1

You need a visa! A transit visa would suffice. But, if doing it both ways a multiple entry tourist visa may be considered..

2

If you don't have your plane tickets, you could consider to go USA-Bangkok-Bhutan.

Druk only flies to Paro in Bhutan 3 times a week from New Delhi (barring weather cancellations and delays)

When are you traveling?
I looked at some random weeks and all of them had a minimum of 5 flights from Delhi to Paro with Druk Air.

3

Yes, it is possible to travel from the US to New Delhi to Bhutan without an Indian visa--I did it recently in May going to and coming back from a conference. But I'm not sure I would recommend it. First you have to show US flight check in people that you have an onward reservation ( your Druk air ticket) in less than 24 hours. Then, I'd advise checking into the Easton Smart hotel for the night as their staff is quite helpful in getting you a boarding pass (on their web site: Passenger coming from International Destination and transit through Delhi to next International Destination. (No Need for INDIAN VISA) as you are not going for immigration and customs. You need to have a valid boarding pass to access the International Wing. ) Coming back from Bhutan, you'll need to go to the international transit desk and they will print out a boarding pass for you.

Frankly, it's easier traveling through Bangkok (no cost visa on arrival and more pleasant airport staff to deal with) and Druk Air flies to and from there on a daily basis.

4

Thanks KarenCLang for the info. I think you have a good grasp on what we're trying to do. We are looking at flying into Dehli, getting our checked bags off of one airline and checking into the Smart Hotel to await our Druk Air flight.

Did you check bags coming and going from the US to Bhutan? Were you able to get your bags off of the US carrier before checking into the hotel? I assume you had to get them, go thru a customs check and then go up to the International Terminal. Correct?

Really appreciate everyone's advice. We are taking Bangkok into consideration.

Edited by: haflwhitt

5

I didn't check bags. I just had a carryon bag & large purse but I think the helpful staff at the Eaton Smart Hotel will retrieve your bags for you. I'm not sure it is possible to go through customs without an Indian transit visa but I'd ask the people at the Eaton Smart Hotel about this. I didn't go through customs but was met by a representative of the hotel, who got me a Druk air boarding pass while I waited in the international transit area, and then escorted me to the hotel.
I liked staying at the Eaton Smart Hotel--the room was small but quiet and comfortable--really pleasant after the long NJ-Delhi flight.

6

Bangkok is so much easier and hassle free and visa free, unless you are wanting to visit India, go via Bangkok.