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7-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Bhutan

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Paro Heritage

Paro, Bhutan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mountain Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local and continental options to prepare for the day's adventure. The café opens at 7:30 AM and offers fresh organic ingredients.
BTN300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Paro Dzong

Explore the stunning Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), a fortress-monastery featuring impressive Bhutanese architecture and beautiful courtyards. It opens daily at 9 AM.
BTN300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kaliwa Café

Taste authentic Bhutanese cuisine including Ema Datshi (chili cheese stew) and momos. Open from 11 AM to 3 PM.
BTN450, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit National Museum of Bhutan

Located above Paro, the museum showcases Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and history with fascinating exhibits inside a 17th-century watchtower. Opens 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Paro Town

Stroll through Paro’s charming town center, visit local shops, and interact with locals to get a feel of everyday Bhutanese life.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Relish traditional Bhutanese and Tibetan dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Open till 9 PM.
BTN600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Paro

Day 2: Thimphu City Tour

Thimphu, Bhutan on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Simply Bhutan

Start your day with traditional Bhutanese breakfast options and fresh coffee. Open from 7 AM.
BTN350, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue

Visit the massive gilded Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, offering panoramic views and spiritual ambiance. Open 9 AM to 6 PM.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Tashichho Dzong

Tour the impressive fortress which houses the throne room of the King and several government offices. Guided tours available. Open from 9 AM.
BTN250, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ambient Café

Enjoy a fusion of Bhutanese and Western dishes in a relaxed setting. Open 11 AM to 3 PM.
BTN500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Folk Heritage Museum

Discover Bhutanese rural lifestyles through traditional houses and artifacts. Open 9 AM – 5 PM.
BTN100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shopping at Handicrafts Emporium

Browse and buy exquisite Bhutanese crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Open 9 AM to 6 PM.
Variable, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Zone

Sample local dishes with modern twists in a popular Thimphu restaurant. Open until 10 PM.
BTN600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Thimphu

Day 3: Punakha Natural & Spiritual

Punakha, Bhutan on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day’s adventures.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Punakha

Travel scenic 2.5-hour drive from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass with stunning Himalayan views.
Included with transport, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Punakha Dzong

Explore one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historic dzongs situated at the confluence of two rivers. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN200, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Druk Hotel

Try traditional Bhutanese meals in a scenic hotel setting right on the riverside. Open noon to 3 PM.
BTN550, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Take a gentle 1-hour walk to this fertility temple surrounded by beautiful farmland. Open all day, visit respectfully.
Donation suggested, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Punakha Suspension Bridge

Visit this iconic, longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and enjoy river views and photography opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Simply Bhutan Punakha

Savor local delicacies with warm hospitality. Open until 9 PM.
BTN600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Punakha

Day 4: Gangtey Valley & Nature

Gangtey, Bhutan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for the journey to Gangtey valley.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Gangtey

Scenic 3-hour drive to Gangtey Valley famous for its pristine nature and rare black-necked cranes in winter.
Included with transport, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Gangtey Monastery

Tour this important Nyingmapa monastery perched above the valley with spectacular views. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Black-Necked Crane Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes while soaking in views of the valley. Open 11 AM to 3 PM.
BTN500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Gangtey Nature Trail

A gentle 2-hour guided walk through beautiful landscapes and farmland of Gangtey Valley, excellent for birdwatching.
Guide fee BTN300, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to lodge and relax

Enjoy peaceful surroundings and dinner at your lodge.
Included, Rest of evening
Find Hotels in Gangtey

Day 5: Bumthang Spiritual Heartland

Bumthang, Bhutan on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Early breakfast before the drive to Bumthang valley.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Bumthang

Approximately 4 to 5 hours drive through scenic mountain roads to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland.
Included with transport, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local eatery in Bumthang

Enjoy local cuisine featuring Buckwheat noodles and dairy products. Open noon to 3 PM.
BTN400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jakar Dzong

Explore this impressive dzong guarding the valley, showcasing medieval architecture and stunning views.
BTN200, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Tamshing Lhakhang

One of Bhutan’s oldest temples housing unique murals and religious artifacts. Open daylight hours.
Donation suggested, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at the hotel

Relax with a peaceful dinner featuring local and international dishes after a full day.
Included, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bumthang

Day 6: Trongsa Historical Insights

Trongsa, Bhutan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing start to the day before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Trongsa

2-hour scenic drive from Bumthang to Trongsa, notable for its strategic location in Bhutan’s history.
Included with transport, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Trongsa Dzong

Tour the largest dzong in Bhutan with rich royal history and architecture. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN200, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trongsa Hotel Restaurant

Sample traditional Bhutanese dishes with a view of the valley. Open 11 AM to 2 PM.
BTN450, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ta Dzong Museum

Explore the museum housing artifacts related to Bhutanese history and Trongsa’s significance.
BTN100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive back to Paro

Long drive of approx 5 to 6 hours back to Paro where your trip completes. Plan stops for rest and photo.
Included with transport, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel in Paro

End the day with a comfortable dinner at your hotel restaurant in Paro.
Included, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Trongsa

Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Hike

Paro, Bhutan on May 20, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the iconic hike.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

Spend the morning hiking to this stunning cliffside monastery, a symbol of Bhutan. The hike takes 4-5 hours round trip, monastery opens at 9 AM.
BTN200 (donation), 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch picnic

Enjoy a packed lunch on the trail with stunning views after descending.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll Paro town

Relax and do last-minute shopping or visit small local cafes.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at Uma by COMO

Celebrate your Bhutan trip with an upscale meal featuring local and international cuisine. Open until 10 PM.
BTN1000, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Paro
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