5-Day Itinerary for Bhutan

  1. Day 1: Paro
    1 hour (55 km) from Thimphu

    Start your Bhutan adventure with a visit to the Paro Valley. Visit the Taktshang Monastery (also known as Tiger's Nest), an iconic symbol of Bhutan that you can hike up to. Next, head to the Paro Dzong, a stunning fortress-monastery that is a great example of traditional Bhutanese architecture.

  2. Day 2: Thimphu
    55 minutes (51 km) from Paro

    Explore Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a massive Buddha statue that overlooks the city. Then, head to the National Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa that is a popular place of worship for locals. Finish your day with a visit to the bustling Thimphu Market to get a feel for the local culture.

  3. Day 3: Punakha
    3 hours (85 km) from Thimphu

    Travel to the Punakha Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit the Punakha Dzong, a former capital city of Bhutan that is a great example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Take a hike to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful stupa that offers sweeping views of the Punakha Valley.

  4. Day 4: Phobjikha Valley
    3.5 hours (120 km) from Punakha

    Take a scenic drive to the Phobjikha Valley, a breathtaking valley that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, which provides visitors with information about the birds that migrate to the valley every year. Take a hike to the Gangtey Monastery, an important religious site that offers stunning views of the valley.

  5. Day 5: Haa Valley
    3 hours (110 km) from Phobjikha Valley

    End your Bhutan trip with a visit to the Haa Valley, known for its picturesque scenery and traditional architecture. Visit the Lhakhang Nagpo, a temple that is dedicated to the black hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Take a hike to the Juneydrak Hermitage, a cliffside monastery that offers sweeping views of the valley.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Taktshang Monastery (5 hours, $20)
  • Paro Dzong (2 hours, $10)
  • Buddha Dordenma Statue (1 hour, $5)
  • National Memorial Chorten (1 hour, $5)
  • Thimphu Market (2 hours, $varies)
  • Punakha Dzong (2 hours, $10)
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (4 hours, $20)
  • Black-necked Crane Information Centre (2 hours, $5)
  • Gangtey Monastery (3 hours, $15)
  • Lhakhang Nagpo (2 hours, $10)
  • Juneydrak Hermitage (4 hours, $20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $135

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Jigme Dorji National Park to see Bhutan's diverse wildlife. If you have less time, consider cutting out a day in the Phobjikha Valley. Remember to check opening and closing times of each location before going.

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