Bhutan Itineraries

Bhutan in 7-10 Days

Get a taste of Bhutan through the landscapes, people, and ancient religious customs. Seven to ten days will allow you to hit the sites, as well as some time to get to know the locals, and appreciate the slow calm pace of the culture.

Day 1-2, Paro: Visit the famous Taktsang (Tigers Nest) Buddhist Monastery, founded in 1692 and nestled against a mountainside. Even older is Kyichu Lhakang Temple, a 10 minute drive from central Paro. Also enjoy local cuisine and the fresh Pine Forests of the beautiful Paro Valley.

Day 3, Bumdrak Camp: Enjoy a day of trekking through the high mountains, among colorful prayer flags and spend the night in Bumdrak camp.  

Day 4-7, Thimpu: Explore Bhutan’s thriving capital. Tour Tashi Chhoedzong, the “Fortress of Glorious Religion", built in 1702, and today serves many purposes, including housing the office of the King. Stroll through the markets to find handmade artisanal goods and spices.

Day 8-9, Haa Dzongkhag: Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and visit Lhakhang Karpo the “White Temple”.

Day 10, Paro: Return to Paro and spend your last day in Bhutan hiking in this beautiful valley. Visit a traditional teahouse for refreshment and bid farewell to Bhutan.

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Bhutan in 2 Weeks

With two weeks in Bhutan you will really have time to get used to the slower pace and the culture here, especially the religious culture, primarily Buddhist. Enjoy a few days among rural villages and get to know the locals. Visit ancient sites and learn the fascinating history of Bhutan.

Day 1-2, Paro: Tour the beautiful Paro Valley, dotted with tiered rice paddies and pine forests. Explore the town center with shops full of artisanal goods. Visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, an ancient 17th century fortress, which today is used as central offices for civil and religious organizations. Enjoy spectacular views of the valley from the ruins of Drukyel Dzong.

Day 3, Tigers Nest Monastery: Visit the famous Buddhist monastery of Taktsang (“Tigers Nest”). Nestled against a cliffside, bright white with gold accents, it is postcard worthy in every way. Eat a meal in the mountains as you head up, and take a tour of the ancient buildings. Heading back to Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Day 4-5, Thimpu: Explore Bhutan’s capital, visiting art galleries, museums, and enjoying local cuisine. Tour Chari Gompa, built in 1620.

Day 6-8, Punakha: Take a challenging hike to Lungchuzeykha Temple and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains. Explore the town of Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan. Visit the ancient sites of Punakha Dzong and Chime Lhakhang.

Day 9, Trongsa: Visit the history museum, and keep an eye out for wildlife on the drive there!

Day 10-13, Bumthang: Explore the small town of Jakar a major trading center in Bhutan. Tour the many rural villages in the valleys around Bumthang, and learn about the way of life for a large part of Bhutan’s population. There are also many more temples to visit in this region as well. Explore Tang Valley where the saint Terton Pema Lingpa was born. Enjoy the remoteness of the area, perhaps participate in a mediation session.

Day 14, Mongar: Stop in Ura to visit Bhutan’s first rural library, established in 1991. Enjoy spectacular views as you drive to Mongar, with waterfalls, farmland, and forests.

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