How to get around in Bhutan?
In Bhutan, travel is exclusively by car with driver as self-drive rentals are not available for foreigners. For long distances, a few domestic flights connect Paro, Bumthang, and Trashigang.
Mandatory road transport with a driver
Foreigners cannot rent a car in Bhutan and must travel with a local driver-guide. This regulation is part of the country's tourism policy.
Bhutanese roads are narrow and winding, snaking through the Himalayan mountains, but they effectively connect the main inhabited valleys of the kingdom.
Domestic flights for long distances
To avoid long mountain road trips, Bhutan offers limited domestic flights :
- Paro : main international airport
- Bumthang : center of the country
- Trashigang : east Bhutan
These domestic air connections save time on long distances.
Key takeaways
All transportation is included in the mandatory travel package in Bhutan. Your local agency organizes all transport according to your itinerary.