We are considering a September 2015 Bhutan trip. We are planning to stop for about 5 days in either India or Thailand depending on which way we fly and then spend about 7-9 days in Bhutan, probably at the Como properties.
I have a few questions:
1) Como offers several packages combining their properties, full board, transport and other extras. It seems like a good idea-is this the way to go or is a la carte better?

2) Is their any advantage to coming in through India over Thailand or vice versa?

3) We have traveled in Thailand a fair amount so planning that would be easy, but have not been to India. I assume Dehli would be the best entry point. Any suggestions for a short itinerary in the Dehli area?


Thanks!

1. There is no real ala carte option in Bhutan. You can only go with a travel agency and pay the daily tariff which everyone else does. If you're going with Como, you'll be paying a higher daily tariff as their hotels are considered upmarket (the standard daily tariff gives you full board, transport and lodging as well but the lodging is 3 star quality).

2. The only advantage I can think of is shorter flight time. But do take note you will need a visa in India, unless you're from Philippines, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, etc (US Americans not included) which will qualify you for a visa on arrival. Thailand doesn't require visa for most nationalities.

3. Delhi is a great place if you're interested in historical stuff. I spent 2 days in Delhi and wrote about it here. You can follow the same sequence I did: http://iwandered.net/2012/03/03/delhi/

I was just wondering about the Como hotels a la carte vs packages. They allow one to book either way. Thanks for the Dehli itinerary. That choice may come down to plane flights.

As others have said, you really don't have the option of a la carte travel, unless you can get an invitation from an NGO (or, more likely, an expat working for an NGO), or you have a Bhutanese contact who can invite you to visit.

The main advantage to entering via India is cheaper access: you can even do it overland.