Bhutan is the land of natural beauty, history, culture and happiness! There is so much to see and do in this stunning Himalayan kingdom, that 5 days may fall short. But, if that’s all you have, then here is a power-packed five-day itinerary for you, wherein you can cover some of the top attractions in Bhutan.
Day 1:
Arrive at Paro International Airport and buckle-up for one of the most scenic drives of your lifetime as you travel from Paro to Thimphu. The mesmerizing mountains and flowing rivers will be your companions throughout this journey. Once you arrive in Thimphu, give yourself a day of ease and relaxation as you acclimatize.
For all these years, Bhutan has very closely guarded its architecture, keeping it largely untouched by the influences of the modern world. Its impressive forts called Dzongs are a dominating part of Bhutan’s architectural repertoire. Mostly built atop cliffs and hill tops, these fortified buildings can be seen from miles away. Their interiors, adorned with murals, elaborate carvings and paintings make for a surreal experience. Start your sightseeing adventure with Simtokha Dzong, a monastery built in 1627 that today houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies.
Next stop, the Memorial Chorten, which is also the most visible religious structure in Thimphu and then head over to the Buddha Dordenma, the 51-metre-tall steel statue of Buddha seated on the three-story base. This magnificent structure houses a large chapel. The upper body of the monument is filled with over a lakh smaller statue of the Buddha. After a hearty lunch proceed to the Takin Mini Zoo, a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. End your expedition with a tour of the Trashi Chho Dzong, traditionally, the seat of the head of Bhutan’s civil government on the northern edge of the city.
Make your way to Punakha to appreciate the esoteric shades of the Bhutanese culture. Your first excitement of the day—Dochula Pass. Just 45-minutes from Thimphu, this mountain pass is located at an elevation of 3100m, offering breath-taking views of the Himalayan range. Find yourself amazed at your next stop, Chimi Lhakhang or the fertility temple built in 1499. According to the local tradition, childless women go to the temple to receive blessings or empowerment from the saint- Drukpa Kunley.
While in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, the administrative centre of the district. It stands majestically on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) river and is one of the most photogenic of all of Bhutan’s ancient fortresses. The Dzong joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and houses many precious relics of the previous monarchs.
On the final stopover of your journey, enrich your knowledge of Bhutanese art and history, at the National Museum of Bhutan. It houses 3000 pieces of art covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Let the day roll and arrive at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples of the city. It is believed that this temple was built in 659 to subdue a demoness residing in the area. The story may just be a local legend, but the incredible architecture of the temple is pretty legendary itself.
At the end of the day, reward yourself with a trip to the neighboring brewery for locally produced beer and its popular variants before retiring to your hotel for the day.
Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast and head to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktshang Goemba. This beautiful monastery is perched precariously 3,000 feet above the valley floor, with a winding stairway lined with strings of colourful prayer flags leading up to it. It’s a fairly steep uphill climb, but the serenity and beauty of the complex will leave you mesmerised.
For a peek into the life of the people of Bhutan, make your way to a local farmhouse, meet the locals and sample some home-cooked delicacies. You could also try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery; deck-up in Bhutan’s national dress (gho and kira) and gulp down some Ara, a local beverage made of rice.
When in Paro, take a moment to stop and shop for souvenirs from the local stores. There are 13 traditional arts and crafts that Bhutan is particularly proud of that you will be able to admire and even bring home. Local markets in Paro also have an interesting selection of woven cane and bamboo products, as well as deities and artworks carved out of wood, stone and clay.
Here’s a quick sum-up of your Bhutan itinerary: