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7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Bhutan - December 23-29, 2023

Saturday, December 23: Arrival in Paro

Begin your Bhutan adventure with a flight into Paro. After arriving at Paro International Airport, take a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the morning, explore the Memorial Chorten, a famous landmark and Buddhist shrine. In the afternoon, visit the Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic golden statue of Buddha, and enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. In the evening, take a stroll along Norzin Lam, the main street of Thimphu, and explore the local markets.

  • Memorial Chorten: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Buddha Dordenma: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Norzin Lam: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 24: Explore Thimphu

Start your day by visiting the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the main administrative building of Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese culture and traditions. In the evening, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught.

  • Tashichho Dzong: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Folk Heritage Museum: Cost: Approx. $5 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, December 25: Punakha

Embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Enjoy a leisurely hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, in the afternoon. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and tasting Bhutanese cuisine.

  • Punakha Dzong: Cost: Approx. $5 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Chimi Lhakhang: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Local Markets and Cuisine: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey

Visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in the morning, an impressive fortress perched on a ridge overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang valley. Afterward, continue your journey to Gangtey, a beautiful valley known for its scenic beauty and the Gangtey Monastery. Take a nature walk in the Gangtey Valley to spot black-necked cranes (seasonal) and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

  • Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Gangtey Monastery and Valley: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Nature Walk in Gangtey Valley: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Bumthang

Take a scenic drive to Bumthang, one of the most historic and religious regions of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the Jakar Dzong, a picturesque fortress overlooking the Chokhor Valley. Explore the Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang temples in the afternoon, both known for their religious significance. End the day with a visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory, where you can witness the production of local cheese.

  • Jakar Dzong: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Jambay Lhakhang: Cost: Approx. $3 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kurjey Lhakhang: Cost: Approx. $3 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Swiss Cheese Factory: Cost: Free (optional cheese purchase), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Hike to Tiger's Nest

Embark on an iconic hike to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. Start early in the morning for this challenging but rewarding trek to one of Bhutan's most sacred sites, perched on a cliffside. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the hike, relax and rejuvenate at a local spa.

  • Hike to Tiger's Nest: Cost: Approx. $10 per person (entry fee), Time spent: 5-6 hours
  • Spa Relaxation: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Friday, December 29: Departure from Paro

On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan. Take a scenic drive back to Paro and visit the Paro Taktsang viewpoint to capture one last glimpse of the Tiger's Nest monastery. Explore the town of Paro, visit the National Museum, and stroll through the charming streets before catching your departure flight.

  • Paro Taktsang Viewpoint: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Paro National Museum: Cost: Approx. $5 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Exploring Paro: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Bhutan, don't miss the Dochula Pass, a mountain pass located on the way to Punakha. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, adorned with 108 chortens. For an authentic Bhutanese experience, consider a homestay in a traditional farmhouse in a rural village. Interact with friendly locals, experience their way of life, and savor delicious home-cooked meals.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check out this link.

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