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 (km) Approx Driving Time
Paro Thimphu 54 km 01 hr 30 min
Paro Haa 70 km 3 hours
Paro Phuentsholing 165 km 5-6 hours
Thimphu Phuentsholing 171 km 6 hours
Thimphu Wangduephodrang 70 km 3 hours
Thimphu Punakha 71 km 3 hours
Thimphu Phobjikha (Gangtey) 134 km 5 hrs 30 min
Thimphu Trongsa 199 km 5 hours
Thimphu Haa 112 km 4 hours
Punakha Wangduephodrang 13 km 45 minutes
Punakha Phobjikha (Gangtey) 87 km 3 hours
Punakha Bumthang 215 km 08 hours
Punakha Trongsa 150 km 5 hours
Wangduephodrang Trongsa 129 km 4 hrs 30 min
Wangduephodrang Phobjikha (Gangtey) 64 km 2 hours
Phobjikha (Gangtey) Bumthang 160 km 6 hours
Trongsa Bumthang 68 km 2 hrs 30 min
Trongsa Zhemgang 110 km 4- 5 hours
Tingtibi Gelephu 115 km 4 hours
Bumthang Mongar 190 km 7- 8 hours
Mongar Lhuentse 75 km 3 hours
Mongar Trashigang 91 km 3 – 4 hours
Trashigang Chorten Kora (Trashi Yangtshe) 55 km 2 hours
Trashigang Gomphu Kora 23 km 1 hour
Trashigang Khaling 54 km 2 hours
Trashigang Samdrup Jongkhar 180 km 7 hours
Samdrup Jongkhar Guwahati (Assam, India) 110 km 03 hours
Samdrup Jongkhar Phuentsholing 360 km 10 hours
Samdrup Jongkhar Gelephu 280 km 6-7 hours
Phuentsholing Bagdogra (West Bengal, India) 165 km 4 hrs 30 min
Phuentsholing Siliguri (West Bengal, India) 150 km 4 hours
Phuentsholing Darjeeling (West Bengal, India) 270 km 6 hours
Phuentsholing Kalimpong (West Bangal, India) 180 km 5 hours
Phuentsholing Gangtok (Sikkim, India) 230 km 7 hours
Phuentsholing Dooars (Chalsa) (West Bengal, India) 110 km 2 hrs 30 min
Gelephu Guwahati (Assam, India) 240 km 6 hours
Gelephu Phuentsholing 195 km 4 hours
Gelephu Paro 285 km 9-10 hours
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