How to Get from Paro to Thimphu by Road
07 September 2022 Last updated at 10:09
With the sole Paro International Airport, Paro is the only air gateway city in Bhutan and naturally the first destination for most foreign travelers, if you don’t enter Bhutan from India by land. One of the most classic travel route in Bhutan is to tour Paro and Thimphu together with Punakha, three best representative destinations of Bhutan. They are all must-visit palaces perfectly showing ancient Bhutanese culture and old customs. Check detailed transportation guide between Paro and Thimphu below to better prepare your Bhutan travel itinerary.
How Far is Thimphu from Paro?
Where is Paro Located?
As the second largest city of Bhutan, Paro Town is located in pretty Paro Valley with an elevation of 2,250 m, west of capital Thimphu, western Bhutan. It is the site of the world-sacred Tiger’s Nest and has many religious monasteries, art and shopping centers and cultural institutions. Paro International Airport lies in a deep valley of Paro Chuu River, about 6 km to downtown.
Where is Thimphu Located?
Thimphu , the capital and the largest city of Bhutan, is situated in Wang Chuu Valley, western central area of Bhutan at nearly 2,500 m above sea level. It is in the northeast of Paro with mountains between them.
Paro to Thimphu Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Currently, road driving is the only transportation between Paro and Thimphu and in most areas of Bhutan, because there are no flights or train available.
Driving distance between Paro and Thimphu is about 50 KM, taking about 1.5 hours.
● Paro International Airport to Thimphu City: about 47.2 KM, about 1 hr 10 min
● Paro Downtown to Thimphu City: about 50.4 KM, 1 hr 12 min
● Paro International Airport to National Memorial Chhorten, Thimphu: about 46.5 KM, 1 hr 10 min
● Paro International Airport to Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong): about 51.6 KM, 1 hr 20 min
Get from Paro to Thimphu and Thimphu to Paro
Paro to Thimphu Transportation
The fastest and the common traffic from Paro to Thimphu is to drive via Paro-Thimphu Highway and Phuntsholing-Thimphu Highway. Departing from Paro downtown, you will drive south on well-paved Paro-Thimphu Highway along the Paro Chuu River, pass through Paro International Airport. Keep driving around 30 minutes, and then you will turn left to across Chhuzom Bridge and begin drive northward for about 1 hour on Phuntsholing-Thimphu Highway, along the Thimphu Chu River. Before you get to Thimphu City center, you will pass Buddha Dordenma Statue on the left and Semtokha Dzong on the right side.
Thimphu to Paro Transportation
If you want to go back to Paro International Airport in Paro from Thimphu downtown to take your flight leaving Bhutan, you will drive the reverse route on the two highways, with a total duration about 1 hour and 20 minutes (distance: about 50 km). For travelers who plan to stay in Paro Town for a later Paro tour, it costs approximately 1.5 hours averagely.
Paro to Thimphu Highway
Thimphu Suburb
Extend Bhutan travel from Paro to Central and Eastern Bhutan:
● Get from Paro to Punakha
● Get from Thimphu to Punakha
● Get from Paro to Bumthang
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
Thimphu 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
