Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel have announced the continuation of their popular direct charter flights to Bhutan from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad for the Summer 2026 season. Building on success from previous years, the program offers seamless, non-stop connectivity during India’s peak holiday period. Departures are scheduled from April to May 2026, featuring five distinct, all-inclusive tour categories and new inclusions like the picturesque Gangtey valley.
Second Consecutive Year of Bhutan Charters
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have jointly announced their Summer 2026 charter flight program to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This initiative, scheduled for February 12, 2026, focuses on providing direct, seamless connectivity from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad during the peak Indian summer vacation season.
Optimized Flight Schedules and Connectivity
The decision directly addresses a long-standing market gap, replacing multi-leg journeys via metro hubs like Delhi or Kolkata. Multiple departure dates have been scheduled to maximize the summer window:
- Bengaluru Departures: April 24 and May 1, 8, and 15, 2026.
- Ahmedabad Departures: May 3, 10, and 17, 2026.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are notably the only travel service providers in India operating non-stop charter flights to Bhutan from Bengaluru, offering South Indian travelers significant access.
Enhanced Product Offerings and Value
The 2026 program has been structured around flexibility and value, offering five distinct, all-inclusive group escorted tour categories:
- Categories: Budget, Standard, Value, Extravaganza, and Premium.
- Customization: Customers can also opt for customized itineraries co-curated to individual preferences.
- New Inclusion: The tours now feature Gangtey, recognized as one of Bhutan’s most scenic valleys.
Affordability has been prioritized via a Special Saver Program. Pricing starts from ₹76,000 per person* for a 7 Days 6 Nights itinerary from Bengaluru, and from ₹79,000 per person* from Ahmedabad.
Differentiated Tour Highlights
To enhance the cultural experience, the tour packages feature several unique elements:
- Cuisine: Regional alignment, including South Indian cuisine prepared by an Indian chef for Bengaluru departures, and authentic Gujarati cuisine (with Jain options) for Ahmedabad departures.
- Experiences: Group tours include immersive activities such as farmhouse lunches with archery, local wine tasting, a riverside picnic in Punakha, and beer tasting in Paro.
- Management: Group Tours will be assisted by experienced tour managers, including Kannada-speaking managers for Bengaluru departures and Gujarati-speaking managers for Ahmedabad departures.
Leadership Commentary
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, stated that the special charters reiterate the company’s focus on customer-centric innovation and strengthening direct access for South Indian customers. Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head of SOTC Travel Limited, emphasized that the enhanced connectivity, combined with thoughtfully crafted itineraries and regional cuisine, delivers exceptional value and a differentiated holiday experience.
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited
Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL), set up in 1881, is described as the leading omnichannel travel company in India. TCIL operates major brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, and Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, spanning services across Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, and Leisure Travel. The company holds the highest credit rating for a travel & tourism company in India, with CRISIL AA/Stable on long-term facilities.
Source: BSE
