5-Day Itinerary - Best Things To Do In Bhutan

Bhutan is a secluded country between two powerful neighbouring nations, India and China. This is known as the land of dramatic mountain sceneries, monasteries, dzongs, prayer wheels, and exquisite woodworking. Bhuuta is an expensive country to visit because tourists are required to pay sustainable development fees, which cost $100 per solo traveller per day.

Apart from that, you will have to pay at least $500 per night, including meals and accommodation. Driving with guides and travelling by flights and other public transport would increase the cost of the tour. This seems like a hefty fee, but it covers your meals and accommodation. While it sounds expensive to visit Bhutan, it is worth the visit because of the extraordinary experience it offers.

Most people plan a five-day trip to Bhutan, and that is more than enough to explore the beautiful country. This blog discusses things to do in Bhutan.

Itinerary day 1: Paro

Having spent hours on a flight, you might feel exhausted. So, it is advisable to start with a low-key visit to Ta Dzong. It is a few minutes away from the airport. This is a traditional building that dates back to the 17th century. Now, it has turned into a national museum abode of marvellous paintings, statues, weapons and other artefacts.

Another exalted fortress monastery called Paro Dzong is a beautiful tourist attraction. This old building was also built in the 17th century, overlooking a river and valley. In addition, you should visit a Buddhist temple called Kyichu Lhakhang. This is the oldest temple, built in the 7th century. It is only a 10-minute drive north of Paro town.

Paro town is the best place for shopping. You can purchase a large variety of Bhutanese crafts for souvenirs. The accommodation in Paro is also awesome. You will have access to 3-star hotels, which are surrounded by Pine forests and overlook the Paro Valley.

Itinerary day 2: Thimphu

You should start the next day by paying a visit to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is about 45km drive from Paro, and yet it takes more than an hour because of spiralling mountain roads. Along the roads, you will be able to have stupendous sightseeing, including monasteries and rivers. Your guide will stop by so you can capture those beautiful moments for nostalgia.

Thimphu is famous for a gigantic fortress monastery called Tashichho Dzong. If you are travelling to Bhutan between late September and early October, you will have a chance to attend the annual Tshechu festival. The festival offers the mask dance, the most beautiful attraction of the celebration. During the festival, you will find loads of people wearing colourful national clothes. The festival will let you explore the culture and traditions of Bhutan.

The accommodation in Thimphu is excellent. You will be able to pick a 3-star hotel. Some hotels will let you admire the view of a garden and dzongs. It is enjoined that you plan your Bhutan journey with a travel agent. As they know the best places to visit and stay, you will not find any difficulty finding good accommodation there. However, a holiday package will cost you an additional sum of money. In case you do not have a budget to meet the cost, you can take out loans for people on benefits from a direct lender.

Itinerary day 3: Gangtey Valley and Punakha

The next day, you can start your journey to Phobjikha. It is a three-hour journey from Thimphu. Sometimes, it takes a long time to reach there because of zigzag roads. Along the way, you will be able to admire several scenic views. You can stop by and capture those majestic moments. Then, you will have a chance to stop at Dochula Pass. The best time to visit there is in the morning.

If the morning is clear, you will be able to admire a view of snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the distance. The highest mountain is Gangkhar Puensum. There is also a monastery with 108 stupas. The number of stupas makes this majestic.

Bhutan is not just known for monasteries, but it is also known for beautiful temples. One of the oldest temples in Bhutan is the Chimi Lhakhang. The temple dates back to the 15th century. It is known as the fertility temple. This is not only a centre of attraction among tourists but among locals too. Many locals come here to take blessings from a monk. They even get their newborn babies named here. In fact, there is a bizarre tradition that makes women hoping to conceive carry a wooden phallus around the temple.

Another sightseeing is the Pho Chu River. There is a bridge over the river. This is a 200-metre long bridge. You can walk across it and capture sightseeing.

Itinerary day 4: Buddha Dordenma

There are still a lot of things that you would want to explore in Thimphu. While going back, you should take the route through Thimphu. About two hours from Punakha to Thimphu, you should drive to Dochula Pass. You will witness a giant Buddha statue there. The statue is so gigantic that it overlooks the Thimphu Valley. The 52-metre-tall statue is a prominent icon that not only captures the imagination of foreigners but locals too.

Another tourist attraction is the Sangay-gang viewpoint. It is the best spot to capture Thimphu city from above. If you want to explore the national park and natural reserves, you should not forget to visit the Takin Preserve. You will find about a few takins there, the most exotic animal of Bhutan. It has features of both goat and wilder beast. There are some other animals, such as deer and sambars. You can also take their pictures if you love wildlife.

The National Memoir Stupa should not be off your sightseeing list. Whether you are planning your entire trip on your own or you are looking to book your trip through a travel agent, you must visit the National Memoir Stupa. It is located in Thimphu city.

The stupa was built in the 20th century. It is not too old. It was built in honour of the third king of Bhutan. This is generally a place for worship of most of the Buddha's followers. Locals who believe in Buddha walk around the stupa while praying.

Itinerary day 5: Tigers nest monastery

You should head back to Paro. Along the way, you will have a chance to visit the Tigers Nest Monastery. It was built in the 17th century and abuts on a 900-metre-high cliff. It provides unparalleled beauty that you can admire. If you want to make the most of your trip, you cannot afford to miss visiting the Tigers Nest monastery. Remember that you will need a day because the hike takes almost a full day. At halfway, there is a cafeteria where you can stop by for lunch.

Some other stupendous activities include a cooking class that allows you to get a chance to learn about traditional and local dishes and a hot stone bath that enables you to relax and unwind.

The bottom line

Bhutan is the most amazing place to travel. It could cost you a little extra money, but it is worth going over there. Plan your tour carefully so that you achieve the best travelling experience.