Driving times are approximate, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to admire the view!
- Paro to Chele La Pass; 1 hour
- Chele La Pass to Haa; 1 hour
- Paro to Thimphu; 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Thimphu to Dochu La Pass; 45 minutes
- Dochu La Pass to Punakha; 1.5 hours
- Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang; 30 minutes
- Punakha to Paro; 3 hours
- Punakha to Gasa; 2 hours 45 minutes
If you are coming to Bhutan for a short(ish) visit (5 to 7 days), the chances are, you will not get further than Punakha, unless you are able to take one of the twice weekly flights to Bumthang.
Off the Primary National Highway, roads are single track, and of variable condition. They can also be steep and winding.
Paro and haa
Jomolhari (Bride of Kangchenjunga, 7,326m) from Chele La, at 3,988m Chele La is one of the highest road passes in Bhutan.
Drukgyal Dzong to the north of Paro, built in 1646 and an administrative centre until 1951 when a butter lamp fire destroyed it. Recently rebuilt
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), was consecrated to tame a Tiger Demon, after Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a Tigress.
Taa Dzong, the old watchtower above Rinpung Dzong. Now the National Museum housing artefacts covering 1,500 years of Bhutanese culture and history.
Rinpung Dzong. Dzongs (fortresses), are now often used as administrative centres for each region. The Taa (watchtower), sits above the dzong.
Inside Rinpung Dzong, consecrated in 1646 on the site of the previous dzong (Hungrel). Rinpimg dzong is used as administrative and monastic centre of the region.
Haa, Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), one of the 108 temples built in a day in 659. It gets its name from the white dove that landed there. Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) is nearby, named for a black dove.
Meri Puensum, the three Brothers, Jampelyang, Chana-Dorji and Chenrezig, representing the three principle Buddhist Dieties. The mountains dominate the Haa valley.
The Haa Valley. Haa is one of the smallest districts in Bhutan, and is unspoilt, having been opened to tourism only in 2002. Most people visit on a day trip from Paro, via Chele La.
thimphu
Beautiful gateways like this one, on the road between Paro and Thimphu, are common, and mark entry into a new region, town, or building.
Tashichho Dzong. Buddhist monastery and fortress in Thimphu. Seat of the government and Druk Desi (King). Only accessible just after the flag is taken down daily.
Druk Wangditse Lhakhang
A short hike to reach this beautiful lhakhang.Established in 1715 as the seat of the 8th Druk Desi.
Buddha Point. Buddha Dordenma, a symbol of peace, compassion, and enlightenment. Started in 2006 and finished in 2015, 54m in height.
Centenary Farmer’s Market.A chance to see the local produce of Bhutan. Fresh and dried cheese and chilies are a staple of Bhutanese cookery.
Jungshi Paper Factory. Traditional paper, Deh-Sho, is made from bark, from the Daphne and Dekap trees, entirely by hand.
Wangditse Viewpoint. Prayer flags at the viewpoint over the Thimphu valley. Start point for the short walk to the Druk Wangditse Lhakhang
Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1628, the location of the Dzong is significant as it stands at the boundary of three prominent regions.
Takin at the Motithang Reserve.The National animal, created by the Divine Madman, when he joined the skull of a goat to the skeleton of a cow. After eating them at a feast.
Lampelri Botanical Garden, on the way up to Dochu La. Planted with 46 of the Rhodedendron species native to Bhutan.
Lampelri is also home to many species of birds, and is a must stop place for birders. These are White Throated Laughingthrush.
There are also otters in Lampelri, and they are used to people. This one met us at the entrance and followed us all the way to the lake.
punakha
Dochu La (at 3,100m) is the pass marking the boundary between Thimphu and Punakha, and has stunning views of the Himalayas. 108 memorial chortens and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang.
Punakha Dzong is also known as the palace of great happiness / bliss and was built in 1637. It is the administrative centre for Punakha.
At 160 m long it is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and offers stunning views over the Punakha valley as the two rivers, the Pho Chhu and Puna Tsang Chhu join.
Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple blessed by Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, who subdued a demon near the temple with his “Thunderbolt of Wisdom” (his phallus)
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Beautiful buildings and stupa with an outstanding view over the valley.
Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang is high up on the valley side, about 15km drive from Punakha. It was founded in the mid 18th century.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits on the valley side, overlooking the Pho Chhu (river). Built in 2004, it requires a short walk uphill to reach.
View down towards Punakha, along the Pho Chhu, from Khamsum Yulley.
View up towards Gasa, along the Pho Chhu, from Khansum Yulley.
The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was built in 1638, was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2012, and now has been painstakingly rebuilt.
The heritage village of Wangdue Phodrang is on the valley side opposite the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Bajothang | New Town, recently built to be the administrative centre of Wangdue Phodrang.
gasa
Gasa Dzong was built in the 17th century, on the site of a meditation place, dating from 13th century. It was badly damaged by fire in 2008.
Gasa Dzong sits at 2,800m looking down on the Mo Chhu valley, and was built to protect from attacks from the north. The dzong is the administrative centre of Gasa.
Gasa is famous for its Snowman Trek, the Highlander festival, the hot springs and its Dzong. As well as its dramatic scenery (and weather).
If you are lucky you might get to see a game of Bhutanese darts in progress. The colourful sashes are a way of tracking the points scored.
When the target is hit, the team that has scored the point will dance and sing to celebrate and to good naturedly mock their opponents.
The Jigme Dorji National Park occupies most of the Gasa district, and is home to dramatic peaks, glaciers and many endangered species, including Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, and Red Pandas