Lauded by many as the happiest country in the world, curious travelers are drawn to this inconspicuous Himalayan Kingdom by this very notion of seeing the smiling faces of the Bhutanese locals and the peace of the surroundings.
Despite the high Sustainable Development Fee(SDF) imposed by the Government on every visitor, to be paid daily, But in return,The Land of the Thunder Dragon offers an unmatched vacation experience which is very unique from anywhere else in the world.
Booking with reputed companies like Experience Travel Group can assure you of a hassle free week in Bhutan covering all major highlights.
Best time to visit Bhutan
Though Bhutan is a year-round travel destination, it is advisable to avoid the rainy season between June and August. That said, the best months to visit Bhutan are from March to May and September to November. Between December and January it can get cold and some roads in central and eastern Bhutan can get blocked by snow.
Getting there
If you are travelling by road, you can enter Bhutan via Phuentsholing from the Indian border town of Jalgaon in West Bengal.
In case you want to catch a flight, Bhutan is connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Thailand and Singapore by air.
Let’s take a quick look as to what a seven day trip to Bhutan has to offer.
DAY ONE- PARO & THIMPHU
Arriving in Bhutan by air is an experience in itself. As you prepare for landing at the beautiful Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by amazing views of the Himalayas, including Mt Everest from the left side.
After clearing immigration, your tour guide for the week (compulsory in Bhutan) will drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This hour long road trip passes through picturesque landscapes and past the Tamchog Lhakhang temple before getting to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day( it will be evening when you reach Thimphu) visiting some iconic landmarks like the Supreme Court and the Bhutan Parliament Complex. Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY TWO-THIMPHU
After a hearty breakfast, pay a visit to the Traditional Medicine Center located on a hilltop in Thimphu. Head next to the Choku Traditional Art School where many youngsters come to learn the arts and crafts. Your next stop will be the National Textile Museum depicting the dresses and costumes of the country. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Post lunch drive to Dodena(30 minutes) to visit the Cheri Monastery dating back to the 17th century, and a popular place of pilgrimage in the country. Here you will find the Shakyamuni Buddha, a giant statue of Buddha built in honour of June Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan.
Subsequently, wander through the Royal Takin Reserve where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, can be seen. End the day with dinner in hotel or downtown Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu.
DAY THREE- PUNAKHA
This will be the most scenic part of your journey as you drive from Thimphu to Punakha(3 hours) over the high mountain 3150 m Dochula Pass. The weather will be extremely windy but you will have excellent views of the Himalayas. Check in at your hotel in Punakha. After lunch at a local restaurant head straight to Punakha Dzong, the most impressive in the country.
As you wander through the courtyard admiring the woodwork, your guide will give you a good lesson in history of the place. Punakha is a riverside town and lies on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Overnight at Punakha.
DAY FOUR-PUNAKHA
Spend your fourth day exploring rest of the attractions in Punakha. There is an option of visiting the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, also referred to as the Temple of Fertility by way of a short walk.
Alternatively, you can go rafting on the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. On return you will have dinner at your hotel and retire for the night. Overnight Punakha.
DAY FIVE-PARO
Drive your way back to Paro on the fifth day. Have lunch enroute and reach Paro by late afternoon. Check in at your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure in Paro.
Mountainous biking,rafting and hiking are also available in Paro. If you have time, take a trip to the idyllic Haa Valley, a two hours drive from Paro. Some other places to visit in and around Paro are:
- Khamsun Yulley Namgyal shrine, the most sacred in Bhutan
- Paro Dzong fortress
- Druk Choeding Temple
- Dumste Lhakhang
Overnight at Paro.
DAY SIX-PARO
Begin the day with a hike to the Takshang Monastery(Tiger’s Nest) the most recognised and a must-visit destination on any trip to Bhutan. A three km moderate trek takes you to this iconic structure perched perilously on the cliff side at a height of 800 m. The journey takes roughly three hours to complete by foot. Ponies are available for those who ar not able or unwilling to do the trek. Entry tickets to the monastery need to purchased at the ticket counter before the trek as there are no ticket boots at the top.
The views from the top are absolutely surreal and it is worth taking the hard trek just for this. After visiting Tiger’s Nest you can visit Paro National Museum and the Paro Archery Ground. Overnight at Paro.
DAY SEVEN-PARO
Today you will bid farewell to this stunning Himalayan Kingdom and fly back to your next destination. We are sure that by this time you would have experienced the unique culture and breathtaking natural beauty of this secluded country and gained an immersive educational experience.
The biodiversity of Bhutan
Bhutan is also a top destination for nature enthusiasts. The country’s biodiversity and climate map is classified as warm sub-tropical, temperate and cool alpine regions.
While each region has its own unique characteristics, birding especially, is popular in tropical forests between 1500-3000 m where some of the most endangered and rare species reside.
Unlike other Himalayan countries, Bhutan has managed to retain 70% of forest cover, the highest of any country in the world. More than 774 species have been recorded here, which is quite large as compared to the small size of the country.
Staying options in Bhutan
From cosy homestays to upscale resorts and hotels, there is a wide range of accommodation on offer in Bhutan.
Thimphu
Luxury- Taj Tashi, Six Senses Bhutan, Le Meridian
Mid range- Terma Linca Resort, Hotel Riverview
Punakha
Luxury- Como Punakha, Le Meridien,Riverfront
Mid range- Hotel Lobesa, Drubchhu Resort
Paro
Luxury- Como Paro, Le Meridian
Mid range- Tiger’s Nest Resort, Nirvana Inn
Imported travel tips
- Wifi is unstable, except in the large hotels. Consider purchasing a local SIM card in Thimphu or Paro to stay connected
- A 10% service charge is automatically added on bills, hence tipping is not essential
- Tap water is unsafe
- Carry small bills for shipping as credit cards are not easily accepted
