The single most isolated country in the world, the Kingdom of Bhutan lies on the southern edge of the Himalayas. It is sandwiched between Tibet to the North and India to the South. However, for a country that takes pride in tourism and protection of the natural environment, there are very few roads in Bhutan. Know about the Bhutan road condition before you start to travel.
What to know about Bhutan roads!
After 1961 the First Development Plan for roads began with the 175 km road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Later it had a branch road linking to the main road of Paro.
The main road through Bhutan is the East-West Highway, locally known as the Lateral Road, which runs from Phuentsholing in southwest Bhutan to Trashigang in the East. This road is also connected to cities like Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. It is widely used for travel from East to West.
Wondering about the road conditions? Here is for you to know!
For nature sightseeing:
A hilly and mountainous country, Bhutan sits in the foothills and lower mountains of the Himalayas.
Roads usually go up and down the mountains, along valleys, and are often winding and dangerous to drive. They usually do not have more than one road. As it is not a place where high speeds can be maintained, hence driving at a slow pace is better.
For a perfect Paro, Thimphu and Punakha Tour:
The road between Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha is actually said to be one of the best roads in the kingdom, especially from Paro International Airport to Thimphu.
Inside the picturesque Paro Valley, the roads are smooth and easy to drive. You can surely make to the capital from the airport in around 1 hour 20 minutes.
For Mountain Biking:
Would you like to bike around Paro? Then you are lucky enough when it comes to road conditions. The roads in Paro are better than Thimphu. However, if you head out of Paro towards Northwest, the roads are half asphalt and half gravel which is perfect for biking.
The biking trail from Paro to Thimphu is an easy route for a beginner.
The main biking trail in Punakha through the Punakha Valley to the town of Wangdue Phodrang is not good as half of the route is paved.
For Trekking:
Getting to the Druk Path Trek is easy and simple but the roads are not. The road from the Paro center till Ta Dzong is asphalt halfway but mostly covered in silt and dirt.
Heading North from Paro, the road leading to Jomolhari trek, the Snowman Trek and Laya Gasa trek is relatively better with few rough patches. However, once you finish the road you will be still at a good distance away from Drukyel Monastery where the trek will start.
In recent times�The road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu has improved and all because of the increased tourism in the country.
The road from Gelephu to Thimphu is a 243-kilometer route which is well-constructed and is smooth.
If you want to enter Bhutan by traveling through Samdrup Jongkhar, the prepared to be disappointed with the Bhutan road condition.
Though still in the process of improving its road network, Bhutan will surely comfort the destination you will be heading to!
