5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Bhutan

Day 1: Explore Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a filling breakfast at the iconic Druk Café, known for its delicious tea and traditional Bhutanese porridge.
Located near the main square of Thimphu, making it easy to walk to after breakfast.
BTN 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Tashichho Dzong

Explore this beautiful fortress which houses the throne room and offices of the king; its architecture and the surrounding gardens are breathtaking.
A short 10-minute walk from Druk Café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

National Memorial Chorten

Pay a visit to this iconic stupa, where locals come to pray; the atmosphere is both serene and vibrant.
A 20-minute walk from Tashichho Dzong.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Café

Enjoy a simple lunch of Ema Datshi (chilli cheese) at this traditional café nestled within a museum.
15-minute walk from the Chorten.
BTN 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Buddha Dordenma Statue

Visit this colossal Buddha statue that overlooks the valley and offers stunning views of Thimphu.
Take a local taxi or shared taxi for BTN 100; it’s about a 30-minute ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wanders on the Streets

Stroll through the streets of Thimphu, exploring local shops and experiencing the culture firsthand.
Return to the city centre via local taxi (BTN 100).
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Seelnya Restaurant

Wrap your day up with a hearty dinner of traditional Bhutanese cuisine, including a mix of vegetables and rice.
A short 10-minute walk from the main city square.
BTN 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Punakha

Punakha, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your accommodation before leaving for Punakha.
Breakfast served at your guesthouse.
BTN 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Punakha

Take a local bus to Punakha, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.
Bus station is a short walk from your hotel; the ride takes about 3 hours.
BTN 200, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Once in Punakha, grab lunch at a local eatery, trying some Jasha Maroo (chicken with spices).
Nearby food stalls and restaurants within walking distance.
BTN 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Punakha Dzong

Marvel at this stunning fortress situated at the confluence of two rivers, a must-see in Bhutan.
A short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk Across the Suspension Bridge

Take a leisurely walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, enjoying the views and fresh air.
Located a 20-minute walk from Punakha Dzong.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Belgian Beer Cafe

Enjoy a light dinner at this casual spot offering a variety of western dishes and local beers.
10-minute walk from the bridge.
BTN 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Paro

Paro, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Comfort yourself with breakfast at your guesthouse, readying for a day of exploration.
Your guesthouse provides breakfast.
BTN 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Paro

Take a local bus from Punakha to Paro which takes about 5 hours, offering beautiful view points.
Bus station in Punakha is easily accessible.
BTN 300, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savour some more traditional Bhutanese dishes; try the Ema Datshi if you loved it in Thimphu.
Restaurants are available near the bus station.
BTN 300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Rinpung Dzong

Explore this architectural masterpiece which also serves as the administrative and monastic centre of Paro District.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll Around Paro Town

Roam the quaint shops of Paro and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere around you.
Easily accessible from Rinpung Dzong.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café Dawa

Indulge in a warm meal at this popular café, famous for its local dishes and comfortable seating.
A short 10-minute walk from Paro town.
BTN 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hiking and Culture

Paro, Bhutan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at your guesthouse, energising for your journey ahead.
Served at your accommodation.
BTN 150, 1 hour

8:00AM

Tiger's Nest Hike

Set off for a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, where the views are spectacular.
Take a taxi to the base for BTN 200; the hike takes about 2-3 hours one way.
BTN 1,200 entrance fee, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Café on the Trail

Recharge with a light meal at the café along the trail, with spectacular views.
Located near the monastery halfway point.
BTN 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Monastery

Finish your visit by exploring the serene interiors of the monastery with its beautiful murals.
Spend around 1-2 hours in the monastery.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return Hike

Head back down the trail, enjoying the fresh air and nature around you.
Follow the same path back, ensuring safety.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a House

Savour a meal prepared by a local family for a more authentic experience; home-cooked meals are the best.
Book in advance through a local guide.
BTN 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Back to Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your guesthouse before starting your journey back.
Breakfast at your accommodation.
BTN 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thimphu

Catch a local bus back to Thimphu, soaking in the mountain views one last time.
Bus station in Paro, approximately 1 hour drive.
BTN 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit National Textile Museum

Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of Bhutanese textiles and the history behind it.
Located in Thimphu, easy to reach by taxi.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Chh'a Bistro

Savour a delightful lunch at this trendy bistro known for its fusion dishes.
Nearby the museum, just a short walk.
BTN 400, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang

Explore this ancient temple offering picturesque views of Thimphu.
A short taxi ride will get you there.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping in Thimphu

Spend your last hours buying locally made handicrafts or souvenirs to take home.
Walk back to town from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ambient Café

Celebrate your last evening in Bhutan with a splendid meal at this well-regarded café, where local flavours meet international cuisine.
It's a 10-minute walk from the shopping area.
BTN 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability