Bhutan, the mystery land of Asia, sits in the foothills and lower mountains of the Himalayas. The country’s main geographical feature is hilly and mountainous.
The East-West Highway is Bhutan’s primary road. It begins in Phuentsholing – at the Southwestern Indian border and ends in Trashigang in the far East. Driving on the highway will take you across bridges, over the mountain passes, and alongside the high cliffs.
The winding, narrow roads and slopes are common when traveling between regions in Bhutan. Hence, you should expect the driving time to be longer than usual. It takes about 1,5 hours for 55km, which is the distance from Paro to Thimphu.
The roads go up through high mountain passes and forests and go down, crossing valleys, fields, and small villages. So, it can be a bumpy ride, especially if this is your first time in Bhutan.
Nevertheless, driving in Bhutan is greatly pleasing. You can use the time to admire the wonderful nature along the way. Enjoy the striking views and snap some photos of the towering Himalayan mountains, lush forests, ancient villages, and astounding monasteries.
From | To | Approx distance | Approx driving time |
Paro | Thimphu | 54 km | 01 hr 30 min |
Paro | Haa | 70 km | 3 hrs |
Paro | Phuentsholing | 165 km | 5-6 hrs |
Thimphu | Phuentsholing | 171 km | 6 hrs |
Thimphu | Wangduephodrang | 70 km | 3 hrs |
Thimphu | Punakha | 71 km | 3 hrs |
Thimphu | Phobjikha (Gangtey) | 134 km | 5 hrs 30 min |
Thimphu | Trongsa | 199 km | 5 hrs |
Thimphu | Haa | 112 km | 4 hrs |
Punakha | Wangduephodrang | 13 km | 45 min |
Punakha | Phobjikha (Gangtey) | 87 km | 3 hrs |
Punakha | Bumthang | 215 km | 8 hrs |
Punakha | Trongsa | 150 km | 5 hrs |
Wangduephodrang | Trongsa | 130 km | 5 hrs |
Wangduephodrang | Phobjikha (Gangtey) | 64 km | 2 hrs |
Phobjikha (Gangtey) | Bumthang | 160 km | 6 hrs |
Trongsa | Bumthang | 68 km | 2 hrs 30 min |
Trongsa | Zhemgang | 110 km | 4- 5 hrs |
Tingtibi | Gelephu | 115 km | 4 hrs |
Bumthang | Mongar | 190 km | 7- 8 hrs |
Mongar | Lhuentse | 75 km | 3 hrs |
Mongar | Trashigang | 91 km | 3 – 4 hrs |
Trashigang | Chorten Kora (Trashi Yangtshe) | 55 km | 2 hrs |
Trashigang | Gomphu Kora | 23 km | 1 hr |
Trashigang | Khaling | 54 km | 2 hrs |
Trashigang | Samdrup Jongkhar | 180 km | 7 hrs |
Samdrup Jongkhar | Guwahati (Assam, India) | 110 km | 3 hrs |
Samdrup Jongkhar | Phuentsholing | 360 km | 10 hrs |
Samdrup Jongkhar | Gelephu | 280 km | 6-7 hrs |
Phuentsholing | Bagdogra (West Bengal, India) | 165 km | 4 hrs 30 min |
Phuentsholing | Siliguri (West Bengal, India) | 150 km | 4 hrs |
Phuentsholing | Darjeeling (West Bengal, India) | 270 km | 6 hrs |
Phuentsholing | Kalimpong (West Bangal, India) | 180 km | 5 hrs |
Phuentsholing | Gangtok (Sikkim, India) | 230 km | 7 hrs |
Phuentsholing | Dooars (Chalsa) (West Bengal, India) | 110 km | 2 hrs 30 min |
Gelephu | Guwahati (Assam, India) | 240 km | 6 hrs |
Gelephu | Phuentsholing | 195 km | 4 hrs |
Gelephu | Paro | 285 km | 9-10 hrs |