1Option
Operator vehicle with guide
The usual way. Stop at Dochu La for 30–60 minutes, more on a clear winter morning, then descend to Lobesa, where the road splits for Punakha and Wangdue. Many trips stop at Chimi Lhakhang on the way in.
Route · Bhutan
Thimphu to Punakha
The classic Bhutan drive: east from Thimphu up to Dochu La at about 3,100 m with its 108 chortens, then a long descent of about 1,900 m through forest to the warm rice valley of Punakha. About 2.5–3 hours plus stops.
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
Options compared
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operator vehicle with guide | 2.5–3 h | ₹4,000–6,000 for the vehicle |
| Public bus | 3–3.5 h | ₹150–300 a seat |
| Car plus Lumitsawa trail walk | 4–5 h | Vehicle cost only |
2Option
Public bus
Buses run between Thimphu and Punakha or Wangdue several times a day. Tourists need their licensed guide with them, whose fare you pay. It works for small budget groups who do not need a car in Punakha; check current status before you travel.
3Option
Car plus Lumitsawa trail walk
Walk the 4.7 km Lumitsawa ancient trail from Dochu La down through rhododendron forest, then rejoin your vehicle at the road. It adds about 2 hours and is best in March–April and October–November.
At each end
The two places
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
2,320 m · City · Bhutan
Thimphu
A capital without traffic lights, run from a dzong
Best Mar – Apr · Sep – Nov2 nights
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
1,200 m · Valley · Bhutan
Punakha
The old capital where two rivers meet below the dzong
Best Oct – Apr1–2 nights
Questions
Asked about this road
How long is the drive from Thimphu to Punakha?
About 72 km and 2.5–3 hours without stops. With a Dochu La stop and Chimi Lhakhang, plan 4–5 hours.
Do I need a permit to go from Thimphu to Punakha?
Punakha must be on your entry permit, and your licensed guide must be with you. Your operator arranges both. Check current status before you travel.
Is the road steep?
Yes, winding up to about 3,100 m at Dochu La and then descending about 1,900 m to Punakha. Take travel-sickness tablets if needed.
Can I see the Himalaya on this drive?
From Dochu La on clear days, mainly October to February, you can see Bhutan's high northern peaks including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m). Summer views are rare.
More in Bhutan
Other routes
Phuentsholing to ThimphuThe road from the plains to the capital climbs from about 300 m to 2,300 m in 5–6 hours, through the fog belt…150 kmParo to HaaBhutan's highest road climbs from the Paro valley through blue pine and rhododendron to Chele La at 3,988 m, …65 kmPunakha to Phobjikha (Gangtey)From the rice valley at 1,200 m, the road follows the river to Wangdue Phodrang, climbs the Lateral Road east…80 kmTrongsa to Bumthang (Jakar)A short, scenic drive east from Trongsa over Yotong La at about 3,400 m, through fir forest and the yathra-we…68 km