A road trip to Bhutan is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of this Himalayan kingdom. With its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and glimpses of the snow-fed mountains, Bhutan offers a journey that cannot be captured with a camera. From the towering Himalayas to the serene valleys, the country is home to some of the scenic routes that will leave you captivated.
Although Bhutan does not offer its visitors to explore the country without a valid permit, you can contact local tour operators in Bhutan who can help you with arranging the permits for your vehicle. Whether you want to experience the thrill of adventure, immerse yourself in the local culture or create lasting memories a Bhutan road trip is all you need. In this blog, we will be discussing how you can take a road trip through scenic routes of Bhutan along with factors that you need to consider for a seamless drive.
Planning Your Bhutan Road Trip
A road trip to Bhutan can be exciting but it is essential to have proper planning before embarking on the journey to avoid any kind of issues. Bhutan is strict with government policies and norms when it comes to tourism; therefore you need to address some of the factors before getting on a road trip.
- Permits and Visas
Acquiring a visa and permit before a road trip is necessary so that you don’t have to waste your time in long queues or waiting periods. You can also get help from the best tour operator in Bhutan who can help you get your permits avoiding long waiting queues.
- Transportation Options
Although Bhutan is surrounded by valleys and mountains, the country can be easily travelled with various transportation modes. Taking a flight to Paro International Airport is one of the best ways to travel to Bhutan; however, you can take rental cabs which can be a cost-effective way to travel Bhutan.
- Itinerary Planning
When visiting Bhutan it is crucial to discuss with your tour operator regarding the tour itineraries that will help you to plan your trip accordingly. You may also discuss some of the popular routes that you want to cover based on which your tour operator will plan your trips.
- Best Time to Visit
Bhutan is open for tourism all around the year therefore you need to consider the best time for your journey. While summers are the best time to visit and explore the hilly regions, winter tends to get chilly but offers a pleasant climate condition for road trips.
Scenic Routes to Explore in Bhutan
Bhutan is steeped with breathtaking landscapes and a blissful climate that offers a variety of scenic routes ideal for road trip enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular and picturesque routes to explore.
1. Paro
Perched on top of the Paro Valley, the region is surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas that offer an immersive travelling experience especially if you are travelling by road.
2. Thimphu
The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is home to some of the most scenic routes that attract travel enthusiasts all around the year. The Thimphu – Punakha and Paro-Thimphu highway is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads to travel on.
3. Dochula Pass
Considered one of the highest motorable passes in the country, Dochula Pass offers panoramic views of the nearby valleys and glimpses of Himalayan peaks that are eye-pleasing for every traveller.
4. Bumthang Valley
An isolated valley located in the central part of Bhutan, Bumthang valleys is known for its lush greenery and stunning landscapes that are sure to elevate your road trip. Located on the ancient glaciers, these regions are known for their blissful climatic conditions and clean roads that should not be missed during your trip to Bhutan.
5. Punakha Valley
Connect with the capital city of Thimphu via highway; the valley of Punakha has been one of the most preferred scenic routes among road trip enthusiasts.
6. Chele La Pass
One of the highest motorable passes in the country, the Chele La Pass is known for its clean road, hairpin bends and stunning views that attract adventure and travel enthusiasts from all over the world.
Tips for a Smooth Road Trip
Road trips are exciting and offer cherishable memories however, your entire journey can get spoiled due to a few essential factors. Following are some of the most important factors and tips that you might need to consider when planning to embark on a road trip with your friends to explore the majestic beauty of Bhutan.
- Plan your routes
Make a proper plan for your routes with the help of local tour operators; here you can highlight common routes along with whether the conditions are good enough for travelling.
- Accommodation Options
Explore various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly homestays. While luxury hotels will offer you relaxing and premium stays, booking homestays will let you connect with local life in a better way.
- Fuel Up Regularly
When it comes to travelling in Bhutan by roadways it is important to fuel your vehicles regularly as in some places you may not find fuel pumps which can affect your overall travelling experience. You can also consider using cans to store extra fuel for a seamless road trip.
- Local Customs and Etiquette
When travelling to Bhutan you need to make sure to follow basic etiquette based on the diverse regions. Your tour operator can also guide you in interacting with local people and learning more about the traditions and culture of the country.
- Take regular breaks
Road trips can be tiring especially if the road trip includes off-road paths and crossing through twists and turns. Regular breaks not only help to relax but also allow you to stretch and provide rest to your vehicle which can result in a smoother and seamless riding experience.
- Follow traffic rules
Although Bhutan does not have any traffic lights, they use a traffic man who guides the traffic. You need to follow the rules and maintain safe distance from nearby vehicles to avoid any kind of mishappenings which may disrupt your travelling experience.
A road trip to Bhutan is not just a normal journey but it allows you to travel back in time witnessing historic sites, iconic landmarks and scenic landscapes amidst a peaceful environment that is hard to explain in words. Whether you are travelling with a rental car from our tour operators in Bhutan or taking your personal vehicle, it is always necessary to make proper plans and take frequent breaks between your journeys for a seamless and hassle-free travelling experience.
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