How to Get from Thimphu to Punakha by Road
07 September 2022 Last updated at 12:18
Thimphu is a young capital of Bhutan since 1955 while Punakha once served as Bhutan’s capital for more than 3, 00 years. After a Thimphu tour, lots of tourists continue to travel to Punkha to see the most beautiful dzong - Punakha Dzong and feel the older Bhutan. Here we provide you detailed transportation information from Thimphu to Punakhawith distance, duration and highlights of scenery to help you better plan your Thimphu Punakha tour.
How Far is Punakha from Thimphu?
Where is Thimphu Located in Bhutan?
Thimphu is the current capital of Bhutan, as well as the biggest city of the kingdom. It is a relatively modern city stretching north to south along the Wang Chuu River, Thimphu Valley of western central area of Bhutan. Capital Thimphu lies between Paro and Punakha, and driving from Paro in the southwest to Thimphu needs about 1.5 hours. Elevation of Thimphu is about 2,320 m.
Where is Punakha Located in Bhutan?
Punakha is quite a small town in Punakha Valley, western Bhutan, where two important Bhutan’s rivers flow through, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1955. The most beautiful Dzong - Punakha Dzong is rightly situated at the confluence of the two rivers. Also, Punakha is an important rice farming land of Bhutan.
Thimphu to Punakha Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
So far, there is no flight or train you can get from Thimphu to Punakha, and driving on national highway is the only transportation between Thimphu and Punakha and in most cities, towns of Bhutan.
Punakha sits northeast of Thimphu, with a distance about 85 KM, nearly 2.5 hours’ driving journey.
● Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu to Puanakha Downtown: about 88 KM, 2.5 hours by road
● Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu to Punakha Dzong, Punakha: about 70 KM, 2 hours by road
Thimphu to Punakha Transportation by Road
It’s very convenient and fast to transfer among destinations in western Bhutan, like Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Driving on domestic well-paved highway is the most common transportation to travel across Bhutan. For tourists who already booked a Bhutan tour package, your Bhutan tour guide and driver will escort you all the way to Punakha and other destinations according to your itinerary. You can check Paro to Punakha Transportation if you plan to travel to Punakha from Paro after landing.
The usual driving route from Thimphu to Punakha mainly consists of three sections. First, you will depart from Thimphu City center and drive southward, pass National Memorial Chhorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue at right side, and then turn right at Dechhen Lam Road. Keep driving, next you will get to Simtokha Dzong (the oldest Dzong in Bhutan) and change to Bumthang-Ura Highway.
Second, drive towards northeast to get on Thimphu-Punakha/Thimphu-Wangdue Phodrang Highway via Dochula Pass (elevation: 3,100 meters/10,170 ft) where you can view 108 memorial stupas (Druk Wangyal Chortens) and panorama view of the Himalayas in clear days. Later you will go by Wangdue Phodrang. The last part is driving on Trashigang-Semtokha Highway to get to Punakha. Most mountain roads from Thimphu to Punakha are winding but the natural scenery and serene farm fields by roadside can relax your eyes and mind, bring you to a lovely countryside.
Tips: If you travel back from Punakha to Thimphu, you will go through the opposite route via Dochula Pass.
Important Traffic Information:
★ Thimphu Downtown to Simtokha Dzong: about 7 KM /15 minutes’ driving
★ Thimphu Downtown to Dochula Pass: about 25 KM/40 minutes’ driving
★ Thimphu Downtown to Wangdue Phodrang: about 70 Km/ 1 hour and 50 minutes
Dochula Pass on Thimphu to Punakha Highway
Verdant Rice Terraced Fileds in Punakha Valley (in March)
How to Plan Your Bhutan Tour
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
Travel with Us
Traveling with Himalayas Discovery, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services. We will settle all arrangements in advance to make sure you always enjoy a worry-free journey.
Our dear guests visiting Bhutan
Punakha Travel Guide
Bhutan Travel Guide
Most Recommended Bhutan Tour Packages
Following are 3 most recommended Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
