Almost every visitor to Bhutan makes this journey twice: from the airport at Paro to the capital on arriving, and back again before leaving. It is 54 km and takes about an hour without stops.
The road
From Paro the road follows the Paro river downstream to the point where it meets the Thimphu river, then turns and climbs gently up that river's valley to the capital. It is the road that almost every visitor travels first.
Thimphu, at 2,334 m, is slightly higher than Paro, at about 2,250 m. You will not notice the difference.
Stops on the way
Tamchog Lhakhang
A small temple on the far bank of the Paro river, reached by a footbridge hung from iron chains. You can see it from the road. Entry is Nu. 500.
The meeting of the rivers
Where the two rivers join, the roads to Paro, Thimphu, Haa and the Indian border divide.
Simtokha Dzong
At the entrance to the Thimphu valley, a short way off the main road. It is one of the oldest dzongs in the country. Entry is free, and it is open from early morning to evening.
How to make the journey
- On a tour, your guide and driver meet you at the airport, and the drive is part of the first day.
- On your own, there is a taxi rank outside the airport. There is no public transport from it.
- By arrangement, we provide airport transfers for travellers who have made their own plans.
You cannot hire a car to drive yourself: vehicles in Bhutan come with a driver.
Paro first, or Thimphu first?
Most itineraries, including ours, drive straight to Thimphu on the day of arrival and leave Paro for the end. That way the walk to the Tiger's Nest, the hardest thing most visitors do, comes after several days at altitude and not on the first morning. It also puts you close to the airport on your last night.
The exception is a trip that does not come back, such as our 14-day tour, which leaves by road in the east. There Paro comes first.
