Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Bhutan

Day 1: Exploring Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ambient Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ambient Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and variety of local and international dishes.
Ambient Cafe is located in the heart of Thimphu city. It is a 10-minute walk from most hotels in the area.
20 BTN, 1 hour

10:00AM

Tashichho Dzong

Visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress that serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government.
Tashichho Dzong is a short drive from Ambient Cafe, approximately 15 minutes away.
50 BTN, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, surrounded by exhibits showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage.
The restaurant is a 20-minute drive from Tashichho Dzong.
30 BTN, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Buddha Dordenma Statue

Marvel at the giant Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest statues of Lord Buddha in the world, offering panoramic views of Thimphu valley.
The statue is a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Babesa Village Restaurant

End your day with a cozy dinner at Babesa Village Restaurant, known for its authentic Bhutanese cuisine and warm hospitality.
The restaurant is a 20-minute drive from the Buddha Dordenma Statue.
40 BTN, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

9:00AM

Changangkha Lhakhang

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an old fortress-like temple offering stunning views of Thimphu city and a peaceful atmosphere for meditation.
The temple is a 15-minute drive from most hotels in Thimphu.
20 BTN, 1 hour

11:00AM

Simply Bhutan Museum

Explore the Simply Bhutan Museum to learn about Bhutan's traditional way of life, try local handicrafts, and participate in cultural activities.
The museum is a 10-minute drive from Changangkha Lhakhang.
50 BTN, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zombala 2 Restaurant

Savor a Bhutanese buffet lunch at Zombala 2 Restaurant, offering a variety of authentic dishes in a cozy setting.
The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the museum.
35 BTN, 1 hour

3:00PM

National Memorial Chorten

Pay homage at the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred Buddhist site where locals and monks come to pray and circumambulate the stupa.
The chorten is a 10-minute drive from Zombala 2 Restaurant.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cloud 9 Lounge

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Cloud 9 Lounge, known for its rooftop views of Thimphu city and a fusion of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
The lounge is located in the city center, a short walk from most hotels.
60 BTN, 2 hours
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Day 3: Punakha Exploration

Punakha, Bhutan

9:00AM

Drive to Punakha

Embark on a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayas and lush valleys along the way.
The drive from Thimphu to Punakha takes approximately 3 hours.
Private car hire cost varies, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Relish a riverside lunch at Sonam Trophel Restaurant, known for its fresh Bhutanese dishes and serene ambiance by the Mo Chhu River.
The restaurant is a 15-minute drive from Punakha town.
40 BTN, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Punakha Dzong

Visit the historic Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Mo Chhu River, and explore its intricate wall paintings and courtyards.
Punakha Dzong is a short walk from Sonam Trophel Restaurant.
30 BTN, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dochula Resort

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Dochula Resort, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and a blend of Bhutanese and continental cuisine.
The resort is a 1-hour drive from Punakha Dzong.
50 BTN, 2 hours
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Day 4: Punakha Nature and Culture

Punakha, Bhutan

9:00AM

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of the Punakha valley and surrounding mountains.
The trailhead for the hike is a 30-minute drive from Punakha town.
10 BTN (park entry fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Punakha Organic Kitchen

Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch at Punakha Organic Kitchen, savoring fresh organic produce and traditional Bhutanese flavors.
The restaurant is a short drive from the chorten.
45 BTN, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Chimi Lhakhang

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the 'Divine Madman' and adorned with phallus symbols believed to bring blessings for couples seeking children.
Chimi Lhakhang is a 20-minute drive from Punakha Organic Kitchen.
20 BTN, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Punakha Village Restaurant

Experience a traditional Bhutanese dinner at Punakha Village Restaurant, known for its authentic local dishes and cultural performances.
The restaurant is located in Punakha town.
50 BTN, 2 hours
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Day 5: Paro Valley Exploration

Paro, Bhutan

9:00AM

Drive to Paro

Travel from Punakha to Paro, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of Bhutan's valleys and forests along the journey.
The drive from Punakha to Paro takes approximately 4 hours.
Private car hire cost varies, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mountain Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mountain Cafe, offering a cozy atmosphere and a selection of Bhutanese and international dishes in the heart of Paro town.
The cafe is a short walk from most hotels in Paro.
30 BTN, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Paro Dzong and National Museum

Explore the historic Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, and visit the National Museum nearby to delve into Bhutan's cultural heritage.
The dzong and museum are within walking distance from Mountain Cafe.
50 BTN (combined entry), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bukhari Restaurant

Savor a gourmet dinner at Bukhari Restaurant, known for its upscale Bhutanese cuisine and elegant ambiance overlooking the Paro valley.
The restaurant is a short drive from the dzong.
70 BTN, 2 hours
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Day 6: Tiger's Nest Hike

Paro, Bhutan

8:00AM

Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike

Embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Paro valley, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
The trailhead for the hike is a 30-minute drive from Paro town.
500 BTN (entry fee for non-SAARC tourists), 5 hours (round trip)

2:00PM

Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria

Recharge with a well-deserved meal at Taktsang Cafeteria, located near Tiger's Nest, offering simple Bhutanese dishes and panoramic views.
The cafeteria is a short walk from the monastery.
40 BTN, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Relax and recount your Tiger's Nest experience over dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant, known for its warm ambiance and authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
The restaurant is located in Paro town.
50 BTN, 2 hours
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Day 7: Paro Farewell

Paro, Bhutan

9:00AM

Kyichu Lhakhang

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, known for its historical significance and tranquil surroundings.
Kyichu Lhakhang is a short drive from Paro town.
20 BTN, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shopping at Paro Market

Explore the bustling Paro Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Bhutanese goods to bring home memories of your trip.
The market is located in the center of Paro town.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Red Rice Restaurant

Indulge in a farewell lunch at Red Rice Restaurant, specializing in Bhutanese red rice dishes and a variety of flavorful local delicacies.
The restaurant is a short walk from Paro Market.
40 BTN, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Paro Valley Excursion

Take a leisurely stroll or drive through the picturesque Paro Valley, soaking in the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Paro Valley can be explored on foot or by car.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Bukhari Restaurant

Conclude your Bhutan adventure with a special farewell dinner at Bukhari Restaurant, savoring the best of Bhutanese cuisine and toasting to unforgettable memories.
Bukhari Restaurant is a short drive from Paro Valley.
80 BTN, 2 hours
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