Bhutan has no railways, and most journeys are by road with a private driver and guide. The roads are narrow and winding, cross high passes, and can be affected by weather and roadworks.
Typical driving times
These are approximate times before stops, and they change with conditions. We confirm timings for your dates.
- Paro to Thimphu: about one and a half hours.
- Thimphu to Punakha, via Dochula Pass: around three hours.
- Punakha to Paro: around four hours.
- Phobjikha to Paro: most of a day.
- Central and eastern Bhutan: road days often take most of the day.
How we plan
We treat long drives as travel days, with comfort stops and viewpoints, rather than squeezing in several sights. The Tiger’s Nest hike always has its own day, and the last night before an international flight is spent in Paro.