonphula in its national infrastructure development plans. The goal was to transform the old airfield into a fully-fledged domestic airport to shorten the multi-day and exhausting journey from the capital to the eastern part of the country. Reconstruction works were complex due to the mountainous terrain and difficult weather conditions, which led to several delays in the opening dates.

After extensive modernisation, including the paving of the runway, the construction of a small but functional terminal, and the installation of necessary navigation equipment, the airport was finally opened for commercial flights. This was a real breakthrough for the region, allowing travel time from Paro to Trashigang to be reduced from several days to less than one hour. Today, Yonphula Airport is an important transport hub contributing to the development of tourism and the economy of eastern Bhutan.

Trashigang Airport (Yonphula) is a small domestic airport serving the eastern region of Bhutan. Given its size and regional significance, the range of services and amenities here is basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers before departure or upon arrival.

In the terminal building, you will find very limited dining options—usually a small kiosk or café where you can buy light snacks and drinks. There are no duty-free shops or a wide selection of souvenirs here. The waiting area is the main hall for all passengers; specialised VIP lounges are absent. Access to Wi-Fi may be unstable or unavailable, and the number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so it is better to carry a portable power bank.

There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points at Yonphula Airport. It is recommended to perform all financial transactions, including currency exchange, in the city of Trashigang in advance. Medical assistance is limited to a basic first aid station. In case of serious health issues, a visit to medical facilities in the city will be required.

There are no dedicated mother and child rooms or play areas for passengers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance to move comfortably around the airport. There are no hotels within the airport itself or in its immediate vicinity; the nearest accommodation options are located in Trashigang. Business services, such as conference rooms, are also not provided.

When planning a departure from Yonphula Airport (YON), it is important to consider that this is a very small domestic airport serving the Trashigang region in Bhutan. Its infrastructure differs significantly from major international hubs, and dining opportunities here are extremely limited. Do not expect a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, or juice bars.

Typically, there is one small snack bar or kiosk operating in the general waiting hall. Its assortment usually includes basic beverages such as tea, coffee, bottled water, and simple packaged snacks—biscuits, crisps, or sandwiches. Sometimes you might find some simple local food, for example, Tibetan dumplings called momo, but this is not guaranteed. The opening hours of such an establishment are strictly tied to the schedule of the few flights.

For travellers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or **Halal** options), finding suitable food will be practically impossible. In this case, the only reliable solution is to bring food with you. There is no separation into landside and airside zones with different establishments here—all services are concentrated in one small room.

Our main advice: Have a proper lunch or dinner at one of the establishments in Trashigang city before travelling to the airport. For a quick snack on the road, it is better to buy everything you need in the city beforehand. This approach will allow you to avoid inconvenience and wait for your flight calmly, enjoying the views of the picturesque Himalayan valleys.

Travelling through Yonphula Airport, located near the city of Trashigang, is a unique experience that requires a little preparation. Given the high-altitude location and changeable weather, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Although the airport is small and queues are rare, this buffer time helps avoid rushing in case of unforeseen circumstances. The check-in and security process usually goes quickly, but keep your passport, visa for entering Bhutan, and flight ticket ready.

One of the most valuable tips for flying in this country is choosing a seat on the plane. When checking in, be sure to ask for a window seat. Flights in Bhutan take place against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, and you will be able to enjoy incredible views of Himalayan peaks right from the window. This spectacle is an unforgettable part of the journey in itself.

Regarding luggage, standard international rules for hand luggage apply: liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances are prohibited. It is especially important to remember Bhutan's strict customs regulations: the import of tobacco products is strictly limited and subject to high duties. A special permit is also required for the export of antiques and certain religious artefacts, so be careful when purchasing souvenirs.

Flights in the mountains are highly dependent on weather conditions, so delays and even flight cancellations are not uncommon. Plan your itinerary with spare time, especially if you have connecting flights in Paro. In case of a delay, remain calm and stay in touch with your airline representative (Drukair or Bhutan Airlines) for current information. In the small Yonphula Airport, the choice of food and entertainment may be limited, so bring a book, download movies, and take a light snack with you.

To save time, check in for your flight online if possible. Saving money involves booking tickets well in advance, especially during the high tourist season when demand for flights increases. Since the choice of cafés at the airport is limited, buying drinks and snacks in the city beforehand will also help reduce expenses.