Welcome to Bhutan! Begin your honeymoon in the charming town of Paro. In the morning, visit the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside offering breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery showcasing beautiful architecture. In the evening, take a romantic walk along the Paro Chu River.
Karma's Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese breakfast at Karma's Restaurant, known for its warm hospitality and delicious local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
The Lunchbox: Treat yourselves to a delightful lunch at The Lunchbox, a cozy cafe offering a variety of international and Bhutanese cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Mountain View Restaurant: Indulge in a romantic dinner with a stunning view of the mountains at Mountain View Restaurant. The menu features a fusion of Bhutanese and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, January 2: Thimphu Exploration
Head to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Start your morning with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace. In the afternoon, explore the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese traditions. In the evening, stroll along Norzin Lam, the main street, and visit the local markets.
Memorial Chorten: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Folk Heritage Museum: Cost estimate - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Norzin Lam: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Bhutanese Café is a charming breakfast spot offering traditional Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi and Kewa Datshi. A meal here costs around $10 per person.
Cafeteria & Restaurant serves delicious and affordable lunch options including momos and thukpa. You can expect to spend around $8 per person for a meal.
For a romantic dinner, head to Ambient Café & Restaurant. With its cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring dishes from around the world, a meal here costs approximately $20 per person.
Wednesday, January 3: Punakha Valley
Embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong, an architectural marvel located at the confluence of two rivers. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch by the riverside. In the afternoon, hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for panoramic views of the valley. Spend the evening relaxing by the riverside.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Dochula Café, a charming restaurant with outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Enjoy a hearty Bhutanese breakfast of ema datshi (cheese and chili) with handmade wheat bread. Average cost for a meal is about 250 Bhutanese Ngultrum per person.
For lunch, try the Sonam Trophel Restaurant, a popular local eatery known for its authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Indulge in dishes like traditional red rice, phaksha paa (pork with spicy chili), and sikam paa (dried pork with radish). Average cost for a meal is about 400 Bhutanese Ngultrum per person.
For dinner, visit Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria, a cozy restaurant located near the famous Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Savor delicious Bhutanese specialties like momo dumplings, thukpa (noodle soup), and phala (Bhutanese stir-fry). Average cost for a meal is about 350 Bhutanese Ngultrum per person.
Thursday, January 4: Phobjikha Valley and Black-Necked Crane Observatory
Travel to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and the migratory Black-Necked Cranes. In the morning, visit the Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hilltop. Enjoy a nature walk in the valley and spot the graceful cranes at the Black-Necked Crane Observatory. Spend the evening in a cozy farmhouse, experiencing traditional Bhutanese hospitality.
Gangtey Monastery: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Black-Necked Crane Observatory: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Friday, January 5: Bumthang's Spiritual Sites
Fly to Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the Jakar Dzong, which offers panoramic views of the valley. Explore the Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, two important Buddhist temples. In the afternoon, take a romantic stroll through the picturesque village of Bumthang and visit the Swiss Farm for homemade cheese and wine tasting.
Take a scenic drive to the picturesque Haa Valley, nestled amidst the Himalayas. Begin your day by visiting the Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, two ancient temples. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the enchanting valley. In the afternoon, hike to the beautiful Chele La Pass for stunning mountain views. Spend the evening soaking in the tranquility of the valley.
Lhakhang Karpo: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Lhakhang Nagpo: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Chele La Pass: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Sunday, January 7: Paro - Departure
Head back to Paro for your departure. In the morning, take a relaxing hot stone bath, a traditional Bhutanese wellness treatment. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing the country's rich history and art. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Paro for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Bid farewell to Bhutan with cherished memories of your honeymoon.
Hot Stone Bath: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 1-2 hours
National Museum of Bhutan: Cost estimate - INR 300, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Shopping in Paro: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the remote village of Ura in Bumthang, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant festivals. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Tang Valley, where you can indulge in farm-to-table experiences and witness traditional Bhutanese weaving. Locals also recommend exploring the serene beauty of Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views.