10-Day Budget Bhutan Itinerary for Couples: Hiking, City Sights & Vegetarian Dining

Day 1: Arrival & Paro Sights

Paro, Bhutan on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Paro International Airport Arrival

Arrive at Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport, and transfer to your hotel to settle in.
0 USD, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly Bhutanese breakfast offering local dishes such as Ema Datshi and buckwheat pancakes.
Around 7 USD per person, 1h

11:30am

Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)

Explore this impressive fortress and monastery known for its unique Bhutanese architecture and rich history; it’s a great introduction to Bhutanese culture.
Around 2 USD (government royalty fee), 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant

Try traditional vegetarian Bhutanese dishes in a casual dining setting, open 11am-10pm.
Around 8 USD per person, 1h

3:30pm

National Museum of Bhutan

Visit the museum housed in the Ta Dzong, offering fascinating exhibits on Bhutanese art, history, and culture.
5 USD, 1h 30m

5:00pm

Evening walk along the Paro River and local bazaar

Enjoy the peaceful riverside and browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Savour a vegetarian Bhutanese dinner with fresh local produce and spices. Open 8am-9pm.
Around 10 USD per person, 1h
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Day 2: Tiger's Nest Hike

Paro, Bhutan on June 5, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light vegetarian breakfast to fuel your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Included in accommodation or ~5 USD, 30m

7:00am

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

Undertake the iconic 4-5 hour round-trip hike to this stunning cliffside monastery with beautiful views and spiritual significance. Open from 7:00am to 5:00pm daily.
5 USD permit fee, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at cafeteria near Tiger’s Nest

Simplistic vegetarian meals and refreshments available at the monastery’s cafeteria, perfect to rest post-hike.
Around 6 USD, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Paro town and rest

Relax at your hotel after the strenuous hike.
Free, Rest of afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Julia’s Restaurant

Enjoy vegetarian Bhutanese and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
Around 10 USD per person, 1h
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Day 3: Travel To Thimphu & City Tour

Thimphu, Bhutan on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Paro

Have a wholesome vegetarian breakfast before departure.
~5 USD, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Thimphu

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive through Bhutan’s beautiful landscapes from Paro to Thimphu.
Transport cost ~30 USD shared taxi, 1h 30m

11:00am

Visit Memorial Chorten

Explore the iconic chorten built in memory of the third king, a central spiritual monument in Thimphu.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bakery Café

Enjoy a variety of vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and pastries in a relaxing café setting. Open 8am–9pm.
~7 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue

See this massive golden Buddha statue with panoramic views over Thimphu valley.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tashichho Dzong

Examine the beautiful fortress and monastery serving as the government and monastic seat.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Explore local markets

Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in downtown Thimphu.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ambient Café

Try flavorful vegetarian Bhutanese and continental dishes with a cozy ambiance. Open till 10pm.
~10 USD, 1h
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Day 4: Thimphu Museums & Hikes

Thimphu, Bhutan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast before a day of cultural exploration.
~5 USD, 1h

9:30am

Folk Heritage Museum

Visit this traditional Bhutanese farmhouse museum showcasing rural life and customs.
2 USD, 1h

11:00am

National Library of Bhutan

Explore Bhutan’s literary heritage and rare Buddhist manuscripts.
1 USD, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Changzam Coffee

Vegetarian-friendly café with coffee, snacks, and light meals. Open 7am–7pm.
~6 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Hike to Cheri Monastery

Short 1-2 hour hike up to this historic Buddhist monastery, offering great views of Thimphu.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore more local shops

Rest or enjoy a stroll around town to discover local art and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Roadhouse Café

Sample vegetarian Indian and Bhutanese fusion dishes in a lively setting. Open 7am–11pm.
~10 USD, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Punakha & Sights

Punakha, Bhutan on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a nutritious vegetarian breakfast before travelling.
~5 USD, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Punakha

About 2.5-3 hour drive with scenic views over Himalayan valleys.
Transport ~30 USD shared taxi, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bhutan Kitchen

Enjoy authentic vegetarian Bhutanese cuisine in Punakha. Open 11am–9pm.
~8 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Punakha Dzong

Explore one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important dzongs situated at the confluence of two rivers.
5 USD royalty fee, 1h 30m

3:30pm

Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge

Stroll this long suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu river with stunning views of the dzong and valleys.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)

A short drive from Punakha Dzong, this vibrant monastery is famous among couples exploring Bhutan.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or local eatery

Simple vegetarian dinner with local flavors to wind down the day.
~7 USD, 1h
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Day 6: Punakha Nature & Relax

Punakha, Bhutan on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a vegetarian meal before nature time.
~5 USD, 1h

9:30am

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

An hour uphill hike to this stunning chorten with panoramic views over Punakha valley and river.
Free, 3h round trip

1:00pm

Lunch at Mountain Café

Relax with vegetarian options and fresh juices. Open 10am–8pm.
~8 USD, 1h

2:30pm

Leisure time or spa

Enjoy leisure at hotel or book a traditional Bhutanese massage to unwind.
~20 USD massage, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Punakha Lodge

Vegetarian Bhutanese dishes with cozy ambiance. Open till 9pm.
~9 USD, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Gangtey & valley

Gangtey, Bhutan on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast before heading to Gangtey.
~5 USD, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Gangtey Valley

A beautiful 3-hour drive through mountainous terrain to Gangtey, known for its scenic valley and black-necked cranes in winter.
Transport ~40 USD shared taxi, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mountain Lodge

Vegetarian-friendly meals with stunning valley views. Open 11am–8pm.
~8 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Gangtey Monastery

Explore one of Bhutan’s most important Nyingmapa monasteries with ancient artwork and panoramic views.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Walk in Phobjikha Valley

Enjoy peaceful hikes in this glacial valley surrounded by forests; ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Simple vegetarian dinner focusing on fresh local ingredients.
~7 USD, 1h
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Day 8: Gangtey Valley Exploration

Gangtey, Bhutan on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a nourishing vegetarian breakfast.
~5 USD, 1h

9:00am

Hike to Black-Necked Crane Information Centre

Visit to learn about these rare birds and the valley’s ecology; open 10am–4pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch in valley

Enjoy a packed vegetarian meal outdoors appreciating stunning valley sights.
~6 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure afternoon or photography

Visit local villages nearby or relax enjoying natural beauty and interacting with locals.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return dinner at hotel

Dinner with vegetarian Bhutanese dishes made from fresh produce.
~7 USD, 1h
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Day 9: Return to Paro Sightseeing

Paro, Bhutan on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Vegetarian breakfast before departure.
~5 USD, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Paro

Return via a scenic 4-hour drive, with stops for photos and refreshments.
Transport ~40 USD shared taxi, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Olive Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of vegetarian Bhutanese and Chinese dishes; open 11am–9pm.
~8 USD, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Kyichu Lhakhang

One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, serene and perfect for reflection. Open daily.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at hotel or local café

Enjoy a quiet afternoon with local teas and snacks.
~5 USD, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Final dinner enjoying vegetarian Bhutanese delicacies in Paro.
~10 USD, 1h
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Day 10: Departure Day Relax

Paro, Bhutan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light vegetarian breakfast and packing.
~5 USD, 1h

10:00am

Visit local craft shops

Purchase last-minute souvenirs from local artisans in Paro town.
Free entry; shopping extra, 1h 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy an affordable vegetarian meal before heading to airport.
~6 USD, 1h

1:30pm

Transfer to Paro International Airport

Arrive early for your departure flights after a memorable Bhutan journey.
0 USD, 1h 30m
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