Pune to Bhutan and Back: A Soulful Himalayan Road Trip Adventure (With Group Travel Vehicle Options)

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the road from the heart of Maharashtra to the tranquil peaks of the Himalayas, this is your sign to make it happen. From Pune’s vibrant city life to Bhutan’s peaceful monasteries—and then returning through spiritual towns and cultural marvels—this journey is more than just travel. It’s an awakening.

Whether you’re a solo traveler in an SUV or a group planning this Himalayan escape together, this guide will walk you through a scenic, spiritual, and soul-satisfying road trip. Plus, we’ve included a detailed list of vehicle hire options from Pune—from 9-seater Wingers to luxury 26-seater Tempo Travellers and Volvo buses, so you can travel with comfort and style.

Overview of the Journey

• Total Distance (Round Trip): Approx. 5,000 km

• Ideal Duration: 12 to 18 Days

• Best Time to Travel: March–May & September–November

• Route Type: Round-trip (different routes to and from Bhutan)

• Travel Mode: Self-drive or Group Vehicle (hire options below)

Group Vehicle Hire Options from Pune to Bhutan

For larger groups, families, corporate retreats, or spiritual tours, here are popular vehicle hire options available in Pune:

Tempo Traveller Hire in Pune:

• 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 26-seater available

• Comfortable pushback seats, ample luggage space, AC/Non-AC

• Ideal for: Families, friends, spiritual groups

Tata Winger Hire in Pune:

• Seating capacities: Winger 9 Seater , to  10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 20-seater

• Compact, comfortable, good for hilly terrain

• Ideal for: Mid-size groups, senior-friendly travel

Urbania Hire (Force Motors):

• Modern luxury vans with 10 to 20 seats

• High headroom, USB charging, premium interiors

• Ideal for: Luxury group travel in a smaller format

Mini Bus & Bus Hire in Pune:

• Seating: 22, 27, 32, 35, 40, 45+ seats

• AC / Non-AC coaches available

• Option for luxury mini-buses for shorter groups

Volvo Bus Hire in Pune:

• 35 to 45+ seater AC Volvo coaches

• Recliner seats, entertainment system, smooth suspension

• Ideal for: Corporate or pilgrimage tours, long-haul comfort

💡 Tip: Choose your vehicle size based on your group’s strength and Bhutan entry permit policies for commercial vehicles.

Part 1: Pune to Bhutan – The Road to the Thunder Dragon

Distance: ~2,500 km
Duration: 5–6 Days (One-Way)

Day 1: Pune to Indore (~600 km | 10–12 hours)

Route: Pune → Nashik → Dhule → Indore

• Highlights: Stop in Nashik for a quick vineyard tour at Sula or York Winery

• Dinner & Nightlife: Try street food at Sarafa Bazaar, Indore

• Stay: Indore

Day 2: Indore to Varanasi (~850 km | 14–15 hours)

Route: Indore → Bhopal (optional) → Sagar → Prayagraj → Varanasi

• Witness the magical Ganga Aarti by the ghats in the evening

• Stay: Varanasi

Day 3: Varanasi to Siliguri (~700 km | 12–13 hours)

Route: Varanasi → Patna → Purnia → Siliguri

• Drive through the Gangetic plains

• Stay: Siliguri – Gateway to Northeast India

Day 4: Siliguri to Phuentsholing (~160 km | 4–5 hours)

Route: Siliguri → Hasimara → Jaigaon → Phuentsholing

• Enter Dooars region filled with tea gardens

• Cross into Bhutan, complete immigration and vehicle permits

• Stay: Phuentsholing

Day 5: Phuentsholing to Thimphu (~150 km | 5–6 hours)

• Ascend through lush pine forests and mountain roads

• Visit Kharbandi Gompa for valley views

• Stay: Thimphu – Bhutan’s serene capital

Exploring Bhutan (4–5 Days)

Thimphu (2 Days)

• Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten

• Local handicraft markets and traditional medicine museum

Punakha (1 Day)

• Drive via Dochula Pass (3,100m) – 108 chortens + Himalayan views

• Visit Punakha Dzong – Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress

• Cross the iconic Suspension Bridge

Paro (2 Days)

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

• Explore Paro Dzong, National Museum, riverside cafés

Optional Add-ons:

• Chele La Pass – Highest motorable point in Bhutan

• Haa Valley – Unspoiled nature and culture

• Bumthang – The spiritual heart of Bhutan

Entry Formalities for Indians

• No Visa required, but you’ll need:

  • Valid Passport or Voter ID

  • Entry permit from Phuentsholing (or online)

  • Vehicle permit for your hired or personal vehicle

Bhutan Driving Tips

• Keep fuel topped—remote Bhutan has limited stations

• Roads are scenic but narrow and winding—drive slowly

• Silence is golden—avoid honking

• Dress modestly inside monasteries

• Carry offline maps or get a local SIM (TashiCell, B-Mobile)

Part 2: Bhutan to Pune – The Return Journey

Distance: ~2,500 km
Duration: 6–8 Days
Return Route: Paro → Phuentsholing → Siliguri → Bodh Gaya → Varanasi → Jabalpur → Nagpur → Pune

Day 1: Paro to Phuentsholing (~150 km | 5–6 hours)

Descend from the mountains and rest at the border town.
Complete exit formalities.
Stay: Phuentsholing

Day 2: Phuentsholing to Siliguri (~160 km | 4–5 hours)

Stop en route at scenic tea estates.
Explore Hong Kong Market in Siliguri
Stay: Siliguri

Day 3: Siliguri to Bodh Gaya (~470 km | 9–10 hours)

• Visit the Mahabodhi Temple and meditate under the Bodhi Tree
  Stay: Bodh Gaya

Day 4: Bodh Gaya to Varanasi (~250 km | 5–6 hours)

• Explore Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath
  Stay: Varanasi

Day 5: Varanasi to Jabalpur (~620 km | 11–12 hours)

• Take a boat ride in the Narmada at Bhedaghat

• Visit the Marble Rocks and Dhuandhar Falls
  Stay: Jabalpur

Day 6: Jabalpur to Nagpur (~275 km | 5–6 hours)

• Optional safari at Pench National Park

• Try local Saoji cuisine in Nagpur
  Stay: Nagpur

Day 7: Nagpur to Pune (~730 km | 11–12 hours)

Route: Nagpur → Amravati → Akola → Ahmednagar → Pune

• Optional detour to Lonar Crater or Aurangabad (Ajanta–Ellora)

• Arrive Home: Late evening in Pune

Packing Essentials

• Vehicle papers: RC, DL, Insurance, PUC

• Bhutan Entry and Vehicle Permits

• Warm clothes, even in summer (Bhutan evenings are chilly)

• Power bank, offline maps, torch

• Snacks, basic medical kit

• Cash for tolls and fuel in rural areas

Pro Tips

• Start early each day; avoid night drives

• Use service stops in Siliguri or Nagpur for long drives

• For Bhutan, avoid plastic bags and respect local customs

• Indian Rupees are accepted in Bhutan (denominations up to ₹500)

🌄 Final Words

A road trip from Pune to Bhutan and back is not just about covering kilometers—it’s about exploring different worlds stitched together by one long ribbon of road. From Maharashtra’s vineyards to the Himalayas, and from ancient Buddhist temples to riverside ghats, this journey feeds the soul.

Travel solo, or rent a Tempo Traveller, Winger, or Volvo bus from Pune and turn it into an unforgettable group adventure. Every tea garden, monastery, forest, and waterfall on the route has a story. All you need is the right vehicle, the right spirit, and the road ahead.