Driving in Bhutan
The main mode of transportation in Bhutan is motor vehicles. With all 20 Dzongkhags connected by a wide network of roads that stretch from narrow valleys to high mountain passes to flat southern foothills, it is a unique experience driving through Bhutan. Being a mountainous country, flat and straight roads are a rarity. It is common to encounter on average 5-6 turns in one Kilometre. The speed limit is 50 Km/hr. Shown below is the approximate distance and duration of travel while driving in Bhutan.
FROM | TO | APPROX DISTANCE (KM) | APPROX DRIVING TIME |
---|---|---|---|
Paro | Thimphu | 65 kms | 1 hours 10 minutes |
Paro | Haa | 70 kms | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Thimphu | Punakha | 77 kms | 03 hours |
Punakha | Wangduephodrang | 15 kms | 45 minutes |
Punakha | Gangtey | 78 kms | 03 Hours |
Gangtey | Trongsa | 120 kms | 05 Hours |
Punakha | Trongsa | 142 kms | 06 Hours |
Trongsa | Bumthang | 65 kms | 02 Hours |
Bumthang | Mongar | 190 kms | 08 Hours |
Mongar | Trashigang | 91 kms | 04 Hours |
Mongar | Lhuntse | 75 kms | 03 Hours |
Trashigang | Trashi Yangtse | 55 kms | 02 Hours |
Trashigang | Samdrup Jongkhar | 180 kms | 07 Hours |
Phuntsholing | Thimphu | 172 kms | 05 Hours 30 minutes |
Phuntsholing | Thimphu | 165 kms | 05 Hours |
Bagdogra airport (India) | Phuntsholing | 170 kms | 04 hours 30 minutes |
Siliguri (India) | Phuntsholing | 155 kms | 04 hours |
Guwahati (India) | Samdrup Jongkhar | 111 kms | 03 hours |
Traffic Signs
There are 3 types of road traffic signs in Bhutan; they are Mandatory signs, Cautionary signs, and then informative signs.
Mandatory signs
These signs are circular in shape with a white background, red borders, black legends and red bars. Failure to observe and obey these signs usually result in a fine.
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No Entry
Penalty: NU 750.00
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Speed Limit
Penalty: NU 1750.00
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One Way
Penalty: NU 750.00
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No Standing
Penalty: NU 550.00
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No Parking
Penalty: NU 550.00
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No Mobile Phone
Penalty: NU 1000.00
Cautionary signs
These are Triangular in shape with a white background and are meant to alert the driver of potential hazards that they may encounter on the road.
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Pedestrian crossing
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School Ahead
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Man at Work
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Falling Rocks
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Slippery Area
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Steep Ascent
Information signs
These are guide signs providing information on directions, services, facilities etc. They are rectangular in shape with blue borders and a white background.
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Fuel Station
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Restaurant