our 7 day Bhutan itinerary with photos

The intriguing and mystical land of Bhutan had been on our bucket list for a while. This past spring we decided to take the plunge and make it happen.

Planning and taking a trip to foreign lands can be a daunting and overwhelming undertaking. In my opinion, having a clear intent and conscious planning with through research and “go with the flow” attitude is the key to making any trip a success.

For us, my husband is the researcher and planner (and I must say he is awesome at it). We make a list of all the things important to each member going on the trip, do our research then book the trip. Beyond that there is no right or wrong, only experiences. Bhutan was the 21 country we visited and this process has worked wonders for us every time.

Requirements for travelling to Bhutan:

• The government of Bhutan requires everyone to get an entry visa (accept those from SAARC countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka).
• The visa can be obtained through officially approved operators. We chose to go with Druk Asia and our trip was seamless.
• Only Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and Bhutan Airlines provide international flights into Bhutan. These air lines fly from Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), Yangood (Myanmar), New Delhi and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Singapore. We flew into New Delhi spent 2 days here and went off to Bhutan.

The Cost for the trip:

We paid $250 US per person per day for our trip. This included the following:

• Visas to Bhutan
• A qualified & licensed English speaking guide
• An experienced drive
• All meals inclusive at selected restaurants
• Accommodation at 3 star rated hotels (with an option to upgrade for extra charge. We upgraded to Terma Linka in Thimpu and Le Meridian Riverfront in Paro. Both the hotels were awesome. In Punakha there was no option to upgrade so we stayed at the three star hotel, Four Boutique Hotel , and it was good.
• Taxes, surcharges, government contribution
• Mineral water for duration of the stay
• Traditional Bhutanese outfits for use throughout the trip.

Our 7 Day Itinerary In Bhutan:

As I mentioned, we used Drukasia as our operator and followed their pre-existing itinerary. They actually sent us the itinerary ahead of time (along with all other necessary information). The best thing was that while it provided us with a great outline, it was very flexible. The tour was private with just the four of us and our own comfortable vehicle, driver, and tour guide.

Day 1: Arrived in Paro and drove to Thimpu

Lunch in Thimpu:

We were not sure what to expect so far as food was concerned. We had read the Bhutanese people enjoy spicy food with chilli cheese being their favourite dish. However, we discovered with our first meal and all the meals that followed, the hotel buffets catering to tourist were mild, simple, flavourful and nutritions. Red rice, lots of vegetables, and meat such as chicken, pork and beef along with Indian and Chinese cuisine were offered. We enjoyed every meal, absolutely loved chilli cheese and were so happy with the Indian buffet, especially at La Meridian hotel in Paro. As a side note, it is illegal to kill animals in Bhutan so all the meat is imported.

National Memorial Chorten Thimpu :

This large chorten was built in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (king) of Bhutan and is dedicated to world peace. The elders and families worshiping and socializing at this peaceful place was such a delightful sight.

Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong)

The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially constructed in 1641 and restored by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. The structure, architect and ambience of these majestic historic sites give you a feeling of warmth, serenity and happiness.

Visit to the Weaving Centre:

I absolutely loved the art work by the local artists.

Vegetable Super Market:

It was fun walking through the vegetable market with farmers selling their produce.

Day 2: Exploring Thimpu

Buddha Point:

Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The view of the Thimpu Valley from the Buddha point is spectacular.

Wangditshi Hike 4 km:

In preparation for the hike to Tiger’s Nest and to acclimatize to the high altitude we did this easier hike.

The walk was a little challenging at first due to the dramatic altitude change (we went from sea level here in Vancouver, Canada to approximately 8,000 ft.) but the view was beautiful. The best part was who we met at the top.

Up on the hill, in a tiny hut with the best view in town, lived this beautiful couple (along with a few more elders in their neighbouring huts). These were people who have no children to look after them and are supported by the government. They were such happy, small and delightful humans. When we asked if we may take a photo the gentle man walked away into his hut.

Five minutes later he returned wearing these cool glasses. It was so cute. We asked our tour guide if we could somehow help them. She told us every weekend she and some friends bring groceries to these people and we can contribute toward that, if we liked. Of course, we did. This was the highlight of our day. The genuine happiness of these people touched our hearts.

Walking Through Thimpu:

Situated at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu is the centre of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity, and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business persons and monks.

The view of the Buddha up on the hill top, the while flags on the mountain tops and serenity, simplicity and the natural beauty all around makes this city so magical.

An interesting fact about Thimphu. It is said to be one of only two capital cities in the world without traffic lights. It is said that a set of lights were installed a few years ago but the residents complained about it being impersonal. Thimphu’s beloved white-gloved police returned to direct the traffic.

Simply Bhutan:

A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity.

Dechen Phordang Monastary:

Gorgeous view of and from the monastery.

Stay at Term Linka Resort:

Owned by the Royal family of Bhutan it is a gorgeous hotel with spacious rooms, beautiful river side location and a great spa.

Day 3: Drive from Thimphu to Punakh

Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass.

Stop over at Dochu-la pass:

A beautiful mountain pass, about 20 km from Thimpu is a concentration of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” . These stupas were built as a memorial in honour of the 108 Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India. This is such a spiritual and peaceful site. It is also a perfect stop over with a nice restaurant and clean bathrooms.

Chimi Ihakhang – Fertility Temple

Making our way through the local neighbourhood, shops, flowering empress trees and padi fields this was a very pleasant walk. The Bhutanese couples come to this temple for fertility blessings and to name their newly born children.

Punkha Dzong

Also know as Pungtang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss”).

This majestic and beautiful dzong, surrounded by the lilac coloured jacaranda trees, is the second oldest and second largest djongs in Bhutan. This is the administrative centre of Punakha Destrict. Built at the meeting point of two rivers Mo (female) Chu and Po (male) Chu it is a tourist’s delight. We enjoyed every minute of our time here.

Pho Chu Suspension Bridge:

I had seen so many photos of this bridge and was very excited to walk across it. The actual experience proved to be beyond my imagination. It was so exhilarating and magical with the Pho river flowing below and the bridge literally flowing in air.

Stay at: Four Boutique Hotel:

Day 04: Punakha to Paro

We drove from Punakha to Paro going over the Dochula Pass once again and making a stop at Thimpu. We enjoyed a couple of hours at the local shops and purchased some souvenirs that we had narrowed down. This included some art work by the local artists.

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong):

The dzong is absolutely beautiful with gold, black and orchres. The whitewashed walls stand tall and graciously embrace stories of by gone-years.

The national museum:

Perched above the Paro Dzong it is course 101 on everything you want to know about Bhutan including history, geography, masks, paintings, dances, etc.

Day 05: Hiking the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang
Monastery)

If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, you know this is a must do and the highlight of the trip. Our guide so wisely advised us to do this hike on the 5th day so we would have one day to relax before our long flight back. This was the best decision. This hike was one of the coolest things I have ever done and the best part was doing it with our children. It was so epic that I had to do a separate blog post that you can read by clicking here.

After the hike our tour guide had arranged for a home made meal on one of the local farms. It was so wonderful visiting this family home. They also had archery set up in the backyard as well as hot stone baths (much needed and appreciated after the hike). We enjoyed this relaxed afternoon after the intense hike.

Day 6 Drive to Chele La Pass:

This is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.796m (12,454ft) above the sea level, located in the Paro District of Bhutan. It was an hour and a half drive on this mountainous road. The Pass offers great views of the Himalayan range, especially Bhutan’s highest peak Mt. Jumolhari. The day we went it was a little cloudy so we did not get to see the view. However, the fluttering white flags, fresh air, the gorgeous wild flowers, the wind so softly blowing through our hair and sighting of the Himalayan Yaks was all very delightful.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, some shopping in Paro and enjoying our river front hotel.

Stay at Le Meridien Paro

Day 07: Fly out of Bhutan

As we bid farewell, I knew what I was bringing back with me was a lot more than precious memories. I was coming back with a slightly bigger, and better version of myself. To see the idealistic, authentic and the present moment being lived and loved wholeheartedly by the wonderful people of Bhutan restored my faith in what I continually strive for. I thank you Bhutan for this!!