7 Days Bhutan Itinerary 7 Days, Private Tour

The best way to arrive in Bhutan is via airways. You fly to this paradise kingdom witnessing the majestic landscapes and scenery from the top. Most flights to Bhutan land before noon as the weather condition needs to be stable. The flight to Bhutan’s solo Paro International Airport is adventurous. In some cases, you arrive in the evening time. After arriving at Paro airport and fulfilling the necessary formalities, the local guide welcomes you. Drive to Thimphu- the capital of Bhutan for approximately 1.5 hours. The journey on spiral roads and exciting views of mountains, rivers, verdant beauty of forests, and red rice fields en route to Thimphu is pleasant. Rest and relax for a while in a hotel. Then, visit the most happening place Kuensel Phodrang to witness the gigantic Great Buddha Dordenma. It is the largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan and where one can get a good view of Thimphu city from there. Next, travel to the most visible spiritual and prominent landmark “National Memorial Chorten” built-in with its golden spires and bells. It is designed in Tibetan-style architecture and holds cultural importance and the place is soothing and peaceful. Visit Bhutan Post Office Headquarters and explore the large collection of stamps. Learn more about Bhutan’s history. You can also make customized stamps with your photos. After that, the guide takes you to the Buddhist monastery and fortress Tashichho Dzong. A remarkable huge structure, enclosed by well-maintained grasslands, and beautiful gardens next to the bank of the Wang Chhu River.

If one arrives in the evening, explore the city the next day and schedule the itinerary accordingly. The weekend market (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is a happening place to explore. If one arrives here at the weekend time, don’t miss a chance to explore and enjoy. Stay overnight at a hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner with unique Bhutanese food items. A unique “Ema datshi” is a most tried dish which is a combination of chopped chilies and melted yak cheese. After dinner, relish the nightlife in Thimphu.

Wake up in the morning and have breakfast. Drive a long way to visit either Punakha or Wangdue which takes you about 2 hours to reach.

On the way to Punakha, stop at Dochu-La-Pass for a magnificent view of the snow-capped eastern Himalayas comprising Bhutan’s highest mountain and other peaks. Also, appreciate the grand 108 memorial Druk Wangyal Chortens built-in honor of 108 Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 battle. A great glimpse of entirely different vegetation, gentle breeze fresh air while descending from Dochu-La-Pass. After arriving at the Punakha, check into the hotel, freshen up and relax for a while. Punakha is home to the largest suspension bridges in Bhutan. The colorfully decorated bridge with prayer flags and pretty water-filled canyons leads towards beautiful Punakha Dzong. Likewise, trek to the longest suspension bridge spanning 160-180m hanging high above the Po Chu River. The guide teaches you about the history and culture of Bhutan, admires some amazing colorful woodwork, and enjoys peacefully in the courtyard. From here, the next destination is Chhimi Lakhang. Hike through beautiful fields and the village of Sopsokha. It is widely worshipped as the “The Fertility Temple of Bhutan” and devoted to the Divine Madman. Many childless couples visit this temple with the belief of blessing a baby. Witness houses decorated with giant phalluses as a symbol of good luck. You can also purchase phallic souvenirs.

Alternatively, drive from Thimphu to Wangdue. It is a delightful town with impressive scenery. Upon reaching the hotel, freshen up and relax for a while. Then, the guide takes you to visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which is one of the major tourist attractions and an important heritage site. This city is best for cultural exploration. A village few kilometers away from Wangdue Dzong is the finest place for stone carvers. One can witness great skillful workers and their masonry crafts. It is also a gateway to the famous Phobjika valley. Explore the village, and chat with friendly locals in a peaceful environment.

Stay overnight at a cozy hotel room in the respective destinations, either Punakha or Wangdue.

Wake up in the morning and enjoy your breakfast with amazing Bhutanese cuisine. Today is the excursion to Phobjika valley. As we know, Wangdue is a gateway to Phobjika valley. Today a ride for about 2 hours to reach there. A valley is a home for endangered and sacred black-necked cranes, especially during winter. The scenic beauty around this place is beautiful for trekking. Visit the attractive and valued shrine Gangtey Goempa. The monastery is situated on a forested hill which is about 450 years old. There are many meditation rooms, monk’s quarters, and a central prayer hall. Explore the monastery and also meditate for a while for your soul and body relaxation in a soothing environment.

Alternatively, sightsee around Punakha valley. Drive about 50 minutes with the guide to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The picturesque walk through the rice fields and view of the verdant valley leaves you speechless. The four-storied pagoda-styled Chorten comprises images of the deities of mandalas Vajrakilaya. It was constructed to bring peace to the world. Next, the guide takes you to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) hovering on the edge overlooking the valley. It includes a double-storied temple, a nunnery complex, and a Chorten similar to Nepal’s Boudhanath stupa. You can see nuns practicing mediations and also learning life skills in tailoring, embroidery, thangka paintings, and statue makings. Explore the 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, statues of Guru Padmasambhava, Gautam Buddha, the 21 Taras, and Tsepamy.

For the rest of the day, rest and relax in a cozy hotel room. In the evening, travel to the markets or do some shopping. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Have your breakfast and drive for 7 hours to Paro from Phobjika valley. Paro, one of the beautiful towns of Bhutan is historically, culturally, and commercially significant and has many sacred sites. It is one important destination of Bhutan as the sole International Paro Airport is situated here. It is a gateway for many tourists to Bhutan. Paro valley is quite close to nature and full of natural sceneries.

On the way to Paro, stop at Lampelri to enter the first Royal Botanical Park in Bhutan. The botanical garden of rhododendrons with 46 species and more than 500 species of flora is a major attraction here. It is a treat for all horticulturists and nature lovers to explore this park. Spend some quality time here and return to the hotel in Paro. Freshen up yourself and get ready to continue the next excursion.

Visit Rinpung Dzong, a large Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage. Cross a traditionally covered cantilever bridge below Ringpung Dzong. There are fourteen shrines and chapels inside Rinpung Dzong and Deyangkha Temple outside the main dzong. On the hill above Ringpung Dzong is Ta Dzong. A seven-storied ancient watchtower that was later established as the National Museum of Bhutan. It is constructed in the shape of a conch shell and holds great cultural significance. The hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artworks and crafts comprising traditional costumes, armors, and handicraft tools of daily life are displayed there. After witnessing the peaceful and picturesque view of the valley, return to the hotel room and stay overnight.

Today is the sightseeing around a historic town Paro which comprises many holy sites. After having breakfast, start traveling to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as “Tiger’s Nest”. It is one of the major destinations and tourist attractions of any Bhutan itinerary which is hanging on the Cliffside of the upper Paro valley. Buddhist Guru Rinpoche is believed to meditate in that nest to calm down evil spirits in that region for over 3 years. Thus, it is culturally significant, and holy, and tourists are allowed to enter only wearing full sleeves clothes. The beautiful scenery on the way makes this 2-hour hike worthy. Your body and mind feel peaceful after you visit the monastery. After this, visit the oldest temple in Bhutan-“Kyichu Lhakhang Temple”. This temple was built to stop female giants from preventing the spreading of Buddhism across Tibet. Thus, its religious importance is at the top in Bhutan. One can also witness the most sacred sculpture of Jowo Rinpoche here. The feeling of spiritual calmness after visiting these places is magical. Similarly, get an opportunity to see Bhutan’s traditional and national sport Archery. Stay overnight in a cozy hotel room and enjoy dinner.

Today is an exciting journey of your trip to Bhutan.Travel in the morning to reach the highest pass in the country- Chele-La-Pass. It is situated at the elevation of 3810m between the Paro and Haa valley which is a beautiful spot to capture photographic scenery for travel memories. It is a beautiful vantage point to witness the magnificent view of Mountain ranges: Bhutan’s most sacred peak Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake peak, and mesmerizing views of valleys Paro and Haa. Catch a glimpse of the rock paintings of Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts and Dzongdrakha Goemba which is 2km away on your driveway.

Rest and relax at a hotel. Relish the evening by exploring the market and purchasing some souvenir goods.Treat yourself to good Bhutanese cuisine for one last night in this beautiful country and enjoy.

Enjoy an amazing breakfast at your hotel before bidding farewell to this wonderful nation filled with natural scenery, monasteries, and cheerful natives. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your final departure with abundant fond memories made in Bhutan.