7-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Bhutan

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Paro, Bhutan

9:00AM

Explore Paro Valley

Start your adventure in the scenic Paro Valley by visiting the Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery that offers stunning views.
Take a walk from the town center to the Dzong, it's only about a 15-minute trek.
100 BTN, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Fuel up with some hearty Bhutanese porridge at the famous Café Sisa before your day of exploration.
Head back to town, a short 15-minute stroll.
200 BTN, 1 hour

12:30PM

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

Embark on the iconic hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest, which is one of Bhutan's most famous landmarks.
The starting point is about 10km from Paro, take a local taxi (approx. 300 BTN for a shared ride).
300 BTN, 5 hours round trip

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Savor traditional dishes like Ema Datshi (chili cheese) at a budget-friendly restaurant such as The Village Restaurant.
Return to Paro town via taxi.
250 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 2: Thimphu Exploration

Thimphu, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Enjoy some delicious Bhutanese bread and butter tea at a bakery before your trip to Thimphu.
Walk to the nearby bakery.
150 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Thimphu

Take a local bus to Thimphu which is approximately 1.5 hours away.
Catch a bus from Paro bus station.
150 BTN, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Buddha Dordenma

Marvel at the colossal Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, which is both a sight and spiritual experience.
From the bus stop, take a taxi or walk, it's about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Refuel with lunch at Asterisk, known for its affordable and tasty noodle dishes.
Tax on a local taxi or walk approximately 15 minutes.
250 BTN, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Tashichho Dzong

Visit the government and monastic complex, Tashichho Dzong, rich in culture and architecture.
Head back towards the center of Thimphu via local transport.
100 BTN, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner

Dine at the popular but budget Curry House for delicious Indian cuisine.
Walk to the restaurant, about a 10-minute distance.
300 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 3: Punakha Adventure

Punakha, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast in Thimphu

Enjoy a simple breakfast at the hotel or nearby café before heading to Punakha.
Walk to a café or eat at the accommodation.
150 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Punakha

Take a local bus to Punakha, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.
Board the bus from Thimphu’s bus station.
200 BTN, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in local cuisine at Khamsum Café after arriving in Punakha.
Walk from the bus stop to the café, a 15-minute stroll.
250 BTN, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Punakha Dzong

Explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses.
It’s a short walk from the café.
100 BTN, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Rafting on the Pho Chhu River

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Pho Chhu River – an adventure not to be missed.
Book through a local tour operator at the Dzong.
1,500 BTN, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Lobesa

Wrap up your day with some local dishes at Hotel Lobesa, known for its warm hospitality.
Walk back from the rafting service.
300 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast in Punakha

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at your hotel before moving on.
Enjoy what your hotel has to offer.
200 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Bumthang

Take a bus to Bumthang, known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Catch a local bus from the main station.
250 BTN, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Once you arrive, refuel at Cafe Pema, famous for its local rice dishes.
Short walk from the bus station.
250 BTN, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Jakar Dzong

Explore the historic Jakar Dzong, where you’ll appreciate its architecture and history.
Just a stroll from the café.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yoesel Restaurant

Savor some Jakar sausage and rice at Yoesel, known for its comfort food selection.
Walk from Jakar Dzong, about 10 minutes.
300 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 5: Explore Trongsa

Trongsa, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast in Bumthang

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel before setting out.
Hotel breakfast.
200 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Trongsa

Head to Trongsa, a cultural gem of Bhutan, by taking a local bus.
Board the bus from Bumthang bus station.
150 BTN, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Trongsa Dzong

Marvel at Trongsa Dzong, an important bastion in Bhutanese history perched on a ridge.
15 minutes walk from the bus stop.
100 BTN, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Nearby Café

Grab a quick lunch of thukpa at a café near the Dzong.
Short walk from the Dzong.
250 BTN, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Ta Dzong

Discover the Ta Dzong tower and its museum showcasing Bhutan's history.
A 10-minute walk from the café.
150 BTN, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner in Trongsa

Dine at the local eatery Tshechog, where you can learn more about the local cuisine.
Taxi or walk back to town.
300 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 6: Phobjikha Valley Discovery

Phobjikha, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast in Trongsa

Savor a delicious breakfast at your accommodation before leaving.
Eat at your hotel or nearby café.
200 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Phobjikha Valley

Join a local bus or shared taxi to reach the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, famous for its Black Necked Cranes.
Take a shared taxi from Trongsa to Phobjikha.
250 BTN, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Gangtey Monastery

Explore the beautiful Gangtey Monastery that sits on a hill overlooking the valley.
A short local bus or taxi ride will take you here from the main road.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch at the local restaurant, Gangtey Goempa, serving traditional Bhutanese food.
It's within walking distance from the monastery.
250 BTN, 1 hour

3:00PM

Nature Walk in Phobjikha

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, spotting cranes and enjoying nature.
Explore on foot, no transport needed.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Lodge

Dine at the local lodge, which often hosts meals for travelers, trying dishes like Kewa Datshi.
Walking distance from where you are lodging.
300 BTN, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Paro

Paro, Bhutan

7:30AM

Breakfast in Phobjikha

Start your last day with a filling breakfast at the lodge before heading back.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
200 BTN, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Paro

Make your way back to Paro via shared taxi or bus, reflecting on your journey.
Board a local taxi or bus from the main road.
300 BTN, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Paro

Enjoy a final meal in Paro at a café such as Khichu Restaurant, popular for its dumplings.
A short taxi ride from the bus station.
250 BTN, 1 hour

3:00PM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Spend your final hours shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the vibrant local market.
A quick walk from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure

Wrap up your adventure in Bhutan, filled with memories and experiences, as you head to the airport for your onward journey.
Transport options to Paro International Airport available via taxi.
Variable, 1 hour
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