Ultimate Adventures: Bhutan’s Top 5 Road Trips

Embarking on a road trip through Bhutan's remote and breathtaking Himalayan valleys is among the most thrilling experiences in travel.

Whether you choose the popular western valleys for a quick visit or take days to traverse the rugged eastern passes, the scenery is unspoiled, and the traditional culture remains beautifully preserved.

Paro airport, located in the western part of the country, serves as the main gateway for most international travelers, making it the ideal launch point for road trips. However, exploring the remote central and eastern regions will require more time, though domestic flights can help reach these lesser-known areas.

Keep in mind that self-driving is generally not available for most tourists. While motorcycle tours of Bhutan are an option, and Indian citizens can drive their own cars into the country for a fee, most foreign visitors must arrange for a vehicle and driver for their travels.

This allows you to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

1. Journey from Paro to Thimphu

The perfect itinerary for first-time visitors to Bhutan Paro–Thimphu–Paro; 95 km (60 miles); four days

Upon arriving at Bhutan’s international airport in Paro, dedicate the day to exploring Paro dzong (fortress-monastery) and the nearby National Museum. Refresh yourself with a short hike to Zuri Dzong for a stunning view of the valley.

The following day, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, just 47 km (29 miles) along one of the country's finest roads. Take your time to stop at the fragrant Tshenden incense workshop and the roadside Tamchog Lhakhang, which features an incredible iron-link bridge built by the 15th-century Tibetan saint Tangtong Gyelpo. For a delightful home-cooked Bhutanese meal, visit the historic Sisichhum Heritage Home.

Before arriving in Thimphu, pay tribute to the towering 51 m (167 ft) Buddha Dordenma statue that watches over the valley. If you have extra time, consider hiking the last hour along the forested valley slopes to Thimphu. Once in town, spend your day discovering the best museums, craft workshops, and shops, including those featuring Bhutan's innovative designers.

On day three, take an afternoon drive back to Paro. The next morning, embark on a half-day hike to Bhutan’s most famous landmark, the breathtaking Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched high on granite cliffs. Wrap up your quick introduction to Bhutan with a craft beer tasting at the Namgyal Artisanal Brewery or a soothing soak in a traditional hot-stone bath infused with herbs.

Prepare for four unforgettable days in this extraordinary country.

Detour: For a true off-the-beaten-path experience, take a 4 km (2.5 miles) diversion from the main Paro–Thimphu road at Shaba to join fellow pilgrims on a clockwise journey around the miraculous and sin-cleansing caves, rocks, and shrines of Drak Kharpo monastery.

2. Crossing the Dochu La

Ideal for breathtaking Himalayan vistas and hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail Thimphu–Punakha: 71 km (44 miles); half a day

The road leading west from Thimphu passes the historic Simtokha Dzong before winding through ancient forests to reach the 3140 m (10,300 ft) Dochu La, nestled among the vibrant red-and-pink rhododendrons of the Royal Botanical Park. Arriving at the pass just after dawn offers the best chance to witness a Himalayan panorama featuring the 7570 m (24,836 ft) Gangkhar Puensum, the tallest unclimbed peak in the world. Enjoy a cup of coffee from the café while taking in views framed by the stunning collection of 108 memorial stupas.

On the eastern side of the pass, the road descends rapidly through blue pine and hemlock forests, leading to the Chimi Lhakhang temple. This site was established to honor Lama Drukpa Kunley, the famed “Divine Madman,” whose playful phallus is a common decoration on houses throughout Bhutan.

From there, it’s a quick drive to Punakha Dzong, known as Bhutan’s most exquisitely beautiful structure. As you travel, be mindful of the sacred boulder that sits right in the middle of the road—a perfect example of Bhutan's approach to road safety, which balances the spiritual with the physical.

Detour: The 400 km (250-mile) Trans Bhutan Trail runs alongside the main road on either side of Dochu La, making it well worth exploring a section of this recently restored footpath. Our favorite segment is the hour-long downhill walk from the pass to the Ser Bhum Brewery, one of Bhutan’s three craft-beer microbreweries, where you can celebrate your hike with a Bhutan Glory amber ale.

3. The Journey to Laya: From Punakha to Gasa

Ideal for exploring remote Himalayan valleys Punakha–Gasa; 61 km (38 miles); one day

While most roads in Bhutan traverse east to west through a series of ridge-top passes, a few run north to south along ancient paths to and from Tibet. One particularly fascinating route is the paved road north of Punakha, which follows the Mo Chu river, passing royal palaces and luxurious resorts before reaching the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a modern 30 m (98 ft) stupa designed to protect the nation, filled with fearsome protectors and demons, some of whom ride snow lions and even a yeti.

After Tashithang village (where you should step out of the car to enjoy the birdsong), a final ascent leads to Gasa’s striking Tashi Thongmoen Dzong, a 17th-century fortress significant to the history of Bhutan's founding father, the Zhabdrung, who journeyed from his homeland in Tibet. In March, the Gasa tsechu festival attracts locals from far and wide for three days of captivating masked performances.

Finally, unwind in the healing waters of Gasa’s renowned riverside tsa chhu (hot springs) before returning to Punakha.

Travel tip: With recent road upgrades, it’s now feasible to drive north to within just a couple of hours’ hike of Laya, offering an exciting three-day road trip to this once-isolated Himalayan valley.

4. The highest road in Bhutan: Cheli La

Ideal road trip for high-altitude enthusiasts Paro–Cheli La; 40km (25 miles); half a day

For those short on time, a day trip from Paro to the frigid heights of Cheli La, Bhutan’s highest accessible road (3810m / 12,500ft), is possible. The winding mountain road ascends steeply, passing sacred springs and vibrant rock paintings of the Himalayan saint Guru Rinpoche. (Remember, if it's raining in Paro valley, it’s likely snowing at the pass.)

Upon reaching the pass, join your guide in shouting “lha-gey lu” (“may the gods be victorious!”), then take a moment to explore the multitude of wind-tossed prayer flags adorning the ridge. Hiking paths extend further along the ridgeline, offering views of the towering 7314m (24,000ft) Jomolhari peak.

If time permits, consider descending the western side of the pass for a three-day journey into Haa, a stunning, forested valley rich with temples and hiking trails, rarely frequented by tourists.

Side trip: On your way to Cheli La, make a stop at the picturesque Dzongdrakha Lhakhang to explore its cliffside temples and listen to the caretaker share stories of protective deities and magical flying stupas.

5. Journey into Bhutan’s remote east

Ideal for travelers who cherish hidden gems Bumthang–Trashigang: 275km (171 miles); four days

Bhutan’s most adventurous road trip leads you to the secluded and less-visited eastern regions. Here, the roads and accommodations may be rougher and driving times extended – yet you’ll experience a part of the country largely free from the tour groups that flood western Bhutan.

Traveling east from Bumthang in central Bhutan, the winding highway navigates the misty cliffs of the 3750m (12,303ft) Thrumshing La. After crossing the pass, you'll descend about 10,500ft, passing stunning waterfalls until you reach the humid valley floor. This route is arguably the most adventurous drive in Bhutan.

Following an overnight stay in Mongar, the next segment becomes easier as you cross the 2400m (7875ft) Kori La and wind down the serpentine roads of Yadi, ultimately arriving in the small town of Trashigang.

Plan to spend a couple of nights in Trashigang, taking day trips to pilgrimage sites like Gom Kora and the Nepali-style stupa of Chorten Kora. These locations host vibrant festivals in March and April that attract pilgrims from nearby Arunachal Pradesh, India. You can also venture east to the valleys of Sakteng and Merak, which have only recently been connected by roads. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is believed to protect the habitat of the Bhutanese migoi, also known as the yeti.

From Trashigang, you can fly back to Paro from Yongphula airstrip. It's advisable to allow a day or two in Paro as a buffer for any potential flight delays. Alternatively, it’s a three to four-day drive back to Paro.

Planning tip: Verify whether the Bhutan–India border at Samdrup Jongkhar is open; if it is, you can drive south from Trashigang and cross into Indian Assam to explore Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River.

Driving advice for Indian citizens visiting Bhutan

Indian drivers planning to bring their own vehicle or motorcycle into Bhutan via Phuentsholing must pay 4500 ngultrum per day and present their vehicle registration, insurance, tax, emission documents, and driving license. Additionally, a route permit is required to travel beyond Paro and Thimphu, which can be obtained in Thimphu.