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Paro to Punakha Distance: About 124 km or 77 miles
Paro to Punakha Distance: The journey from Paro to Punakha covers an approximate distance of 77 miles (124 kilometers). This is the distance when taking the main route, the Phuentsholing-Thimphu Highway (National Highway 2). Check your Bhutan Map.
Travel time from Paro to Punakha: 4 to 7 Hours
Travel Time from Paro to Punakha can fluctuate based on the mode of transportation, traffic conditions, and any stops made en route. For instance, a private car journey could span 4-6 hours, while a bus trip from Paro to Punakha might extend to around 7 hours due to the need to switch buses at Thimphu.
Paro to Punakha Road Condition: Mostly Smooth
The road linking Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha is well-regarded in Bhutan. The stretch from Paro International Airport to Thimphu has been upgraded to a two-lane highway. This frequently traveled route of about 51 kilometers enables visitors to reach the capital from the airport in roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
The road from Thimphu to Punakha, despite being referred to as a "highway," isn't as well-maintained. It consists of a mix of older paved sections and dirt or gravel tracks, covering a distance of 75 kilometers (45 miles).
Paro to Punakha Transportation: Choose Accordingly
| Feature | Private Car | Taxi | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Highest | High | Low |
| Cost | Highest ($100-$120/day) | High ($100-$150) | Lowest ($10-$40) |
| Travel Time | Fastest (2-3 hours) | Fast (2-3 hours) | Slowest (7-9 hours, switching bus at Thimphu included) |
| Convenience | Most convenient, door-to-door | Convenient, readily available | Less convenient, fixed schedule, stops |
| Suitability for: | Groups, spontaneous stops, comfort | Solo travelers, convenience, sightseeing | Budget travelers, local experience |
| Additional tips: | Local Driver is needed, foreign visitors are not allowed to drive on their own with rental cars | Driver can provide information | Affordable, mingle with locals. Need to Switch Bus at Thimphu |
Paro to Punakha by Private Car: Bhutan Travel at Your Own Pace
Renting a private car for the Paro to Punakha journey offers the most flexibility, allowing you to dictate your own pace and make stops at interesting locations. The rental cost is typically around $100-$120 per day, excluding fuel.
Please note: In Bhutan, foreign travelers are generally not permitted to rent a car and drive independently. The usual practice is to rent a car that comes with a driver.
Paro to Punakha by Taxi: Taxi Fare can be Costly
Taxi fares for Paro to Punakha journey can be expensive. The taxi fare from Paro to Punakha can exceed car rental costs, ranging from $100-$150 for the one-way trip. Local taxi services are available in Paro. For long-distance trips, like the Paro to Punakha distance of 77 miles (124 kilometers), they operate on a flat rate that is rarely negotiable.
Bhutan has a fleet of shared taxis that shuttle between the major towns. These small cars charge per passenger and depart when full. You can book your taxi through the Bhutan Taxi Association website or opt for a shared taxi.
Paro to Punakha by Bus: Must Change Bus in Thimphu
When traveling from Paro to Punakha by Bus A bus change is required in Thimphu. The bus journey covering the Paro to Punakha distance of approximately 130 km can be quite challenging due to the winding roads and crowded conditions of public buses, often leading to discomfort and motion sickness. Private buses, such as those operated by Dhug, Metho, CEE DEE, and Sernya, offer a more comfortable journey with their 30-seater buses.
To travel from Paro to Punakha, one must take a bus to Thimphu. The best option would be to depart Paro early in the morning and reach Thimphu by noon. After a 3-hour break in Thimphu, one could take the 2 PM bus operated by CEE DEE transport and reach Punakha by 4 PM. Your can get from Thimphu to Punakha as the second half of your Bhutan journey.
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Paro to Punakha Route: Mostly Highway all the Way
Paro to Punakha Route: The route is primarily highway. Take the Paro - Thimphu Hwy to AH48/Bumthang - Ura Hwy/Phuentsholing - Thimphu Hwy/Phuntsholing - Thimphu Hwy for 32 min (23.2 km). This road meanders through beautiful valleys and offers stunning mountain views.
Follow the Phuentsholing - Thimphu Hwy/Phuntsholing - Thimphu Hwy and PNH1 to Lobesa - Metsina for 2 hr 4 min (77.6 km). This section offers a mix of valleys, forests, and the Mo Chhu River.
Take the Punakha - Wangdue Rd/Trashigang-Semtokha Hwy to your destination in Punakha.
Places Worth Stopping by from Paro to Punakha
- Dochula Pass: Hike to the 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines) or visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang for panoramic views. Time to spend: 20-30 minutes.
- Chimi Lhakhang: Spin the prayer wheel for good luck or try the "fertility arrows" for a blessing. Time to spend: 20-30 minutes.
- Tamshing Lhakhang: This cliffside temple offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience.
- Punakha Suspension Bridge: Take a walk across this longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering stunning river views. Time to spend: 20-30 minutes.
- Buddha Dordenma: The Buddha Dordenma is the biggest Buddha Statue in Bhutan, an iconic landmark situated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. Time to spend: 20-30 minutes.
- Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (If taking detour via Wangdue Phodrang): Another majestic dzong, offering stunning views of the valley. Time to spend: 30-60 minutes.
- Mo Chhu River: Stop for a picnic lunch by the river and soak in the tranquility of the valley. Time to spend: 30-60 minutes.
- Punakha Dzong: This majestic dzong, a fortress-monastery, is a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter capital of Bhutan. Time to spend: 1-2 hours.
- Wangdue Phodrang: Discover a lively town center with a vibrant market and a majestic dzong. Time to spend: 1-2 hours.
- Simtokha Dzong: Immerse yourself in history at the remarkable "Fortress of the Iron Bird." Recommended time: 20-30 minutes.
- Nature Walks: Experience the invigorating mountain air and observe rare birds in Jigme Dorji National Park. Recommended time: Half a day or longer.
How to Plan Road Trip from Paro to Punakha
Upon arriving at Paro airport, you can spend one or two days in Paro before departing for Punakha. The iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery) is definitely not to be missed on your Bhutan trip!
Then, if you would like to explore Bhutan on the ground, take the bus to Thimphu where you switch buses for Punakha. Well, since you are already in the heart of Bhutan, spend at least 1 to 3 days exploring Thimphu and its surrounding area.
Should you wish to go straight to Punakha, where the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong, is located, take a private car or go by taxi. And of course, there's no stopping you from visiting Thimphu as well, like traveling by bus.
Add-ons (1 to 2 days if time allows): Remember to include Gangtey and Bhumtang in your itinerary. Gangtey is known for its stunning landscapes and the Gangtey Monastery, while Bhumtang is famous for its four mountain valleys and numerous ancient temples and sacred sites.
Trekking in Bhutan is highly recommended, given its pristine and untouched landscapes. With the comprehensive services offered by the Bhutan tourism industry, it's advisable to allocate at least 1 or 2 days to explore this landscape of happiness!
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Treat Yourself with Luxury Hotels Along the way from Paro to Punakha:
- Intimate Getaway, Spark Romance : 7 Days Como Uma Bhutan Luxury Tour>>
- Mixed Vibe, Premium All the Way: 7 Days Bhutan Luxury Tour - Le Meridien & COMO Uma>>
- Serene Valley, Share Universe with Wildlife Creatures 8 Days Luxury Tour with Gangtey>>
Bhutan is Also a Perfect Destination for Loving Couples to have Wedding, Honeymoon, intimate get-away.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Road to Happiness in Bhutan
Bhutan is probably the most pristine landscape you can find on earth. Everything here is so unique and unspoiled. For instance, Bhutan is probably the only country in the world without traffic lights. Therefore, the traffic in Bhutan can be a bit overwhelming for first-time travelers. Intercity buses are not that comfy and readily available. Renting cars, taking taxis would require a bit of research. Especially when you rent a car, you would still have to hire a local Bhutanese driver instead of driving it on your own, as regulations require.
Hence, booking your trip through a reputable travel agency for an all-inclusive, hassle-free travel solution seems to be a perfect choice for visitors in the land of happiness, Bhutan.
Asia Odyssey Travel has been actively introducing Bhutan to the world, opening up an amazing journey for those who seek a unique trip to Bhutan. We know the hidden gems, the permit tricks, and the best deals. We will be there all the way so you can focus on soaking in the scenery and making cherished memories. We offer comprehensive services as your outstanding travel agency. Moreover, we act as a reliable travel companion on your journey to inner peace and happiness. Plan your lifetime Bhutan journey with AOT. Contact us now, let's embrace happiness in Bhutan together!
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