There are countless things to do in Bhutan and we’ve tried to include as many as possible in our guide, but here are a few that you MUST not miss:
Paro Airport is a gorgeous building and offers the perfect introduction to Bhutan. Meet your guide as you exit the airport after passing through immigration and luggage collection and drive to your hotel.
If you can tear yourself away from the incredible views at this hotel, spend the evening enjoying a Jet Lag or Deep Tissue Massage followed by a healing Dotsho bath – this treatment is something you must not miss in Bhutan as it is a wellness ritual that uses hot stones and is known to cure joint pains and aches. One thing is for sure – it will leave you truly relaxed and rejuvinated for all your adventures in Bhutan
Set aside Day 2 for exploring Thimphu Valley including Buddha Point, Memorial Chorten & its local markets
After breakfast, depart for Changangkha Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site overlooking Thimphu Valley. From here drive towards the iconic 52-meter-tall Buddha Dordenma. This is one of the highlights of the perfect trip to Bhutan. Once you have taken in the sheer size of the Buddha, step inside and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas inside (photography is not permitted inside)
Afterwards join Thimphu residents as they pray at the Memorial Chorten. Take in the hustle bustle of Thimphu and if you’re not tired, try visiting the Folk Heritage Museum, Zorig Chusom, (The National Institute for 13 Arts & Crafts) and the National Textile Museum. You can also visit a local paper making or incense making workshop.
After breakfast in Thimphu, begin your 5-hour journey towards Punakha. But make sure you stop en-route at Dochula Pass. On clear days, this pass offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. Take your time admiring the 108 chortens and walk around.
We planned your visit in a way that would allow you to experience one of Bhutan’s most iconic festivals at Dochula Pass – Druk Wangyul gave you the perfect opportunity to experience the rich colors and traditions of Bhutan. This festival is held in honor of Bhutan’s fourth king. Apart from the traditional singing and dancing which takes place here, one of the most outstanding features of this special occasion is the scenic beauty of the panoramic Himalayan range which acts as a backdrop for the colorful costumes displayed at the festival.
Gradually the landscape changes to a lush and subtropical valley with charming farmhouses and terraced rice fields. Stop as you enter the valley for a stroll across the rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple, to learn about Drukpa Kinley, the revered ‘Divine Madman’. The adjacent village has some surprisingly graphic phallic paintings to honor the saint on its homes and shops – a truly unique pitstop!
The day begins across the country’s longest suspension bridge on foot before visiting the gorgeous Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive landmarks. Located at the confluence of two rivers, Punakha Dzong is six stories high. Take your time to explore this architectural wonder with gorgeous courtyards, murals, and its prayer rooms. Make sure you take lots of photographs as this is a place you’ll want to remember.
Finally, it’s time to leave Punakha. Paro is a 3 hour drive away. Enroute, you can stop at Rinpung Dzong and The Paro National Museum which displays a fascinating collection of Bhutanese relics. Make sure you walk along the busy streets of the town to explore the local handicraft scene or visit the colorful fresh market. You can also visit one of the colorful karaoke bars for a spot of fun!
Have a relaxed dinner at the hotel’s cosy and scenic restaurant. The food here in absolutely scrumptious – don’t forget to try local specialities like momos and Ema Datshi, a hearty Bhutanese curry with chillies. You can also take a momo making class here at the restaurant if you’re interested!
Set out early this morning on a challenging full day hike to Taktsang Goemba, more famously knowns as Tiger’s Nest. The hike begins at the base camp in a forested ridge and you will have to climb to an elevation of 2,950 meters. One of the most significant cultural icons of the Kingdom, the highly revered monastery was built on a sheer cliff face above Paro and is visible from the valley floor. During cooler weather clouds can shroud the monastery, highlighting its sanctity and remoteness.
Your guide will share stories of the monastery’s history along the way. Pine forests decorated with moss and prayer flags surround you as you make your way along the paths of this sacred trail. Hang prayer flags and wish upon the wind. The hike is fairly challenging and takes approximately 4-5 hours. But it is well worth the effort
If you’re not tired, visit Kyichu Lhakang, a 7th century sanctuary located nearby and one of the oldest religious structures in the Kingdom. An absolute gem for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike, it is said to have two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year
As you return to the hotel after the hike, make sure you relax by heading to the sauna or booking yourself another hot-stone massage to make the aches and pains go away.
Spend your last day in Bhutan learning how to make the Prayer Flags that you’ve seen everywhere in the country! You can book this experience directly at your hotel. Drive to the home of a local family that has been making prayer flags by hand for generations. Learn the secrets of their craft and make your own prayer flags before a hearty lunch of local favorites.
Rap up your trip with a Butter Lamp Blessing, lit up butter lamps, in a nearby local temple which is believed to dispel darkness in the Universe, and this was followed by a blessing led by the resident monks. It was a uniquely spiritual end to your trip in Bhutan.
This is the perfect itinerary for a week-long trip in Bhutan. However, if you have a few more days, we also suggest adding Gangtey and Bumthang to your itinerary of Bhutan as well. If you have any questions regarding Bhutan, leave them below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible
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