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9-Day Adventure in Bhutan: Explore the Land of Happiness

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Paro

Paro, Bhutan

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Olathang

After your arrival, settle down at the charming Hotel Olathang, a traditional Bhutanese hotel offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
From the airport, the hotel is a short 15-minute drive.
USD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the authentic Taste of Bhutan

Savour a traditional Bhutanese lunch featuring dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese) while soaking in the local ambience.
Just a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Paro Dzong

Visit the majestic Paro Dzong, a splendid fortress dating back to the 17th century, set against the backdrop of soaring hills.
A short 15-minute drive or a scenic 30-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan

Just a stone's throw from the Dzong, the museum hosts a vast collection of Bhutanese art and heritage.
5 minutes by car from Paro Dzong.
USD5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Bhutan Kitchen

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with local specialties, including freshly made momos and traditional dry meats.
10 minutes drive back towards town.
USD20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Paro

Day 2: Thimphu Exploration

Thimphu, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast served at your hotel to fuel your exploration.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Thimphu

Head towards Thimphu, the bustling capital city of Bhutan, nestled in a steep valley.
A 1-hour scenic drive.
Included in transport, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Buddha Dordenma

Marvel at the giant Buddha statue that towers over the valley with stunning views of the city.
15-minute drive from central Thimphu.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Cafe

Enjoy authentic Bhutanese dishes and snacks in a picturesque setting.
A 15-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Tashichho Dzong

Visit the impressive seat of the government and monastic body of Bhutan, experiencing its historical significance.
5-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

See the National Textile Museum

Discover the intricate craftsmanship of Bhutanese textiles and their cultural importance.
5-minute drive.
USD5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Seasons Restaurant

Savour a delightful meal featuring a mix of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
10 minutes drive back from the museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thimphu

Day 3: Journey to Punakha

Punakha, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a substantial breakfast before checking out and heading to Punakha.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Punakha

Embark on a picturesque journey to Punakha, crossing the historic Dochu La pass.
A 2.5-hour scenic drive.
Included in transport, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Punakha Wok

Delight in a delicious meal with traditional dishes overlooking the stunning Punakha valley.
5 minutes from the dzong.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Punakha Dzong

Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and historic significance.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Take a stroll to Chimi Lhakhang

Discover the temple dedicated to the divine madman, famed for fertility blessings.
A 30-minute scenic walk from the dzong.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Meri Puensum Hotel

Enjoy a beautifully crafted dinner while soaking in the serene evening atmosphere of Punakha.
A 15-minute drive back.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha Adventures

Punakha, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for adventure.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

White Water Rafting on the Po Chhu River

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting amidst stunning landscapes.
30-minute drive to the river.
USD40, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the riverside

Enjoy a packed lunch provided by your rafting company while resting riverside.
N/A
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Hike to this beautiful stupa offering panoramic views and is a symbol of good fortune.
20-minute drive to the trailhead, then a 30-minute hike.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge

Walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan for stunning views over the river.
15-minute drive from the chorten.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the White House Restaurant

Savour delicious local dishes and end your day with a view of the Mo Chhu river.
10-minute drive back.
USD18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Punakha

Day 5: Return to Paro

Paro, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading back to Paro.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Paro

Set out on your return journey with captivating views along the way.
A 2.5-hour scenic drive.
Included in transport, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café 232

Satisfy your hunger with popular Western and Bhutanese dishes at this trendy café.
10 minutes from the town centre.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

Embark on a rewarding hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang, perched on a cliff-side at 3,120m.
A 30-minute drive to the trailhead, followed by a 2-hour hike.
USD10, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the hotel

Return to the comforts of your hotel for a relaxing dinner after the hike.
Back at hotel.
Included, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paro

Day 6: Cultural Immersion in Paro

Paro, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for another day of exploration.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit a Local Farm

Experience Bhutanese rural life by visiting a local farm and interacting with friendly villagers.
30-minute drive from town.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Family Home

Enjoy a traditional meal hosted by a local family, truly immersing in their culture.
On-location.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Paro Market

Wander through the vibrant local market, sampling snacks and buying handicrafts.
Head back to Paro, 30 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Zuri Dzong

Hike up to Zuri Dzong for fantastic views of Paro valley and surrounding peaks.
15-minute drive to the trailhead, followed by a 30-minute hike.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the hotel

Relax during dinner at your hotel, reminiscing on the day's experiences.
On-site.
Included, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paro

Day 7: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

Phobjikha, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and heading to Phobjikha Valley.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Phobjikha

Journey to Phobjikha Valley, famous for its black-necked cranes and beautiful landscapes.
A 3-hour drive.
Included in transport, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Homestay

Delight in local delicacies during lunch served at a cozy homestay.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Gangtey Monastery

Explore the impressive Gangtey Monastery, the main monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
A 30-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Bird Watching in Phobjikha Valley

Spend the afternoon looking for black-necked cranes and other unique bird species in the valley.
Local nature trails.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Homestay

Enjoy a wholesome dinner served at your homestay, sharing stories with your hosts.
On-site.
USD10, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phobjikha

Day 8: Return to Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the homestay

Enjoy a warm breakfast served at your homestay before your journey back.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Thimphu

Embark on your return trip to Thimphu, taking in the views one last time.
A 3-hour drive.
Included in transport, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Ambient Cafe

Enjoy a mix of both Tibetan and Western cuisine, perfect to refuel after your journey.
In Thimphu city centre.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Royal Textile Academy

Discover the art of traditional Bhutanese weaving and the significance behind the fabrics.
5-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang

Experience the serenity of one of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Royal Tandoor

End your day with a delightful dinner featuring Indian and Bhutanese flavours.
10-minute drive back.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thimphu

Day 9: Depart from Paro

Paro, Bhutan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Savour a final breakfast before preparing for your departure.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang

A lovely temple that is one of the oldest in Bhutan, providing a perfect farewell.
15-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the hotel

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at your hotel before you check out.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to Paro Airport

Say goodbye to Bhutan as you head to the airport for your departure.
30-minute drive.
Included in transport, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Paro
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