A Day-by-Day Bhutan Itinerary for the First Timers

Day 1: Welcome in Paro

Put your first step on the magical land of Bhutan. Arrive in Paro and get greeted by your guide at the exit of the international airport of Paro. Let him receive your luggage and transfer to your hotel which is a short drive away from the airport. While driving, do not miss to get the glimpses of the scenic beauty of this place. Check-in to your hotel and relax before you actually begin the ultimate Bhutan tour. Have your lunch and step outside to explore the vibrant streets of Bhutan.

Day 2: Visit Thimpu

When in Bhutan, you can not miss visiting Thimpu which is a center of art and museums. Since places to visit in Thimpu are many, it will take a full day to explore it fully. You can start with the archaeological trip to National Folk Heritage Museum followed by National Memorial Chorten, and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. After this, you can enjoy your lunch and then head out to interact with local villagers who come to the river banks every weekend just to sell their agricultural and handcrafted products. If you really like some, do not hesitate to buy some. They will love it.

Day 3-4: A Thimpu-Punakha-Bumthang Drive

On day three of your Bhutan trip, you will be driving across three main places that make Bhutan a spiritual country. The drive from Thimpu to Punakha will make you close to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a one-of-a-kind example of Bhutanese art and architecture, built by the third Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. However, while driving from Punakha to Bumthang you will witness the beauty of Bumthang Valley which is known as the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Day 5: Arrival in Bumthang

Bumthang is a very special place where every traveler finds some kind of peace and tranquility. Staying in Bumthang for a day is a great idea because this way, you will get a chance to visit three quintessential places - Tamzhing Goemba, Jakar Dzong, and Thangbi Lhakhang. Start with an early morning hike to Tamzhing Goemba which is said to be an important monastery precisely because of its direct connection to the Buddhist saint, Pema Lingpa. Take a break and then visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the two temples built in Bhutan in 659 AD, and every October it hosts a colorful festival to celebrate. After lunch, pay a visit to Jakar Dzong, known as the Castle of the White Bird.

Day 6: Visiting the Gangtey Valley

Gangtey Valley is a winter home of the black-necked cranes. If visiting in the months of November and March, you will get to see 600 of elegant and shy birds that migrate here from Tibet. This bowl-shaped valley is also a home to wildlife preserve giving you an opportunity to spot the native animals of Bhutan including muntjac, sambar, serow, and yak. After spending a full day in the valley of Gangtey, you can take a leave from this stunningly beautiful place before dark.

Day 7: Drive back to Paro for the departure

The last day of your trip would mainly consist of driving wherein you will be driving back to the footsteps of Paro from where you all started this day-by-day Bhutan itinerary. After arriving at your hotel, take a farewell meal and depart for the airport.