Bhutan route: Thimphu to Trongsa Dzong, 9 places to see
Explore Bhutan's most significant cultural and natural landmarks on this route through the Kingdom of Happiness. Visit the capital Thimphu, the sacred Paro Taktsang monastery, the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress, and continue through Wangdue Phodrang, Gangtey Monastery, and Phobjikha Valley to reach the historic Trongsa Dzong in eastern Bhutan.
- Distance
- 176.0 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Thimphu
- End
- Trongsa Dzong
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Thimphu — Capital city of Bhutan in the Himalayan foothills.
- Paro Valley — Gateway to Bhutan with its international airport.
- Paro Taktsang — Iconic cliffside Buddhist monastery perched above Paro Valley.
- Punakha Dzong — Stunning fortress-monastery at the confluence of two rivers.
- Punakha — Former capital city nestled in a fertile valley.
- Wangdue Phodrang — Historic town perched above the Phobjikha Valley.
- Gangtey Monastery — Ancient Buddhist monastery in the scenic Phobjikha Valley.
- Phobjikha Valley — Wide glacial valley known for pristine landscapes and black-necked cranes.
- Trongsa Dzong — Imposing fortress overlooking the Mangde Valley.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Landing at Paro International Airport involves a challenging approach with tight proximity to mountains and difficult runway positioning; pilots are trained for this and it is normal procedure.
- Transport
- A new road to Laya was completed 2-3 years ago; previously it took an additional 2 days to reach Laya from Gasa. The current road is rough and requires 2 hours of driving.
- Transport
- The trek to Laya involves a 4-hour hike on muddy trails; trails become very slippery after rain. Watch for horse traffic on narrow sections; move to the mountain side when pack horses approach.
- Avoid
- Recent landslides can block roads in Bhutan, making certain destinations inaccessible on short notice; check road conditions with local guides before planning specific routes.
- Timing
- Laya receives very few tourists; check with local guides about seasonal accessibility. Roads may be compromised by landslides and weather conditions.
- Tip
- Bhutan limits the number of visitors allowed in the country each year and has only been open to foreigners since the late 20th century; plan travel well in advance.
- Tip
- Bring gifts for remote areas: pencils and toothbrushes are highly appreciated in isolated villages where such items are difficult to obtain.
- Food
- Try roasted rice and yak cheese during village visits. Yak cheese (4-5 months aged) is hard; suck on it first to soften before chewing.
- Tip
- When visiting villages, present a ceremonial scarf (available at airports/tourist areas) as a welcome gesture; this is a traditional Bhutanese custom.
- Where to stay
- Stay at guest houses in remote areas like Laya; these provide warm accommodations and local hospitality. Reserve in advance as options are limited.
- Transport
- A high-altitude trek to Laya requires acclimatization; even people living at high altitude in Colorado experience difficulty at these elevations. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks.
- Tip
- Hire a local guide company for safe and informed travel; guides provide context about prayer flags, dzongs, local customs, and can navigate challenging terrain and weather.
Video on this route
Inside the Himalayan Kingdom of Happiness | Bhutan