Lateral Road (Bhutan National Highway)
Bhutan, asia
560 km
3,780 m
hard
March to May, September to November
The Lateral Road is Bhutan's main east-west highway, stretching approximately 560 kilometers from Phuentsholing on the Indian border to Trashigang in the east. This single road essentially connects all of Bhutan's major towns and dzongs (fortress-monasteries), climbing over multiple passes above 3,000 meters as it traverses the rugged Himalayan terrain of one of the world's most isolated and unspoiled countries.
The road crosses several major passes including the Dochu La (3,100m) with its 108 memorial chortens and views of the eastern Himalayan peaks, and the dramatic Thrumshingla Pass (3,780m) through ancient rhododendron and fir forests. Construction began in 1962 with Indian assistance, and sections are still being improved today. The narrow, winding road with its prayer-flag-adorned passes, roadside monasteries, and pristine forest is as much a cultural journey as a geographic one, passing through landscapes where Gross National Happiness was born.
Where is it?
Lateral Road (Bhutan National Highway) is located in Central Bhutan, Bhutan (asia). Coordinates: 27.4728, 89.6390
Driving Tips
All tourists must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay the daily sustainable development fee. Roads are narrow and progress is slow (average 30-40 km/h). Plan at least 7 days to traverse the full highway. Stop at Dochu La on a clear day for Himalayan views. Landslides and road closures are common during monsoon. Carry motion sickness medication.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt with rough sections
Road Details
- Country
- Bhutan
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Central Bhutan
- Length
- 560 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,780 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Paved asphalt with rough sections
- Best Season
- March to May, September to November
- Coordinates
- 27.4728, 89.6390
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