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Bhutan, also referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a Himalayan kingdom characterised by breathtaking mountain ranges, valleys, and winding roads. The rugged terrain of Bhutan, combined with minimal infrastructure, makes the experience of transportation there different from that in other travel destinations.
Bhutan has public buses, private taxis, rental cars, domestic flights, and two-wheelers that are environmentally friendly to enable tourists to travel in the country. Understanding the various Bhutanese transport modes will assist the traveler with a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Public transport in Bhutan is one of the most affordable ways to get around. Intercity transport in Bhutan is operated by the Bhutan Transport Corporation (BTC) with buses and minibuses between major towns, such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phuentsholing.
Taxi rides will give the visitors a chance to explore the local Bhutanese culture and mountain sights and enjoy daily life. Shared cabs are also very popular, as people use them for short trips in towns and villages. However, buses do not run frequently, and the distances can be longer due to the winding mountain roads. To truly experience travel, locals should use public transport to explore Bhutan as budget travellers.
Private transport is the right choice for those seeking comfort and flexibility while travelling. Taxis in bhutan are common in large towns, providing short- and long-distance travel options. A large number of tourists also hire personal cars, jeeps, or SUVs with the drivers of the licensed tour operators, and they have full control over their itineraries.
The Paro International Airport is the most suitable place to start a trip due to its airport transfers. Despite being a little pricier than state-run options, private transport in Bhutan offers convenience, privacy, and the flexibility to stop anywhere to see sites, take photographs, or visit specific cultural places.
Bhutan has mountainous terrain, and therefore domestic flights are a quick and picturesque method of travel. Flights like Drukair and Bhutan airlines serve Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yongphula, and all of them have their stopovers at Paro International Airport.
Such flights save a lot of time and they also have spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. Air transport is strongly advised for visitors who have little time to spend in Bhutan and would wish to visit the remote areas of the country despite weather conditions. Flying in Bhutan is an experience of both convenience and spectacular natural scenery.
Two-wheelers in Bhutan are increasingly popular among the locals and tourists as well. In such places as Thimphu and Paro, visitors have an opportunity to rent motorcycles or scooters and thus explore valleys and beautiful mountain routes. Bicycles in Bhutan serve as a green alternative for environmentally conscious visitors who prefer exploring the countryside.
Cycling tours enable riders to traverse rice fields, rivers, and monasteries and enjoy the fresh air and rural life. This greener approach to transportation works in favour of Bhutan’s interest in green travel, sustainable tourism, and the environment.
Despite the well-maintained roads, the country’s mountainous topography makes travel slow and winding. In Bhutan, delays may occur in the monsoon season when landslides and slippery roads are a problem.
Before travelling to Bhutan, tourists are expected to make sure that they have learnt about the bhutan road conditions and that they observe road safety measures, including wearing seatbelts and adhering to the road speed limit. It is strongly advisable to get a local driver hired in Bhutan because they are conversant with the twists of the mountain passes and the mountainous trails. This procedure ensures that travelling through Bhutan’s landscapes is safe and stress-free.
Although transportation in Bhutan is not as fast as in many other countries, it offers a unique way to experience the kingdom’s culture, traditions, and landscapes.
Some of the options available to travellers include low-cost buses and shared taxis, comfortable personal vehicles, domestic flights and environmentally friendly bicycles. You determine the right mode of transport based on your budget, preferred mode of travel, and available time. Travelling in Bhutan ensures that the journey itself is as enjoyable as the destination.
