Route permits are required to travel around Bhutan, and there are check posts in most districts east and north of Thimphu where you are required to produce these documents in order to proceed. Route permits are processed by your local tour operator on applying for your visa. These permits are issued by the immigration office in Thimphu (Northern end of Norzin Lam).

The roads that cross the country are characterized by their twists, turns, and steep inclines, but despite the difficult topography, they are generally very well-maintained and safe. Local and inter-district bus services are not so comfortable and stop frequently. Your local tour operator will provide a vehicle and driver for the duration of your stay. This cost is included in the daily tariff. However, traveling by local or inter-district bus or taxi can also be organized. It is not recommended that you drive in Bhutan only if you have experience on driving in mountainous regions. The quality of road surface is variable with endless mountainous hairpin bends. It is recommended that you pack travel sickness tablets.

As the public transport running between towns in Bhutan is infrequent, hitching is a very common way to get around. The thumb in the air symbol, however, is not recognized, and you will need to flag down a passing vehicle in order to get one to stop. NB: As some drivers pick up passengers as a means of supplementing their incomes, it is customary to offer payment when getting out of the vehicle (the amount depends roughly on the distance, but it will be comparable to the cost of traveling by bus). However, most drivers require nothing, and are more than happy just to have some company and the opportunity to make a new friend. If you plan to hitch a lot (and in some rural areas there is no other way to get around), it is a good idea to take a few small gifts to offer the drivers as an expression of your appreciation.

Due to the mountainous terrain, roads are frequently blocked by rock falls during the summer season. Therefore, it is best to avoid traveling long distances from the beginning of June to the end of August. However, if you must travel at this time, carry ample bottled water and snacks as if the landslide occurs it could take some time to clear the road.

At an altitude of 3750 meters, the section of road that runs through the Thrumshingla Pass connecting Bumthang and Mongar is the highest in the country and offers some spectacular scenery. However, due to the steep sides of the valley it is especially susceptible to rock falls, so be prepared for long waits during the wet periods in particular.

While there are ample restaurants on highways between main towns and the hygiene standards at such places is acceptable, the quality of the food is very low and the choice of dishes limited. In addition, the dining halls offer an environment no better than a bus station waiting room. Therefore, it is generally better to prepare food and refreshment for the journey at the point of departure.

Distance Chart of Bhutan

From	To	Approx. Distance (Km)	Approx. Driving Time
Paro	Thimphu	65 kms	01 hour
Paro	Haa	65 kms	1.5 - 02 hours
Thmphu	Haa	115 kms	03 - 04 hours
Thimphu	Phuentsholing	176 kms	07 - 08 hours
Thimphu	Wangduephodrang	70 kms	03 hours
Thimphu	Punakha	77 kms	03 hours
Thimphu	Phobjhika (Gangtey)	135 kms	5.5 - 06 hours
Punakha	Wangduephodrang	13 kms	45 minutes
Punakha	Gangtey (Phobjikha)	78 kms	03 hours
Punakha	Bumthang	212 kms	08 hours
Bumthang	Gangtey (Phobjikha)	188 kms	05 - 06 hours
Gangtey (Phobjikha)	Trongsa	120 kms	4.1/2 - 05 hours
Gangtey	Wangduephodrang	65 kms	2.5 - 03 hours
Trongsa	Wangduephodrang	129 kms	4.5 - 05 hours
Trongsa	Punakha	142 kms	06 hours
Trongsa	Bumthang	68 kms	02 hours
Bumthang	Mongar	198 kms	07 - 08 hours
Mongar	Lhuentse	76 kms	03 hours
Mongar	Trashigang	91 kms	03 - 04 hours
Trashigang	Chorten Kora	52 kms	02 hours
Trashigang	Samdrup Jongkhar	180 kms	07 hours
Trashigang	Trashiyangtshe	55 kms	02 hours