Getting Around in Bhutan: A Traveler’s Journey
By Arif
When I first started planning my trip to Bhutan, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The country seemed like a land straight out of a fairy tale—majestic mountains, vibrant monasteries, and a way of life that seemed untouched by time. But one thing kept swirling in my mind: How would I get around? How would I experience the beauty of Bhutan up close?
Let me take you through my journey, and how, in my own way, I discovered the best ways to get around this enchanting country.
One of the first things I learned upon arriving in Bhutan was that I wouldn’t be driving myself around. Foreigners can’t rent cars in Bhutan, which actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was booked on a guided tour, and as part of the package, I had a private car with a driver. At first, I thought, “Isn’t that a little too fancy?” But trust me, this turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.
The roads in Bhutan are not your typical highways. They are narrow, winding, and at times, nerve-wracking—especially when you’re driving through steep mountain passes. My driver, Dorji, was an absolute pro. I’ll never forget how, while navigating a particularly tricky turn, he smiled at me and said, “Don’t worry, I’ve driven this road thousands of times.” His calm energy made me feel completely at ease.
One of the most memorable moments was when we stopped at a small village during our drive from Thimphu to Punakha. The village was peaceful, with children playing in the fields and elderly people sitting outside their homes, chatting away. Dorji and I walked over to a woman who was weaving colorful scarves. She invited us in for tea, and I found myself sitting in her cozy home, sipping butter tea and chatting about life in Bhutan. It was moments like these—unexpected and warm—that made me fall in love with Bhutan even more.
For the next leg of my journey, I decided to take the bus from Thimphu to Paro. It was a bit of an adventure—I wanted to experience Bhutan like a local, and this was as local as it gets. The bus was crowded, but everyone was so kind. I remember an elderly woman sitting next to me, who kept offering me pieces of fruit and asking me about my life back home. She didn’t speak much English, but the conversation felt so genuine, despite the language barrier.
The ride was bumpy, and the road twisted and turned through the mountains. There were times I thought, “How are we going to make it through this?” But the view of the valley below was so stunning, it made every bump and twist worth it. I got to witness the rhythm of daily life in Bhutan, and that’s something you can’t get from a private car. The bus was far from luxurious, but it gave me an authentic taste of Bhutanese life.
One evening in Paro, I needed a quick ride to a restaurant. I waved down a taxi, and as we drove through the small town, the driver and I started chatting. He told me how Paro is a popular destination for Bhutanese families during festivals. I asked him about the best places to visit, and he pointed out a few spots I hadn’t heard about before. “Go see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong,” he told me. “It’s beautiful and less crowded than Tiger’s Nest.” So, the next day, I took his advice, and it ended up being one of the most peaceful places I visited in Bhutan.
The taxis are not metered, so it’s important to agree on the fare before you get in. The ride was short but gave me a taste of the local pace. The quiet streets of Paro, with the towering peaks of the Himalayas in the background, made for a ride I won’t forget anytime soon.
I didn’t get a chance to ride a motorbike during my trip, but I couldn’t help but be captivated by the bikers I saw along the way. One morning, I was having breakfast at a small guesthouse in Punakha when I spotted a group of motorcyclists gearing up for their trek through the mountains. They were all wearing leather jackets, and I overheard them talking about the thrill of riding along the winding roads to the remote village of Wangduephodrang.
I couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it must feel to ride a motorbike through Bhutan’s dramatic mountain landscapes. If you’re into adventure, this is definitely something I’d recommend trying. The wind, the open road, and those jaw-dropping views—I can only imagine how exhilarating it must be.
One of the most unforgettable experiences was my flight to Bumthang. As we flew over the Himalayas, I was in awe of the rugged mountains and the valleys below. The flight wasn’t long, but the views were unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The pilot banked the plane just enough for us to catch a glimpse of some snow-capped peaks, and for a moment, I felt like I was in a dream.
The domestic flights in Bhutan are small, and the weather can be unpredictable, so they’re not the most reliable form of transport. But if you have the chance, definitely try to get a seat by the window. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Some of the most breathtaking experiences I had in Bhutan were while walking. I’ll never forget the trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike was tough, especially with the steep climbs, but the moment I reached the monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, it all became worth it. Standing there, looking out over the valley, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and accomplishment.
Bhutan is made for walking. Whether it’s a short walk through a village or a multi-day trek through the mountains, it’s the best way to truly connect with the land and its people. The quietness, the serenity, the sense of being away from the rush of the world—it’s something you can’t experience through a taxi or bus. It’s something you have to feel with your own two feet.
Getting around Bhutan was an adventure in itself. From the comfort of my private car with Dorji, to the bus ride where I connected with locals, each mode of transport offered something unique. Bhutan isn’t just about the places you visit; it’s about the journey to get there.
The roads may be winding, but each turn brings you closer to the heart of Bhutan. And in the end, that’s what makes it so special. If you ever get the chance to visit, remember to slow down and enjoy the ride—you’ll be amazed at the stories you’ll collect along the way.
