Bhutan Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
2,220 m (7,283 ft) |
| Highest point |
Gangkhar Puensum: 7,570 m (24,836 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Drangme Chhu: 97 m (318 ft) |
| Elevation range |
7,473 m (24,518 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Laya: 3,820 m (12,533 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Samdrup Jongkhar: 200 m (656 ft) |
Bhutan has diverse and rugged topography with elevations ranging from 97 meters to 7,570 meters above sea level.
The country's topography is dominated by the Himalayas that run along its northern border with China.
The higher elevations are snow-covered all year round while the lower ones have subtropical and alpine climates, supporting varied flora and fauna.
The topography of Bhutan offers opportunities for adventure activities such as trekking and mountaineering.
Highest Point in Bhutan
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan, standing tall at 7,570 meters above sea level.
Lowest Point in Bhutan
The lowest point in Bhutan is Drangme Chhu at 97 meters above sea level.
Countries with Similar Topography to Bhutan
Bhutan's topography is similar to neighboring countries such as Nepal, India, and China, which also have the Himalayan mountain range running through them.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Bhutan
Laya is the highest-elevation city in Bhutan, at 3,820 m (12,533 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Laya |
3,820 m |
12,533 ft |
| Jakar |
2,580 m |
8,465 ft |
| Thimphu |
2,320 m |
7,612 ft |
| Geylegphug |
2,320 m |
7,612 ft |
| Trongsa |
2,316 m |
7,598 ft |
| Paro |
2,280 m |
7,480 ft |
| Mongar |
1,600 m |
5,249 ft |
| Punakha |
1,200 m |
3,937 ft |
| Samtse |
500 m |
1,640 ft |
| Phuntsholing |
293 m |
961 ft |
| Samdrup Jongkhar |
200 m |
656 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Bhutan?
The highest point in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum, at 7,570 m (24,836 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Bhutan?
The lowest point in Bhutan is Drangme Chhu, at 97 m (318 ft).
What is the average elevation of Bhutan?
The average elevation of Bhutan is 2,220 m (7,283 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Bhutan?
Laya is the highest-elevation city in Bhutan, at 3,820 m (12,533 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Bhutan?
Of the cities listed for Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar is the lowest, at 200 m (656 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Bhutan?
Elevation in Bhutan ranges from 97 m (318 ft) at Drangme Chhu to 7,570 m (24,836 ft) at Gangkhar Puensum, a difference of 7,473 m (24,518 ft).