Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsAsiaSouth AsiaBhutanBhutan
Bhutan monastery

Bhutan Road Trip

Paro - Haa - Chinakha - Punakha - Gangtey Lam - Trongsa - Jakar - Mongar - Lhuntse - Sengor - Ura - Chendebji Chorten - Thimphu - Dechencholing

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Bhutan Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages14 km1,242 h/stage1.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Bhutan Road Trip in Bhutan?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,304EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 768EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,569EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,873EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,168EUR drive & more 225EUR sleep & more 1,265EUR eat & more 1,152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,642EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,810EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 6,336EUR drive & more 300EUR sleep & more 3,168EUR eat & more 1,536EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 5,004EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 11,340EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,600EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 880EUR eat & more 768EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,986EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,586EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Bhutan Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on a thrilling journey through the enchanting country of Bhutan with the Bhutan Road Trip. Start your journey in the city of Paro and make your way through the towns of Haa, Chinakha, Punakha, Trongsa Dzongkhag, Jakar, Mongar, Lhuntse, Sengor, and Dechencholing, covering a distance of 1242km over the course of 16 days. The best time of the year to embark on this road trip is between October and December. Along the way, you'll be able to witness the beauty of nature, including majestic mountains and lush valleys, while also taking in the sights of some of the country's most important historical sites. However, be aware that the road conditions in Bhutan can be quite poor, with some roads being very narrow or curvy. Furthermore, some roads may be closed during certain seasons due to weather conditions. In spite of these challenges, the Bhutan Road Trip is an unforgettable experience that is suitable for everyone. It is also possible to complete this trip on a moderate budget. So, get ready to make some amazing memories and embark on the Bhutan Road Trip!
number of days 16 number of days
route length 1,242 km route length
budget fair budget
good for explorer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Paro

Distance 1,242 km Driving time 25.5 h Pace: modest 322.8 kWh Airports PBH
[detailsContainer]
Paro is a beautiful town in Bhutan, the perfect starting point for the "Bhutan Road Trip". Paro is the second largest town in the kingdom and it is situated in the Paro Valley, surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains. The town is home to some of the most beautiful and important Buddhist temples and monasteries, such as the Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest”. The closest international airport to Paro is Paro International Airport (PBH), located just 6 kilometers from the town. Car rentals are available at the airport, which is a great way to explore the area and the surrounding countryside. Paro is a great place to explore on your own. Make sure to visit the National Museum, the Paro Dzong and the Rinpung Dzong, where you can learn about Bhutanese culture and history. You can also take a walk around the town and explore the local markets, or take a day trip to the nearby villages. For nature lovers, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Paro. Take a hike to the top of the Taktsang Monastery, or explore the Taktsang Trail. You can also take a trip to the beautiful Paro Valley, where you can admire the stunning landscape. Paro is a great place to begin your "Bhutan Road Trip". With its beautiful temples, stunning nature and rich culture, Paro is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

1 Paro - Haa

Distance 64 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: modest 16.6 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a beautiful road trip from Paro to Haa! This 64 km drive takes about two hours and will take you through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historic sites. On your drive, you’ll pass through lush meadows and valleys, and you’ll be able to catch glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Chele La Pass, which is the highest point of the journey. You’ll also pass by the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Once you reach Haa, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains of the Haa Valley. Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally and you should be aware of steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

2 Haa - Chinakha

Distance 79 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: modest 20.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Haa to Chinakha! Enjoy the 79 km drive through the stunning mountainous landscape of Bhutan, with the journey taking less than 2 hours. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, and be sure to keep an eye out for the winding, narrow roads and steep ramps. Keep in mind that some sections may be closed seasonally, so plan ahead and make sure to allow enough time for the journey. Make sure to take plenty of photos and enjoy the experience of a lifetime! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.

3 Chinakha - Punakha

Distance 89 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 23.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road stretches of winding road interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a thrilling road trip from Chinakha to Punakha! This scenic 89km journey will take you through some of Bhutan's most beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you'll get to explore historical sites, take in the stunning views, and experience the winding roads of the countryside. The drive itself should take no more than two hours, but you'll want to plan for extra time to enjoy the sights. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the most interesting places to visit along the way, like the majestic Dochula Pass, the ancient Punakha Dzong, and the beautiful Chimi Lhakhang Temple. You'll also want to take it slow in some sections, as the road can be quite winding and narrow. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage.

4 Punakha - Gangtey Lam

Distance 76 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: modest 19.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Punakha, Bhutan and ending in Gangtey Lam, just 76km away. Driving time is estimated at less than two hours, so you can make the most of this journey. The road passes through some of the most stunning landscapes of Bhutan, so keep your camera handy! Along the way, you'll be able to spot the beautiful Punatsangchhu River, as well as plenty of lush green valleys and picturesque hills. Narrow sections of the road will require extra attention, but the views are worth it. Make sure to stop at the Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, two of the most popular attractions in the area. Once you reach Gangtey Lam, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Phobjikha Valley. Don't forget to visit the Gangtey Goemba, the oldest and most important monastery in the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Gangtey Lam - Trongsa

Distance 74 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 19.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Start your journey in Gangtey Lam, Bhutan and explore the spectacular beauty of the country as you make your way to Trongsa Dzongkhag. Just 74 km away, the drive will take you less than two hours and you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the Himalayas. Along the way, you'll find some of Bhutan's most beautiful and interesting sites, including the Gangtey Monastery, the Black Mountain National Park, the Phobjikha Valley, the Gangtey Gompa, and the Trongsa Dzong. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check before you go. As you drive, be aware of steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. And don't forget to take in the scenic views of the countryside! For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Trongsa - Jakar

Distance 71 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 21.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a journey of discovery from Trongsa Dzongkhag to Jakar! This 71 km journey will take you less than 1 hour to drive, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of Bhutan's natural beauty. As you make your way to Jakar, look out for the winding roads and steep ramps, and take in the scenery along the way. Some sections of the road may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check beforehand. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey, as the narrow roads have plenty of surprises in store. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

7 Jakar - Mongar

Distance 188 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: modest 48.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Jakar to Mongar! This journey of 188 km will take you just under 4 hours and is one of the most scenic roads you will ever drive on. You’ll pass through the beautiful countryside of Bhutan, with steep ramps, winding roads and narrow sections to navigate. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check the conditions before you set off. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views, visit interesting places and explore the culture and traditions of Bhutan. Make sure to look out for the various attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites available along the route. To find out more, take a look at the Itinerary of this stage! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible road trip from Jakar to Mongar!

8 Mongar - Lhuntse

Distance 66 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 17.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Mongar to Lhuntse! This 66 km drive, which takes less than two hours, is one of the most scenic drives in Bhutan. As you drive, you will be surrounded by the majestic mountains and lush forests of the country. Sections of the road are quite narrow, so pay attention as you drive. Don't forget to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside. During the trip, make sure to visit the beautiful Tashigang Dzong, the oldest and largest fortress in Bhutan. You can also visit the nearby Gom Kora temple, a sacred site for the locals. Finally, make sure to explore the majestic Lhuntse Dzong, a fortress that has been around since the 17th century. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

9 Lhuntse - Sengor

Distance 128 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: modest 33.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a memorable road trip from Lhuntse in Bhutan to Sengor! This 128 km journey will take you less than 3 hours of driving, and you will be able to see some of the most stunning views of this country. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beauty of the countryside, including the vast green valleys, the winding roads, and the steep ramps. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the most iconic attractions, such as the Lhuntse Dzong, the Kuri Chhu River, and the Sengor Monastery. Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so it is important to check the itinerary before you embark. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

10 Sengor - Ura

Distance 64 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 16.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on the 64 km journey from Sengor in Bhutan to Ura and explore the scenic beauty of the region. The journey will take you less than two hours, and you will come across some of the most stunning sights. The route may be closed seasonally in some sections, so keep an eye out for signs. You will also have to traverse some steep ramps and winding roads, as well as some narrow sections. Make sure to be extra careful when driving on these roads. You will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills, so keep your camera handy! Along the way, you will come across some interesting places to visit, so make sure to take some time to explore the area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the road trip!

11 Ura - Chendebji Chorten

Distance 137 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: modest 35.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Ura, Bhutan to Chendebji Chorten! This 137 km drive will take you less than three hours, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road, as some sections may be closed seasonally. You will also encounter steep ramps and winding roads, as well as narrow sections. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey! When you reach Chendebji Chorten, you will be in for a treat. This impressive chorten is a must-see, with its beautiful white and gold facade. Don’t forget to take a few pictures! You can also explore the nearby villages and take in the local culture. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a safe and fun trip!

12 Chendebji Chorten - Thimphu

Distance 144 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: modest 37.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! stretches of winding road interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a 144 km journey from Chendebji Chorten in Bhutan to the capital city of Thimphu. This road trip will take you less than 3 hours and will offer you an unforgettable experience. You will be mesmerized by the historical sites, picturesque landscapes and scenic roads that you will encounter on your way. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check the route before you leave. The road is very winding in some sections, so drive carefully. In some sections the road will be narrow, so be sure to pay attention to the other drivers. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and valleys as you drive along the route. Make sure to stop at the most interesting places along the way and take some pictures. You can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing journey and have a great time!

13 Thimphu - Dechencholing

Distance 8 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: slow 1.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of narrow road stretches of gravel road sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road-trip from Thimphu to Dechencholing, an 8km journey that will take you less than an hour. On this scenic route, you will be taken through some of Bhutan's most beautiful landscapes. As you drive, look out for the steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections that you will encounter. Experience the beauty of the country while taking in the fresh mountain air and the views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Make sure to keep an eye out for seasonal road closures and plan your journey accordingly. Along the way, you can make stops at some of the most interesting places in the area, such as the Simtokha Dzong, the Dochula Pass, and the Punakha Dzong. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

14 Dechencholing - Paro

Distance 55 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: slow 12.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road stretches of gravel road interesting  historic site accommodation options !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Dechencholing to Paro in Bhutan! This 55 km route will take you less than two hours to drive and is full of interesting places to visit. You'll be able to explore the historical sites of Dechencholing and the scenic roads of Paro. As you drive, keep an eye out for steep ramps and winding roads. Some sections may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check the road conditions before you go. You'll also find narrow roads in some sections, so drive with caution. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

  Paro

[detailsContainer]
Paro is the end of the beautiful and memorable Bhutan Road Trip. This small city is an amazing place to visit, with lots of attractions that will make your stay here unforgettable. The first thing you have to visit is the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan, located on the cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. A hike up to the site is a great experience, but you can also take a helicopter tour to get up there. Other interesting places in town are the National Museum of Bhutan, the Rinpung Dzong and the Ugyen Pelri Palace. The National Museum of Bhutan will give you a deep understanding of Bhutanese culture, while the Rinpung Dzong is an impressive fortress that looks very much like a castle. Finally, the Ugyen Pelri Palace was once the home of the Bhutanese royal family, and still hosts important events. For those who are traveling by air, the closest international airport is Paro International Airport (PBH), located about 7 km from the city centre. From there you can rent a car to explore the city and its surroundings. Paro is the perfect destination to end the Bhutan Road Trip, with lots of attractions and activities that will make your stay here unforgettable.

Bhutan Road Trip at a glance

We have no doubt that our itinerary will become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse highlights of your choice.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to turn your journey into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who are interested in car hire or renting a camper.
Drivers who choose Bhutan as their holiday destination should definitely obey the local traffic regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs if Bhutan is your holiday destination. Holidayers ought to remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is low and is only 0‰. Travelling in a car in urban areas is allowed at the maximum speed of 20km/h. On the other hand, the maximum speed around non-build-up-areas is 50km/h. When travelling on motorways, you can drive at the allowed speed of 50km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and driving with your headlights on during the day.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. The budget option that you choose determines the total cost of the whole undertaking. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
Travel budget connected with gasoline in the economy option will be around 163 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost you around 638 EUR. Holidaymakers who go for this option will spend around 768 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay about 2,304 EUR if they choose the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from about 1,569 EUR to around 3,873 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you should be prepared to pay the maximum of 225 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses can amount up to approximately 1,265 EUR. The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails expenditures amounting to more or less 1,152 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 3,168 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 5,810 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend about 2,642 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 11,340 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle rental and 2,642 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 6,336 EUR. When it comes to the top standard version of the itinerary, you will pay approximately 300 EUR for fuel. Drivers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay more or less 3,168 EUR for accommodation and around 1,536 EUR for restaurants and food.
Bhutan Road Trip is also ideal for camper enthusiasts. Drivers who would like to hire a camper will pay roughly 3,600 EUR for the service. You will spend about 338 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Camper enthusiasts should expect to pay approximately 768 EUR for expenses connected with food and more or less 880 EUR for overnight stays.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the mentioned costs in detail.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of Bhutan described in our itinerary idea is between February and May. If Bhutan Road Trip has sparked your creativity, you should see other exciting adventures that we offer on our website. Hopefully, the great variety of travel opportunities will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Bhutan

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 20 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 50 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 50 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Drive to Bhutan Road Trip Drive to Bhutan Road Trip
Drive to Bhutan Road Trip
Asia - India
935 km 37 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Sikkim to Bhutan Road Trip Sikkim to Bhutan Road Trip
Sikkim to Bhutan Road Trip
Asia - India
460 km 34 km/h 5 days roadtrip
Rajasthan Classic Road Trip Rajasthan Classic Road Trip
Rajasthan Classic Road Trip
Asia - India
2,389 km 58 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Central India Grand Tour Central India Grand Tour
Central India Grand Tour
Asia - India
3,228 km 50 km/h 21 days roadtrip
To Tawang Valley Road Trip To Tawang Valley Road Trip
To Tawang Valley Road Trip
Asia - India
444 km 38 km/h 3 days roadtrip
Ladakh Highway Road Trip Ladakh Highway Road Trip
Ladakh Highway Road Trip
Asia - India
430 km 53 km/h 4 days roadtrip