Bhutan Altitude and Distance Guide - Travel Time & Elevation

Bhutan is a land of mountains, valleys, and winding scenic roads. Unlike flat-country travel, distances here are not just about kilometers - they're about elevation, road conditions, and travel time.

This guide helps you understand how far Bhutan's key destinations are from one another, what altitudes to expect, and how to plan your trip accordingly.

Average Altitudes of Major Tourist Destinations

Destination	Altitude (Meters)	Travel Feel
Paro	~2,200 m	Cool & crisp mountain air
Thimphu	~2,334 m	Moderate elevation, comfortable
Punakha	~1,200 m	Warmer, lower valley
Phuentsholing	~300 m	Subtropical & humid
Dochula Pass	~3,100 m	High mountain pass
Bumthang	~2,600–2,800 m	Higher altitude, cooler climate
Haa Valley	~2,700 m	Remote, cold in winter
Gangtey (Phobjikha)	~2,900 m	Open glacial valley, cold at night
Chele La Pass	~3,988 m	Highest motorable road in Bhutan

Driving Distances & Approximate Travel Time

From – To	Distance (Approx.)	Travel Time
Paro – Thimphu	55 km	1.5 to 2 hrs
Thimphu – Punakha	75 km	2.5 to 3.5 hrs (via Dochula)
Paro – Punakha	125 km	4 to 5 hrs
Paro – Haa Valley	65 km	2.5 to 3 hrs (via Chele La Pass)
Punakha – Phobjikha	80 km	3 to 4 hrs
Paro – Phuentsholing	160 km	5.5 to 6.5 hrs
Thimphu – Bumthang	270 km	8 to 10 hrs (via multiple passes)
Punakha – Bumthang	215 km	7 to 8 hrs
Paro – Bumthang (by flight)	N/A	~35 mins (domestic flight)

Bhutan's roads are winding and often narrow, especially through the mountains. Travel time depends more on road condition and altitude shifts than on straight-line distance.

Travel Tips Based on Altitude & Distance

Plan rest days if you’re visiting multiple high-altitude places (like Bumthang or Gangtey)
Hydrate well and move slowly if you're not used to elevation above 2,500 meters
For travelers prone to altitude issues, avoid spending the first night above 3,000 m
Start long drives early in the day - daylight travel is safer and scenic

Bhutan's Geography is Part of the Experience

You won’t just travel from point A to point B in Bhutan - you'll pass through mountain passes, prayer-flag-lined ridges, and deep river valleys, each with its own beauty and rhythm.

That’s why we design every itinerary with realistic drive times, rest stops, and pacing to suit your comfort.

Need Help Planning the Route?

Let us map your Bhutan journey with the right balance of scenic drives, altitude transitions, and overnight stays - so it’s not just efficient, but enjoyable.