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Bhutan Travel Map

June,10 2023 BY Kham Sang 0 COMMENTS

Hidden beneath the armpit of lofty eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is like nowhere else in the world. It’s High Value and Low Volume tourism policy shields this secluded Himalayan Kingdom from the downside of massive tourism development. You travel in an enchanting Himalayan kingdom, where pristine forests account for over 70% of its territory and hospitable locals take great pride in their Gross National Happiness.

With majestic dezong fortress, cliff-side Buddhist retreat, and action-packed Himalayan treks and diverse folk heritage and dramatic Tshechu festivities, it deserves the reputation as the last Shangri-La in our modern world. So, where on earth is this earthly heaven located and what to expect for Bhutan tour? Let’s find out together in the following easy-to-use Bhutan travel and tourist maps.

Where is Bhutan Located on the World Map?

The Location of Bhutan on the World Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Bhutan Location Map

Basic Facts about Bhutan and Bhutan Travel

Capital: Thimphu
Total Area: 38,394 km2
Forest Area: 72.5%
Population: 797,765
Life Expectancy: 66 years
National Animal: Takin
Minimum Tariff: 250 USD/day

Altitude: 240m-7541m
Language: Dezongkhaand English
Religious Belief: Vajrayana Buddhism, animism
Currency: Ngultrum (Nu.)
National Sport: Archery
National Flower: Blue Poppy
Way of Travel: Organized Group/Private Tour

Facts about the Geography of Bhutan

Overall, Bhutan is a landlocked country, neighboring Tibet to its north and India to its south. Though small in size (around 38394 sq km), Bhutan's mountainous terrain and biodiversity allure a growing number of global outdoor enthusiasts to take explore this unspoiled land to the eastern end of majestic Himalayas.

Bhutan Geographical MapBhutan Geographical Map

Quite similar to Nepal, the northern part of Bhutan is dominated by perpetually snowy Himalayan peaks. The extreme altitude (ranging from 5000m to 7000m) and stunning mountain vista offer no better place for trekking and adventure. Travel with an experienced Bhutanese mountain guide and the best time to visit in northern region is from April to June and Sept. to Nov.

The central part of Bhutan accounts for half of Bhutan's territory. This region features intricate river system and fertile valley regions, with an altitude ascending from 2000m to 5000m. The rich land is home to the most of Bhutanese people and massive pristine forest. Some of the big names are known as Haa Valley and Paro Valley and Thimphu Valley and Punakha Valley and the Bumtang Valley where landmark attractions like Taktshang Goemba and Chelia La Pass (3810m) and Paro Dezong, Punakha Dezong, etc can be found. Generally do avoid the monsoon season (Jun to Aug.) to visit.

While the southern part of Bhutan (with an elevation below 2000m) consists of part of rolling hills of Himalayas and Duārs Plain. The dense subtropical forest and ample rainfall annually (2000mm-5000mm) and broad river banks make it a perfect habitat for the wildlife. There are a number of national parks to tour and a famous one is Royal Manas National Park. In a country where towering crags and steep hills make up a large part of the country, the limited arable land ( only 2% of the country ) in the south is considered so precious in this small hilly country.

Bhutan Elevation/Altitude Map

Despite most of the kingdom being at altitudes of above 3,500 meters, it is only in the northernmost areas of the kingdom that the altitude reaches more than 5,000 meters. The terrain in Bhutan is much like that of Nepal, with high mountains topping 6,000 meters and 7,000 meters to the north, along the Tibetan border, and getting increasingly lower towards the center and south of the country.

Altitude rising higher increasingly from south Bhutan to its northern part(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Altitude rising higher increasingly from south Bhutan to its northern part.

Most of the valleys in Bhutan are below 2,500 meters, and mountain passes are generally in the range of 3,000 to 3,500 meters, which makes the country ideal for trekking. The highest mountain ranges are normally found in the northwest, decreasing slightly as you travel east along the border with Tibet, and the lowest altitude area is on the southeast, where the hilly southern areas of Bhutan meet the flat plains of the Indian State of Assam.

Bhutan Climate Map

The climate in Bhutan depends heavily on the altitude, and in the northern areas where the higher mountains reside, the weather conditions are similar to those of the arctic with cold, dry winters and mild dry summers with little rainfall. As you move south the climate changes to that of a more alpine region, with milder winters and hot wet summers due to the effects of the Indian monsoon. In the south of the country, much of the area is sub-tropical, with few cold times throughout the year, and warm winters with hot humid summers.

Bhutan Climate Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Bhutan Climate Map

The monsoon rains in Bhutan are not as heavy in the north and central areas as they are in the south, and while the Indian monsoon affects most of the country, heavy rain is rare in the north, even in the peak months for the monsoon. Even in the central areas, there is less rain than the south, and most of the rain falls in the late afternoon and evenings, leaving the days warm and bright. The southern region of Bhutan is where the rain is heaviest, with long days of heavy rain interspersed with days of dry to mild rains hitting the region.

Bhutan City Distance, Tourist Road and Tourist Places Map

The main towns in Bhutan are Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital; Paro, the city where the only international airport is located; Phuentsholing, the border city in the south on the border with India; Gelephu, in Sarpang District on the souther border with India; Wangdue Phodrang; and Punakha, to name a few.

Bhutan City Distance, Tourist Road and Tourist Places Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Bhutan City Distance, Tourist Road and Tourist Places Map

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and the most populous city in the kingdom, as well as being the center for tourism. Almost all tourists that enter Bhutan head for Thimphu at the start of their vacation, and with its altitude being in the higher northwestern area of Bhutan, this modern city can get cold in the winter.

Paro, the location of the only international airport, lies a short distance to the west of Thimphu, at a similar altitude. Road connections in this area are generally good, with paved roads to most of the other major towns and cities.

In the south, Phuentsholing is a major population center on the border with India. One of the major entry points to Bhutan, the road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu and Paro is good, and travel times are better than they used to be before tourism in the country.

The main route in the country is the East-West Highway, which is known locally as the “Lateral Road”, which begins in Phuentsholing in the southwest and runs to Trashigang in the far east of the kingdom. Spurs come of the highway to head to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

Bhutan Airlines - Bhutan Airlines Route Map

Bhutan totally owes four airports: Paro, Bathpalathang, Trashigang and Gelephu airports and the Paro airport serves the only international airport in Bhutan.

Bhutan International Airlines to Bordering Countries from ParoBhutan International Airlines to Bordering Countries from Paro on Map

Bhutan has two major airlines, Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air, both of which are wholly Bhutanese-owned carriers. These two airlines are also the most frequently used means of transportation to get from one area of Bhutan to another, with a huge number of domestic flights running daily.

Travel Map of Bhutan, India, Tibet and Nepal

The proximity to Tibet, India and Nepal makes an easy access to Bhutan from these three popular tourist destinations. By "easy", I don't mean you can buy a flight ticket and land in Bhutan and begin your journey the next morning. Like traveling in Tibet, certain rules must be followed. According to the policy of Tourism Council of Bhutan, international tourists can only visit Bhutan via a prepaid organized (or a customized tour) tour with a licensed Bhutanese travel agency. And you need to plan ahead with your travel agent, at least one month before, to sort out the details like Bhutan Visa, hotel, transportation, guide, meals, travel insurance, etc. And a daily minimum tariff of 250USD/person is needed to cover most of the cost.

Travel Map of Bhutan, India, Tibet and Nepal(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Travel Map of Bhutan, India, Tibet and Nepal

Travel from Nepal to Bhutan

To most of the international tourists, the easiest way to reach Bhutan is via the flight from Kathmandu to Paro, if you just finish the trek or sightseeing in Nepal. There is at least one flight per day from Kathmandu to Paro. You can easily book flights from iconic Druk Air, Bhutan's national air carrier, or Bhutan Airlines, local Bhutanese airline. The flight takes around 1h26min and you will enjoy a seamless flight experience.

Travel from Tibet to Bhutan / How to Reach Thimphu from Lhasa by air

Well, unfortunately, currently traveling directly from Tibet to Bhutan is not available. Basically, you have two options. One is to fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu (1h 35m) and change flight from Kathmandu to Paro, and then have a two-hour drive to Thimphu. While the second one is to enjoy the epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland road trip (around 7 days) and then fly from Kathmandu to Paro. The flight brings you the bird's eye view of Mount Everest, while the second option, preferred by many, gives you a better chance to visit a number of prestigious Tibetan monasteries from Lhasa to Shigatse and Tringri and you get closer to Everest Base Camp and turquoise Yamdrok Lake, etc. So, it really depends on your preference and how much time and budget you have for travel.

Travel from India to Bhutan / Delhi to Bhutan Road Map

To Indians citizens, travelling to Bhutan couldn't be easier. You can take direct flight from Delhi, Kolkatta, and Bagdogara, Guwahati, and Gaya and Mumbai to Paro. Both daily flight run by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are readily available. The flight takes around 2h 20m on average.

If you are planning to take a trip to Bhutan from Delhi by road, then it is a journey of epic proportions. The easiest and fastest route covers an astonishing distance of 1,591 km, which would take around 31-hour continuous driving to complete the entire distance. The route first follow the major highways from Delhi and goes straight eastwardly to arrive at the border town of Jaigaon through Agra, Lucknow, Faizabad, Darbhanga, Purnea and siliguri.

>> Check the details of Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tour Packages

Bhutan Travel Season Map

Bhutan Travel Season Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Bhutan Travel Season Map

Well, overall the high season for Bhutan Travel starts from Mar to May and Sept. to Nov, which is almost identical to best time to visit Tibet.
1. For trekking in northern Himalayan region, the best time would be May and Oct when you can enjoy amazing deep-blue sky and jaw-dropping Himalayan peak, with 100% visibility. Top treks involve Druk Path trek, Jhomolhari trek, and Laya-Gasa trek and Snowman trek, etc.
2. For classic tour from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha, the best time for visit lasts from Feb to May and Sep. to Dec. You will be greeted by rosy rhododendrons in full blossom in spring. If you have time, do spend time trekking around Dochu La Pass (3140m). It's the perfect place for bird watching and botanical exploration.
3. For visiting southern region of Bhutan like Phuentsholing, Nov to Feb would be a nice choice, because you can enjoy a relatively cool air in the typical subtropical climate.
4. While a large part of eastern hilly region remains undeveloped in tourism, so you won't be able to see crowds of tourists like you experience in Paro and Thimphu. Oct to April would be an ideal time to visit.
5. If you want to experience the dramatic Bhutanese festivals, such as Paro Tsechu or Thimphu Tsechu, then Feb to Mar and Sep to Nov would be your first option. It's the perfect time to enjoy the exotic costumes and religious dancing, etc.

Bhutan Tourist Map in Three Regions

For travel purpose, Bhutan can be divided in to three regions: western, central and eastern region. The western and central regions are the center of Bhutan travel. The further you head eastward, the more virgin land and tough travel you will experience.

Bhutan Tourist Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Bhutan Tourist Map

Western Bhutan

To simply put, if you have a-week-long holiday and want to experience the cultural and scenic highlights, then traveling from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha would be the best choice. you will witness the landmark Bhutanese architecture such as Paro Dezong and Punakha Dezong and Trashi Chohoe Dezong, etc. The National Museum, and the textile museum and weaving workshop will keep you lingering for quite a while. The Bhutanese culture and history would come alive before your eyes.

You may also photograph magnificent Taktshang Goemba (Tibet's nest) and enchanting rhododendrons while passing Dochu La Pass or Cheli La Pass. If you have time, set aside more time to do the Himalayan trek in the north and explore Haa Valley. It would be a life-time experience.

Central Bhutan

The central region of Bhutan remained untouched to outside world till the 1970s when mountain road extended further west. After you pass famous Pele La Pass (3390m), you are about to visit prestigious Trongsa Dezong. A number of oldest Bhutanese temples and goembas form part of the highlights of the visit in central Bhutan. Of course, Bumthang region, known for its identical landscape to Switzerland, is a must visit for day treks to remote sacred religious sites and photogenic valleys and idyllic villages, such as Jakar, and Ura, and etc.

Eastern Bhutan

For adventurous travelers looking for off-the-beaten treks and thrilling drive, then eastern Bhutan awaits your challenge. The winding road along sheer cliffs will tell if you have a gut or not. You will witness the rich culture of Bhutanese weaving tradition and perhaps gain the first-hand experience of the oldest and most authentic Bhutanese life and customs.

Bhutan Trekking Map

Taking Bhutan’s amazing trekking tours in its finest season can always be the first choice for most of the foreign visitors and trek lovers. With the marvelous terrain, the stunning landscape and the beautiful alpine scenery, it is easy to see why this country has become an important trekking place in Asia and the world.

To help you get aquatinted with the most favored trekking routes, here we have selected the route maps below.

Druk Path Trek Maps

A great introductory trek to Bhutan, this 6-day Druk Path Trek takes you across the mountains between Paro and Thimphu, through stunning alpine forests and past several alpine lakes. Ascending to a high point of 4,200 meters, this trek is perfect for the great views of the country’s highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum.

Classic short Druk path Trek from Paro to ThimphuClassic short Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu

Daglas Thousand Lake Trek Maps

A challenging Daglas Thousand Lake Trek that takes you to some of the country’s most fabulous alpine lakes, this six-day trek has great views of the higher peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The lakes are also filled with trout, so it makes a great fishing tour as well.

RouteRoute map of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Bumthang Culture Trek Maps

A 3-day Bumthang Culture Trek that takes you around the Choekhor and Tang Valleys in central Bhutan, in the Bumthang District, this trek is an ideal first-timer trek. Passing through remote villages and past ancient temples, including the only private museum in Bhutan, this is a great trek to start with when deciding to trek in Bhutan.

Map of short Bumthang Culture TrekMap of short Bumthang Culture Trek

Bumthang Owl Trek Maps

A short 3-day Bumthang Owl Trek that is ideal for novice trekkers in Bhutan, this delightful route gives you great views of the high mountains and allows you to experience some of Bhutan’s rural cultures at first hand. It is also renowned for the huge number of owls that reside in the bamboo and rhododendron forests, which can be seen often as you trek.

Route Map of Bumthang Owl TrekRoute Map of Bumthang Owl Trek

Jomolhari Trek Maps

One of the most popular treks in Bhutan, the Jomolhari Trek is an eight-day trek that crosses several passes over 4,000 meters and gives you the best views of Mount Jomolhari. Ideal for more experienced trekkers, this moderate trek can also coincide with the Jomolhari Mountain Festival in the local villages.

Route Map of Jomolhari TrekRoute Map of Jomolhari Trek

Jomolhari Loop (Soi Yaksa) Trek Maps

The shortest of the Jomolhari Treks in Bhutan, the Jomolhari Loop Trek takes you through amazing forests of rhododendrons and blue pines to the stunning Jangothang Base Camp of Jomolhari. Easier versions can also be explored, which avoid the high passes for those who do not want to risk altitude sickness.

Jomolhari Loop (Soi Yaksa) Trek MapRoute Map of Jomolhari Loop (Soi Yaksa) Trek

Snowman Trek Maps

A world-famous Snowman Trek across the northern border of Bhutan, this immense 25-day trek is only for the experienced trekkers, and is rated as the most difficult trek in the world. Starting in Paro in the west and ending in the area of Lunana in northern Bhutan, the trek includes 11 high passes, the highest of which reaches over 5,200 meters.

Route Map for the Most Arduous Snowman Trek in BhutanRoute Map for the Most Arduous Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Kham Sang

About the Author - Kham Sang

Kham Sang is responsible and honest with more than six years of guide experience in Tibet.She has strong interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with tourists.

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