Bhutan 7 day tour itinerary – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Sightseeing in Paro

Your journey to Bhutan begins with a spectacular flight into Paro. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including sacred peaks such as Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. If you are flying from Kathmandu, you may also catch glimpses of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga, weather permitting.

Upon arrival, our representative will warmly welcome you at Paro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

After lunch, begin exploring Paro Valley.

• 1:30 PM – Rinpung Dzong: Visit this impressive fortress, built in 1646. It serves as an important religious and administrative centre. Walk across the traditional wooden cantilever bridge.
• 2:45 PM – National Museum: Explore the former watchtower, which houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, paintings, religious objects, traditional costumes and historical artefacts.
• 4:00 PM – Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century.
• 5:00 PM – Paro Town: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the town, browse local shops and experience everyday Bhutanese life.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After checking into your hotel, begin sightseeing in Thimphu.

• 9:30 AM – Buddha Dordenma: Visit the magnificent 169-foot Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. Enjoy panoramic views of the capital.
• 10:30 AM – King’s Memorial Chorten: Visit this important religious monument built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan.
• 11:15 AM – Changangkha Lhakhang: Explore this historic temple overlooking the city.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese or international meal.
• 1:00 PM – Motithang Takin Preserve: See the takin, Bhutan’s unique national animal.
• 1:45 PM – National Library: Discover ancient Buddhist manuscripts and historical documents.
• 2:30 PM – Institute for Zorig Chusum: Visit the traditional School of Arts and Crafts, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts.
• 3:30 PM – Tashichho Dzong: Visit this impressive fortress, which houses the throne room, government offices and central monastic body.
• 4:30 PM – Thimphu Town: Enjoy some free time exploring the local market and shops.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha – Wangduephodrang

After breakfast, drive towards Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, including sightseeing stops.

• 8:00 AM – Depart Thimphu: Begin your scenic drive towards Punakha.
• 9:00 AM – Dochula Pass (3,100 metres): Stop at the beautiful Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 memorial stupas. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range.
• 10:00 AM – Continue to Punakha: Drive downhill through beautiful forests and traditional villages.
• 11:30 AM – Punakha Dzong: Visit one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
• 1:00 PM – Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• 2:00 PM – Suspension Bridge: Walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy views of the river and surrounding valley.
• 3:00 PM – Chimi Lhakhang: Drive to Metshina village and enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk through rice fields to reach this famous fertility temple.
• 4:30 PM – Drive to Wangduephodrang: Continue to your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 4: Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) – Wangduephodrang

Today, enjoy a beautiful excursion to Gangtey and the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The drive takes approximately 2 hours each way.

• 8:00 AM – Depart Wangduephodrang: Drive through scenic countryside, forests of oak and rhododendron, and traditional villages.
• 10:00 AM – Gangtey Goemba: Visit this historic monastery, an important centre of the Nyingma school of Buddhism and the only Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan.
• 11:00 AM – Phobjikha Valley: Enjoy the breathtaking views of this wide glacial valley, surrounded by forested mountains.
• 11:45 AM – Gangtey Nature Trail: Enjoy a short walk through the beautiful valley and traditional villages.
• 1:00 PM – Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or farmhouse.
• 2:00 PM – Black-Necked Crane Information Centre: Learn about the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to Bhutan during winter. The cranes are generally present from late October until March.
• 3:00 PM – Explore the Valley: Enjoy photography, interact with local people and experience the peaceful rural surroundings.
• 4:00 PM – Return to Wangduephodrang: Drive back to your hotel.

Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 5: Wangduephodrang – Thimphu – Paro

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Paro via Thimphu.

• 8:00 AM – Depart Wangduephodrang: Enjoy the scenic drive towards Thimphu.
• 10:30 AM – Folk Heritage Museum: Visit this traditional Bhutanese farmhouse-style museum, which showcases rural Bhutanese lifestyles, household objects and cultural traditions.
• 11:30 AM – Traditional Paper Factory: See how traditional Bhutanese handmade paper is produced.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Thimphu.
• 1:30 PM – Depart for Paro: Enjoy the scenic drive along the Thimphu River.
• 3:00 PM – Arrive in Paro: Check into your hotel and relax.
• 4:00 PM – Traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse Experience: Visit a local farmhouse to experience Bhutanese hospitality. Enjoy a traditional hot-stone bath, followed by a typical Bhutanese dinner.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 6: Paro – Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike

After an early breakfast, prepare for one of the highlights of your Bhutan holiday: the hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest.

According to legend, Ugyen Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave. The monastery is dramatically perched on a cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley.

• 7:30 AM – Drive to the Taktsang Base: Reach the starting point of the hike.
• 8:00 AM – Begin the Hike: Start your uphill walk through beautiful pine forests.
• 10:00 AM – Taktsang Viewpoint: Reach the famous cafeteria viewpoint, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the monastery.
• 10:30 AM – Continue to the Monastery: Descend and climb the final section of steps to reach the monastery.
• 11:30 AM – Explore Taktsang: Visit the temples and meditation caves and learn about the history of this sacred place.
• 12:30 PM – Begin Descent: Walk back towards the cafeteria.
• 1:30 PM – Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the cafeteria.
• 2:30 PM – Return to the Base: Complete the hike and drive back to your hotel.
• 3:30 PM – Free Time: Relax at your hotel or explore Paro town.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 7: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our representative will assist you with departure formalities.

This concludes your memorable 7-day journey through the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.