Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) (www.rbhsl.bt)  was incorporated as State-owned Enterprises on 9th July 2015 under the Companies Act of Kingdom of Bhutan 2000 with committed to providing efficient and affordable alternative transport in the country that is safe, comfortable and reliable. Apart from the use of helicopters for search and rescue, air medical evacuations, firefighting, moving cargo, transport of VIPs and government officials, for tourism purposes also helicopters are used. 

Apart from helicopter charter services for travellers, the following packages are available for tourists and can be operated on request:

WESTERN HELI SCENIC TOURS

1. Discover Paro Taktsang tour (30-minute helicopter ride)
This scenic flight offers a spectacular view of Paro valley from the air. Flying along the valley, travellers will discover most of the sacred places and the important landmarks the valley. The most interesting highlight of the tour is the view of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).

Points of interest on this flight are:
• Paro International Airport • Paro Valley- Traditional Bhutanese houses, paddy fields & Pa Chhu river • Ta Dzong (National museum) • Rinpung Dzong • Kyichu Lhakhang • Drugyel Dzong and Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m)

2. Snow-capped Mt. Jomolhari Tour (1-hour helicopter ride)
Flying further north along the Paro Valley, on this ride, travellers are greeted by the spectacular view of the snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) considered to be the second-highest unclimbed mountain peak in the world. On tour, there will be a short pitstop at Jangothang (base camp) to further enjoy the majestic views of the mountain from the ground. Amidst the spectacular landscape, one might be able to get a glimpse of the blue sheep (Pseudo Nayaur) parading along mountain slopes. On the return flight, during a beautiful day, travellers may also discover the mysterious ‘turquoise lake’ tucked within the rocky Himalayan Ranges.

Points of interest on this flight are:
• Paro Valley and the Airport • Rinpung & Ta Dzong (National museum) • Kyichu Lhakhang & Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) • Drugyel Dzong • Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) • Turquoise lake

3. Majestic Himalayan Mountain Tour (2-hour helicopter ride)
Beyond the snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m), flying further northeast, one can view the majestic companion peak Mt. Jichu Drakey (6,794m). This mountain is known to have a double summit, with the lower summit towards the south. This helicopter tour will provide the best views of the Himalayan ranges. On the return flight, one will fly over the majestic Lingzhi Dzong, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters. Also known as ‘Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong’, it was built in the year 1668 to celebrate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans, in the war of 1667.

Points of interest on this flight are:
• Paro Valley and the Airport • Rinpung & Ta Dzong (National museum) • Kyichu Lhakhang & Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) • Drugyel Dzong • Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) • Mt. Jichu Drake (6,794m) • Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong

4. Dagala Couple Tour (30-minute helicopter ride)
This tour offers an unforgettable experience of Bhutan’s exoticness and cultural aspects as one fly along the southern Paro valley into a Shangri-La adorned with a multitude of pristine and crystal-clear lakes. Travellers are treated with stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range: Mt.Jumolhari, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt.Gangkhar Puensum, Mt. Gangchen Ta and many other magnificent peaks also on a clear weather day, there will be an opportunity to get a glimpse of world’s third highest Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586m). On the return flight, one will overfly the 15th-century Talakha Goenpa in the south of Thimphu, the capital city. Visitors will also get a glimpse of the world’s largest sitting statue of Buddha Dordenma perched atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang.

Points of interest on this flight are:
• South of Paro Valley and the Airport • Mt. Kangchenjunga • Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) • Mt. Masang Gang (7,194m) • Mt. Jichu Drake (6,794m) & Mt. Gangchen Ta (6,794m) • Talakha Goenpa • Buddha Dordenma Statue • Panoramic view of Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu

5. Snowman Trek (3-hour helicopter ride)
Snowman trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the world owing to its altitude, distance and duration. As one streaks over the northerly heavens and finally bid farewell in Bumthang, one will have traversed a journey of 26 days trek on a flight of merely 3 hours witnessing the true beatific nature of mighty Himalayas.

Points of interest on this flight are:
• Paro Valley and the airport • Laya and Lingzhi • Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) & Mt. Jichu Drake (6,794m) • Mt. Tsherimgang (6,789m), Mt. Masagang (7,194m), & Mt. Tiger Mountain (4,090m) • Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong • Gasa Tongmon Dzong • Punakha Dzong • Lunana • Table Mountain  (7,100m) & Mt. Gangkar Punsum (7,570m)• Bumthang valley

EASTERN HELI SCENIC TOURS

1. Hidden Lake Tour (35-minute helicopter ride)
Enjoy the beautiful valley of Bumthang from the air. This scenic flight will fly towards the north of Bumthang valley over the famous Dhur Tsachu (hot spring) and land into the enchanting mysterious hidden lake. On a beautiful day, one might also get a glimpse of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m).

Points of interest on this flight are:
• Chamkhar Valley • Bumthang Airport • Dhur Tsachu • Hidden lake

2. Traditional Textile Tour (50-minute helicopter ride)
Enjoy the overflying majestic landscape towards Lhuntse, the region known as the ancestral home of Bhutan Kings. The flight will overfly Lhuntse Rinchentse Dzong situated on a hilltop overlooking Kuri chhu. Towards the south one will enjoy the breath-taking view of the world’s Tallest Guru Nangsey Ziloen statue (157 feet tall) which sits atop a hilltop in Takila. On this tour we can pitstop at Khoma village, popularly known for its intricately patterned silk textile known as Kishuthara, generally worn as Kira (traditional wrapper for Bhutanese women).

Points of interest on this tour are:
• Tang Valley • Takila Guru • Khoma Village

3. Merak- Sakteng Tour (110-minute helicopter ride)
Merak means ‘set on fire’ and Sakteng means ‘meadow covered with bamboo’. Merak and Sakteng fall under the Trashigang district, the easternmost province in Bhutan. Merak-Sakteng Tour is a truly exotic scenic flight exploring one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the guarded areas of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and gradually permeating into the unique lifestyles of the eastern Highlanders as one gets a chance to roam the villages on foot in Merak and Sakteng.

Points of interest on this tour are:
• Merak • Sakteng

4. Royal Manas Wildlife Tour (80-minute helicopter ride)
This captivating tour takes travellers through one of Bhutan’s oldest preserved areas connected by the wildlife corridors of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park in the northwest, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in the southwest, Thrumsingla National Park in the northern central and Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary in the southeast. Fly into the heart of Royal Manas Wildlife Park and experience the indigenous flora and fauna in abundance.

Points of interest on this tour are:
• Royal Manas National Park • Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park • Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary • Thrumsingla National Park in the northern centre • Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary in the southeast

(Image credit: Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited -RBHSL)