7 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary: Experience The Spiritual and Mystical World

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Flight to Bhutan is one of the most splendid in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying over the foothills from Kolkata or along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, each flight is an enchanting aeronautical feat and offers a thrilling descent into the Kingdom.  

Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will meet your private guide who’ll help you transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel and relax for sometime in your comfortable hotel room. Later in the evening, take a stroll around the main street of the town.

Day 2: Paro Exploration

Today morning, get ready for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, which is also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is deemed that the father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche, reached here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this particular monastery. In the year 1998, Taktsang was severely damaged by fire and has presently been restored in its original splendor.

Post lunch, make your way to Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The collection of the museum includes the country’s exquisite postage stamps, weapons and ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts. Later, walk down the track to make your way to Rinpung Dzong located at commanding height, that overlook Paro valley. This is symbolic as the secular and religious centre of all affairs of the valley. In the evening, head out to a traditional farmhouse to get an idea on the local lifestyle. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Traversing to Punakha

Post breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong this morning. During the 17th century, Bhutanese repelled several pervading Tibetan armies. Afterward, make your way to Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest and most sacred temples of Bhutan and reflect the introduction of Buddhism in the kingdom. Later, drive towards Punakha across Dochula pass, which proclaim the most splendid views of the nation. Until the year 1955, Punakha served as the capital of the nation. Make your way to Punakha Dzong formed in the 17th century at the junction of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. It has been shattered by four fires and an earthquake in the year 1897 and has been frequently destroyed by flood water arriving from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong presently has been restored completely into its original grandeur. In the evening, visit the local market and have an overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Tour of Wangduephodrang and Thimphu

This morning, drive to Wangduephodrang. Wangdue is typically a small Bhutanese town whose most visible feature is its formidable Dzong. Wangdue played a significant role in the 17th century in unifying the western, central and southern districts of Bhutan. Post lunch, drive to Thimphu, which is a tiny pleasant city situated in the heart of Himalayas. The charm of the town is not only rooted in its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but tourists must traverse along the main street and into shops, all of which are embellished in traditional style. Spend the evening at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Exploring Thimphu

Today, visit Tashichhodzong, which is located on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is not only the home of the National Assembly but also the summer residence of capital’s revered monastic community. The Dzong is the splendid result of a redesign of the original medieval structure which is sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he shifted the nation’s permanent capital to Thimphu.     

The National Library of Bhutan is situated close to the Thangka painting school and arguably contains the best collection of religious as well as historical literature in the Himalayas. An interesting testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions is the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum opened in the year 2001. A holy landmark for Thimphu’s residents, the Memorial Chorten, was established in 1974 by the mother of Third King, in memory of her son. Head out to Handicrafts Emporium which presents broad assortment of lovely hand-woven and crafted products. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.   

Day 6: Heading to Phuentsholing

Post breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing and on your way, visit Simtokha Dzong, which is the oldest fortress of Bhutan formed in 1627 and now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu/Phuentsholing road was formed in the year 1962 by Dantak, which is the Indian Border road organization. The drive en route is going to be quite pleasant with several scenic spots on the way. Just before you reach Phuentsholing, make your way to Kharbandi Goemba, the monastery constructed in 1967. It houses the huge and striking statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Guru Rinpoche and Sakyamuni. Overnight stay at the hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 7: Departure

Today morning, after breakfast, depart from Phuentsholing for onward journey.