Bhutan has always been a place of attraction for people from around the world. The unknown-world charm, culture and natural beauty of Bhutan are worthy. They always act as a source of attraction for travel enthusiasts to plan Bhutan itinerary. Are you planning for a 10-day trip to Bhutan? I am here to recommend a friendly itinerary for you:
Some basic details:
Of course, we will get into our itinerary. But, before that, if you could know the exact location of this country, it will be easier for you to plan your trip.
Bhutan is lying comfortably in the heart of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. The country is landlocked by the two most populated world nations. She shares her southern borders with India and northern borders with China. Bhutan is part of the south-east Asian region. As against her neighboring countries, Bhutan stayed alone for many years. This has led to the origin of a serene-untouched environment and unique culture. Bhutan opened her doors of tourism for people from world nations some decades ago. From thereon, people from different countries throng this destination. When you visit this country, I am sure that you will get a unique cultural experience. Also, you can expect peace and tranquility in this world destinations when you have the best Bhutan itinerary.
How to reach Bhutan?
Let us consider that you are traveling from the United States to Bhutan. If this is the case, you should remember one thing for sure. Yes, there is no direct flight from the USA to Bhutan. However, there are direct flights to Paro in Bhutan from other world nations. They are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore.
From India, you can take flights from Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and Bagdogra. From Nepal, you can take international flights to Paro in Kathmandu. The other international flights are from Dhaka, Bangkok and Singapore. Are you traveling from East Coast including Florida, Maine and such places? Then, you can fly to India or Nepal first. What in the case of tourists from the west coast of the USA like Alaska and Washington? They can fly either to Singapore or Bangkok to catch flights to Bhutan.
Detailed Itinerary for 10 Days At Bhutan:
Day Zero:
You might be surprised to know that it will be possible to reach Bhutan by road. If traveling by road, your first day in Bhutan itinerary will be to reach Phuentsholing. Even, in this case, you will have to fly to any destination in India or Kathmandu in Nepal first. From there, you can reach Phuentsholing through public transportation or a private car. The closest Indian National airports to Phuentsholing is Guwahati International Airport in Assam. The other airport is Bagdogra Airport in Bengal.
The other option available is train travel from India. You can catch trains to reach the nearest train station on Bhutan Border. From this station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Phuentsholing.
Are you traveling by road to Bhutan? Then, it is better to spend this night in Phuentsholing itself. In turn, you can take some rest to start your next day afresh.
Day One:
If you are reaching Bhutan by road, you should leave for Paro now. Otherwise, if you have reached Paro by flight, you can begin your exploration today. Yes, Paro has a lot of things to offer for local sightseeing. You can keep yourself engaged the entire day.
The charming Paro Valley is amongst the greenest and widest valleys in Bhutan. Paro is surrounded by the fertile rice fields of the Serene Paro River. If you wish to explore places on foot, this is unquestionably the best town in Bhutan. With Punakha and Jakar, this town forms and golden triangle on Bhutan’s map. Here is the list of places you can explore in Paro:
- Druk Choeding Temple
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Airport View Point
- Rinpung Dzong
- Chele La Pass
It will be possible to cover all places in a single day. There are drive-in restaurants in Paro to quench your hunger pranks. Even, some restaurants serve multiple cuisines. Being your first day in Bhutan, you can try Indian or Chinese cuisine. It will help if you are from India or China respectively. Before you make up your mind to taste any Bhutanese dishes, these multi-cuisine restaurants will help you.
Day Two:
You can dedicate this day to visit two important places in Paro. They are the Tiger’s Monastery Trek and the National Museum of Bhutan.
Tiger’s Monastery Trek:
Are you interested in trekking? Is this your first trekking experience? Then, you can confidently try the Tiger’s Monastery Trek. As you have only two places to visit on your second day in Bhutan, you can cover this place. It is uphill but not very steep. So, most people can complete this hike with ease. The entire length of the hike to the Tiger’s Nest is nearly 5.3 miles or 8.6 km.
To reach the top and to get down, it will take around 5-7 hours. It means that for hiking, it will take around 3-4 hours with some rests in between. For heading down, it will take around 2-3 hours. You can plan to finish your breakfast early the day at around 7 am. Then, at around 7.30 or 8 am, you can start hiking. You can get down to the Paro town to finish your lunch. At the top, you will find a cafeteria to have some snacks. Also, the attraction here is the Tiger’s Nest Temple. The view from the top will also be breathtaking.
The National Museum of Bhutan:
Named Ta Dzong, this museum is known for the ancient temples. Further, the panoramic view of the Para Valley from the watchtower is another attraction. Also, this place will provide you the right relaxation after spending your first half of the day hiking.
Yes, the museum has the Art Technology and Media room, where you can watch documentary programs about Bhutan. Many galleries in the museum will provide you with eye-catching pictures and artistic things. The thing to remember here is that the National Museum of Bhutan will be open to visitors only until 5 pm. So, you should plan your visit accordingly.
Day Three:
Have you missed visiting some places on your first day at Paro? Then, you can cover those places today. Still, you will have enough time to reach Thimphu. The reason is that the distance between Paro and Thimhpu is just 50 km. Also, these two cities are connected by a smooth highway. You can easily hire a car to comfortably reach Thimphu even late in the evening. You can reach Thimphu from Paro within one-and-half to two hours.
Day Four:
So, you have reached Thimphu yesterday and rested completely, isn’t it? What can you do in this capital city of Bhutan? You can visit many places of attractions in this city. Here are a few of them, you can cover during your fourth day in Bhutan:
The National Textile Museum:
The National Textile Museum will help you learn a lot about weaving art. You will find small groups of weavers working their looms inside this museum. Also, every day, the National Textile Museum displays a short documentary. This documentary will help you learn about textile manufacturing practices.
Thimphu Dzong/Tashichho Dzong:
Thimphu Dzong/Tashichho Dzong is another prominent landmark in Thimphu. It is a must-visit place as well. Standing on the west bank of the Wang Chuu, the mind-blowing architecture of this place attract tourists. Over these centuries, this place has undergone many changes. However, it continues to be an architectural marvel. Right from the year 1952, it is functioning as a government building. It has the offices of the king, the throne room and the ministries of home affairs. Even, the secretariat and the finance department offices are housed in this building. When you visit this structure, you should not forget to wear something that covers your legs. Otherwise, you cannot get inside.
Thimphu Chorten:
Thimphu Chorten is a place to visit if you believe in Tantric Buddhism. The good thing about this attraction is that it is located close to Thimphu city. From this place, you can get an insight into Buddhist culture and philosophy. The intricate and attractive structures on display make this place a monument as well. The eye-catching Buddhist artwork and architecture are worth watching in this place.
Motithang Taking Preserve:
Motithang Takin Preserve is another place to visit if you love animals. The place houses Motithangs, which is the national animal of Bhutan. Earlier, it was a mini zoo. But, now it is functioning as a preserve for Motithang. This animal looks like a cross between goat and cow. The special thing about this animal is that it is found only in Bhutan and not in any other world destination. The best time to visit this preserve is early morning. It is the time when these animals are fed. So, you can see a lot of them in a single place.
Day Five:
Visit other attractions and Dochula Pass:
On day five at Bhutan, you can cover other attractions in Thimphu. Certain places you can visit include:
- Buddha Dordenma
- Simtokha Dzong
- Dechenchoeling Palace
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Botanical Gardens
You can choose to cover whatever places you can, based on the time available. Then, you can head to Dochula Pass as the final attraction for the day and can stay there.
Dochula Pass:
I am recommending Dochula Pass as the final visiting place! The reason is that this place is located on the way to Punakha, where you will spend your day six as per my Bhutan Itinerary. This pass is popular among tourists for a reason. It gives a breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain Range.
You can get scenic views particularly when you travel on clear winter days. At this time of the year, the mountains will be snowcapped. Also, they form a majestic backdrop of the equanimity of the 108 chortens that add beauty to the mountain pass. You will get to see people seated among the chortens having their hot cup of tea and lunch. Do you love capturing great-looking pictures of the Himalayan Mountain range? Then, this is the place to plan your visit.
Day Six:
You have already covered half a distance from Thimphu to Punakha to reach Dochula Pass. Now, you can start from Dochula Pass to quickly reach Punakha. Here are some of the places you can cover in Punakhas as per our Bhutan Itinerary:
Punakha Dzong:
If you love exploring architectural structures, this fortress will meet your requirement. The sacred remains of Terton Padma Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal are housed in this fortress.
Punakha Suspension Bridge:
Located at just half a kilometer distance from Punakha Dzong, this bridge is easy to visit. But, many tourists miss it out. The significance of this bridge is that it plays an important role in the architectural history of Bhutan. The purpose of this bridge is to connect some villages in the region. This is the longest metal bridge in the region built over a mountain river. As the bridge has been decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, you can take breath-taking pictures at this place.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:
Humans should always love peace and harmony. This Chorten was built with this intention. Its purpose is to ward off the evil spirits not just from Bhutan but also from the world. It is a stupa overlooking the Punakha valley worth visiting.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery:
Are you looking for a peaceful place to meditate in silence? Do you wish to get mesmerizing views of the Punakha Valley? Both these requirements can be met by this place. This is a holy place in Bhutan that houses the 14-foot Bronze Statue of Avalokiteshvara. Even, few other bronze statues are part of this place.
Also, you can stay in Punakha on your sixth night to head to Bumthang the next day.
Day Seven:
It is better to dedicate your seventh day to travel. The reason is that you can get up late on this day at Punakha. Then, to travel by road to Bhumthang, it will take around 6 hours. The distance between these two cities is around 215 km. If time permits on the 7th day morning, you can visit any missed attractions in Punakha. Then, you can start to Bumthang by road. After reaching Bumthang, you will hardly have time to visit places. So, better have your dinner and relax completely in your accommodation. In turn, your body will prepare itself for the next day’s exploration.
Day Eight:
You can dedicate this day to exploring local attractions in Bumthang. It will not be hype to say that the district of Bumthang is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Considering the number of sacred sights and temples, this is the most historic district in Bhutan. This district is home to four mountain valleys. They are Choekhor, Tang, Chumey and Ura. So, the entire district is, at times, referred to as Bumthang valley. Here are some places to in Bumthang:
Yathra Weaving Center:
In this place in our Bhutan itinerary, you can get textiles woven from yak and sheep wool. In addition to the weaving center, there is also a sales counter in this center.
How to reach Bhutan
Kurjey Lhakhang:
It is believed that Bhutan’s Greatest Saint Guru Rinpoche mediates in this cave. The cave is inside a temple. You will get a meditative experience at this spot.
Other attractions:
The other places, you can visit in Bumthang include Jambey Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho, Tamshing Lhakhang, Tharpaling Monastery, Jakar Dzong and Ura Village.
Day Nine:
Are you into trekking? If so, Bumthang can provide you with the best trekking destinations in the world. Here is the list of options available in this district:
- Ura Valley Hike
- Tharpaling Goemba Hike
- Thangbi Goemba Hike
- Tang Hike
- Shugdrak Hike
- Padtselling Monastery Hike
- Ngang Lhakhang Hike
- Lugi Rawa Lhakhang Hike
- Kunzangdra Monastery Hike
Most of these hikes will provide you with a stunning view of the entire Bumthang Valley. Some have temples too atop!
Day Ten:
After trekking the previous day, you might feel tired. So, it is better not to plan any site visits on this day. Rather, you can travel from Bumthang either to Paro or Thimphu. You have the option to fly back, which will take around 2 hours. Otherwise, you can take road trips. To reach Paro by road from Bumthang, it will take around 9 hours. It will take around 8 hours to reach Thimphu by road. You can spend this night in Paro or Thimphu, whichever place you have chosen.
Final Day:
On the final day or your Bhutan Itinerary, you can drive back to Phuenstsholing. From this place, you can use the same mode as you have taken to reach Bhutan to reach back your home country.
What more do you wish to share with me? Do you have any questions on this Bhutan Itinerary? Please feel free to post your questions here.
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