Thimphu to Punakha
Your options
Ways to make the journey
2.5–3 h
Leave Thimphu by 8 am for the best chance of a clear view from Dochula, where on good mornings in October to February the snow peaks of the eastern Himalaya line up to the north. Stop for tea and the 108 chortens, then drive down past Lampelri and the rice terraces of Lobesa. Many plans add Chimi Lhakhang before checking in to Punakha.
3–3.5 h
For groups of 7–15, a minibus is the cheapest per person. It is slower on the hairpins up to Dochula and down to Lobesa, so allow an extra half-hour. The guide rules and route permit are the same, and the group can share one guide.
Worth a stop
- Hongtsho checkpoint (permits checked)
- Dochula pass, 108 chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
- Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri
- Lobesa rice terraces
- Chimi Lhakhang, a 20-minute walk from the road
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the drive from Thimphu to Punakha
About 2.5–3 hours for the 72–76 km, including a stop at Dochula. The road climbs to the pass at about 3,100 m and then descends about 1,800 m to the Punakha valley through forest. Fog on Dochula and roadworks can add time. Leave early in the morning for the clearest views from the pass.
Can you see the Himalaya from Dochula
Yes, on clear days, mostly from October to February in the early morning. The eastern Himalayan range, including Gangkhar Puensum, can be seen to the north. In spring the views are hazier, and in the monsoon months the pass is often in cloud. Leave Thimphu by 8 am for the best chance.
Do I need a permit to go from Thimphu to Punakha
Yes, Indian visitors need a route permit for Punakha, which the immigration office in Thimphu issues on working days. Your operator arranges it with your Entry Permit and itinerary, and permits are checked at Hongtsho. International visitors' itineraries are permitted through their operator. A licensed guide is required. Check current status before you travel.
Is the road from Thimphu to Punakha good
Yes, it is a paved two-lane highway, widened in recent years, though with many bends on both sides of Dochula. People who get carsick should sit in front and take a tablet before leaving. In winter, early mornings on the pass can be icy, and snow occasionally slows traffic. Check current status before you travel.