How to Get from Paro to Bumthang

Paro is about 320 km (9 hours’ drive) to the west of Bumthang. Most tourists will choose this road trip, which is a very classic in-depth Bhutan tour. You can divide this seemingly long journey into several parts. Besides the beautiful view on the way, it is more flexible by car and you can choose which cities and attractions to visit.

To have a full exploration, you can stop at Thimphu after visiting Rinpung Dzong and Bhutan National Museum in Paro, then spend one day touring local landmarks and museums such as the Buddha Point, National Memorial Chorten and National Institute for Zorig Chusum. After that, keep going to the reputed most beautiful dzong in Bhutan - Punakha Dzong and the natural reserve Phobjikha Valley. Then with about 3.5 hours’ drive, you will get to Trongsa - the center of Bhutan. There you can pay a visit to Trsong Dzong and Royal Heritage Museum. Then for another 2.5 hours, after passing Yotong La Pass, you will finally reach Bumthang. This is a worthwhile and memorable journey with busy city, pristine countryside, vast valley, religious goempa, and more.

Note: The road condition in Bhutan has improved a lot with most part being well-paved, but there still will be many turns and curves because of the diverse landform of plain, valley and mountain.

★ Useful Links: Get from Paro to Thimphu / Get from Thimphu to Punakha

Recommended Paro to Bumthang Tour: ✔ 9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour

Well-paved Road in Thimphu

Phobjikha Valley on the Way to Bumthang

Taking a flight is a much faster way to get from Paro to Bumthang, which will only need about 40 minutes. There is usually one direct flight departing from Paro International Airport in the morning to Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar, Bumthang. But the flight may not operate every day and sometimes may delay because of the weather.

Note: The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum daily fee ($250 per person per night from March - May, and September - November, and $200 per person per night in other months) which must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan. All internal ground transport is covered in the fee, which means if you choose to fly from Paro to Bumthang, extra fee will be needed.

★ Useful Link: Domestic Transportation in Bhutan

Jakar Dzong in Bumthang

A Bhutan trip usually starts from Paro where the Bhutan’s only international airport is located in, then travel eastward to Thimphu and Punakha, which is the most classic itinerary in Bhutan, taking 5~6 days to finish. Never miss the icon of Bhutan - Tiger’s Nest (the symbol of Bhutan) in Paro. If your time is quite limited, you can skip Punakha. If you want an in-depth Bhutan tour, we suggest you extend your trip to Phobjikha, Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan, which costs you about 9~10 days. You can also spend more time in Bhutan to explore more features of Bhutan, such as trekking, birding, Tshechu festival, etc. It is strongly recommended to travel Bhutan with Nepal. Check Nepal Bhutan tours to find a suitable tour or contact us to customize your own unique experience.

☞ 5 Days Bhutan Classic Tour (Paro & Thimphu & Punakha)

☞ 9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour

☞ 12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package

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Our dear guests visiting Bhutan