1. Paro to Phuentsholing By Bus
Buses are the most widely used transport in Bhutan although it's slightly uncomfortable because of the hilly and bumpy roads all the way. The journey from Paro to Phuentsholing is long, and it takes approximately 6 hours, 30 minutes. There are direct buses available from Paro to Phuentsholing with 20 and 50 seaters.
Cost: The fare for these buses is around 180 BTN to 200 BTN and are very much affordable than a taxi.
Bus Options
Passenger transport is available from Paro Base. Every day there are two buses with coaster service named Meto Transport and Dhug Transport at 8.30 am and 9.00 am respectively from Paro. These are all direct buses from Paro base to Phuentsholing terminal and are available only in these timings.
Things to remember:
· Buses are crowded and are not available later in the day.
· Carry medicines as the hilly roads might trigger motion sickness.
· Indian Credit cards will not work in Bhutan, so carry enough cash.
2. Paro to Phuentsholing By Car
There are plenty of rental cars and taxis available in Bhutan for the tourists because most of them prefer car journeys as they are comfortable and the best transport option to see the beautiful nature throughout the journey.
It is better off to hire drivers or taxis for transportation as the locals know the roads and are well trained and very experienced, which makes your ride on hills an easy and tension free one. Since there are no train services available in Bhutan, road transport is preferred. Roads in Paro are much better when compared to other cities. There are a few rough patches along the way, especially as it climbs up and down some of the mountains, but overall, the route is one of the better roads in Bhutan.
Route (Via Phuentsholing to Thimpu Highway)Take Thimpu to Phuntsholing Highway from Paro. This highway is one of the best routes in Bhutan. Continue to Chapcha, Chukha and Gedu to reach Phuntsholing.
Time taken: Approximately 3hours 30 minutes - 4 hours
Cost: About 900 BTN- 1000 BTN and prices are negotiable.
Eating Options:Restaurants like D2K hotel, Dam View Restaurant, Dantak Canteen are available and are very famous for their Bhutanese Cuisines.
Road Conditions:The Thimpu- Phuentshonling highway is now improved and make way for smooth rides. Beware of hairpin bends and winding roads as driving on them is dangerous. So, be cautious.
Things to Remember:
- Indian credit cards are not accepted all over Bhutan except few 5 star hotels, so carry enough cash and also Indian currency is accepted everywhere in Bhutan.
- The speed is limited to 50 km/hr, and it should be maintained all time as Bhutan is a mountainous and hilly region and full of hairpin bends and sharp turns.
- Not to forget, beware of snow and ice in winter while driving.