Bhutan: A Week Among Nature's Surreal Picturesque Scenes

  1. Day 1: Paro Valley
    Drive 30 minutes from Paro International Airport.

    Paro Valley is your first welcome destination to Bhutan, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan ranges. It's an ideal place for hikers, taking in the crisp air as they view the beautiful countryside.

  2. Day 2: Tiger's Nest Monastery
    10 minutes (3.4 km) from Paro Valley

    Trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery is Bhutan's most visited sacred sites. Nestled 3,120 meters above sea level in a spectacular cliffside location, it’s a marvel of engineering and devotion.

  3. Day 3: Punakha Valley and Dochula Pass
    4 hours (130 km) from Paro Valley.

    This scenic drive takes you to the heart of Bhutan, its lush green valleys, and rice fields. Take a pit stop at the Dochula Pass for a transformative experience of 108 chortens and the third-eye-shaped Druk Wangyel Lhakhang(Closed in Winter).

  4. Day 4: Phobjikha Valley
    4 hours (140km) from Punakha Valley.

    Home to the endangered black-necked cranes, this majestic valley is a winter destination. Take a nature walk through the valley to the ancient Gangtey Monastery and explore the nearby hikes.

  5. Day 5: Trongsa Dzong
    3 hours (90 km) from Phobjikha Valley

    Visit the largest dzong in Bhutan and the one that served as the royal family’s alma mater. It's a grand and imposing structure adorned with intricate paintings and carvings reflecting Bhutanese culture and history.

  6. Day 6: Bumthang Valley
    3 hours (71 km) from Trongsa Dzong

    A paradise for meditation, the Bumthang valley is dotted with spiritual sites and temples. Take a hike to the Tangbi Goemba for great views of Jakar valley.

  7. Day 7: Thimphu City
    5 hours (225 km) from Bumthang Valley.

    The cleanest city in Asia is home to some of the best museums and monasteries. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, The Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, and Changangkha Lhakhang. Shop for souvenirs at the weekend market.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Paro Valley (2 hours, free)
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery Trek (5-6 hours round trip, US$20 entry fee)
  • Punakha Valley and Dochula Pass (8 hours round trip, US$10 entry fee)
  • Phobjikha Valley (6 hours round trip, free)
  • Trongsa Dzong (2 hours, US$7 entry fee)
  • Bumthang Valley (4 hours round trip, free)
  • Thimphu City (10 hours round trip, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs : US$37

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, add a day to Phobjikha Valley to take the Gangtey Nature Trail. If you have less time, remove Bumthang Valley from your itinerary. Bhutan observes a "high-value-low-impact" tourism policy, and tourists have to book trips through a licensed Bhutanese travel operator.

0