Paro to Thimphu: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2025/2026

Paro and Thimphu are the top destinations in Bhutan, where you can experience the rich culture and history of this Buddhist kingdom.

Since Paro is the only international gateway to Bhutan and Thimphu is the capital city, the journey from Paro to Thimphu is a great part of any Bhutan tour itinerary, passing through stunning valleys.

Here, you can check the ultimate guide on how to travel from Paro to Thimphu, from how to get there to the best sights along the way. Make your next trip to Bhutan smoother and more enjoyable with this guide now.

Where are Paro and Thimphu in Bhutan?

Paro is the international gateway to Bhutan. The city in the western part of the country has the only international airport in Bhutan and is the most common starting point for a tour to Bhutan. The city is surrounded by green valleys, rivers, and high mountains where you can find Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the cliffs.

Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is around 50 km east of Paro. The distance from Paro International Airport to Thimphu is 47.1 kilometers. Not only is Thimphu home to monasteries, temples, and museums, but it is also the cultural, political, and commercial center of Bhutan. In Thimphu, you can see a unique blend of traditional and modern as locals embrace new ideas while preserving their heritage.

How to Travel from Paro to Thimphu?

The only way to get from Paro to Thimphu is to travel by road. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive the 65 km route. The route travels along a well-maintained asphalt road for a safe and comfortable driving experience.

From the Paro Valley, the road follows the Pa Chhu River before joining the Wang Chhu River near Chuzom. It then gradually starts to climb to reach the higher altitude of Thimphu at around 2,400 meters. Despite being relatively short, it’s a scenic drive that passes through diverse landscapes.

The road from Paro to Thimphu remains open year-round, but monsoon rains from June to September can cause occasional delays. So, the best time to visit Bhutan, including the overland journey from Paro to Thimphu, is spring and autumn, when conditions are mild and sunny.

Is It Possible to Take a Taxi from Paro Airport to Thimphu?

Taxis are available at Paro International Airport to take you to Thimphu. In Bhutan, taxis don’t have meters, but the average cost for the trip is around 18-20 USD.

However, independent taxi travel is not an option for most international travelers.

According to the local regulations, international tourists need to book a pre-arranged Bhutan tour through a licensed local tour operator. The private guide and driver will be included in the package.

So, upon your arrival in Paro, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. This is a more enjoyable and hassle-free way to travel from Paro to Thimphu.

What to See on the Way from Paro to Thimphu?

There is a surprising amount to see on the short drive from Paro to Thimphu. If you’re not in a hurry, stop for some of the sites along the way to see some incredible views and rural scenes.

Tachog Lhakhang and its iron chain bridge stand beside the highway soon after leaving Paro. This small temple. It was built in the 15th century by the Thangtong Gyalpo overlooking a turquoise river. You can walk across the reconstructed chain bridge to reach the temple.

Chuzom, the confluence of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers, is marked by three different styles of chorten, or stupas. Each stupa reflects a distinct Buddhist tradition: Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese. They symbolize Bhutan’s links to the wider Himalayan region.

The countryside along the road is lined with small villages, terraced fields, and orchards. Farmers work in traditional dress, and clusters of prayer flags flutter in the wind. As you approach Thimphu, pine forests replace the open valley, and the mountains rise higher.

Trek from Paro to Thimphu? Follow the Popular Drum Path Trek

Trekking is another popular way to get from Paro to Thimphu. The famous Druk Path Trek follows an ancient trading path over mountain ridges, connecting the two valleys through remote highland landscapes.

It’s a 5-6 day trek from Paro to Thimphu, done at a leisurely pace. Each day you’ll cover 5-11 km in around 3-5 hours of trekking. The Druk Path Trek is classified as a ‘medium’ difficulty trek because of the elevation it reaches. Labana La Pass at 4,235 m is the highest point, but the trek can be done by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Besides the amazing views, there are some great highlights along the trek from Paro to Thimphu. Ta Dzong is the premier museum of Bhutan. Dating back to 1649, it was originally a watchtower built to protect Paro Dzong, but now stands as the National Museum of Bhutan. You can see beautiful lakes like Jimilang Tscho from Langye Ja La Pass at 4,070 meters, and Janye Tscho surrounded by Rhododendron trees.

The best time to take the Druk Path trek is from late March to June and from September to mid-November. These months bring clear skies and dry trails. Winter snow can make some passes difficult, while summer monsoons bring heavy rains, making the trails muddy and slippery.

How to Plan a Paro Thimphu Tour?

It is highly recommended to travel directly to Thimphu after arriving, spend two or three nights exploring the capital, then return to Paro for sightseeing and departure.

Generally, a four-day Bhutan tour can take you to explore the highlights of Thimphu and Paro. In Thimphu, key attractions include the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma statue. In Paro, highlights include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum.

If you want a deeper experience, extend the trip to seven or more days. With the extra days, you can add trekking experiences, day trips to Punakha, or visits to smaller valleys like Haa or Phobjikha.

No matter what you want to experience or how you want to travel from Paro to Thimphu, feel free to contact us. At Bhutan Vista, we will help you arrange everything from the necessary visa to accommodations and transportation. We’ll ensure you have a smooth journey every step of the way.

Conclusion

Traveling from Paro to Thimphu is an essential part for all trips to Bhutan, as it is the only way from the international airport to the capital city in Bhutan.

You can travel between the two cities on the short, scenic route, or try the Druk Path Trek for an up-close experience of the beautiful landscapes.

The transfer from Paro to Thimphu is always included in your Bhutan tour package. Feel free to tailor your own way to travel with us. Our local experience as a licensed tour operator will ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Bhutan.