Bhutan was, and still continues to be, a country that I am very fascinated by. I finally had the chance to visit this heaven on earth in January 2019 and had an absolutely perfect trip covering all the places that we wanted to cover.
So, if you’re going to Bhutan, here’s our recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Travel to Bhutan (from Delhi)
Know that the travel to Bhutan isn’t as simple as a direct flight. The day starts early and the connection is typically in Nepal. Bhutan only runs its own national airlines for international flights to the options are limited.
Pro tip for travel day: Plant yourself on the left hand side of the plane for the best views of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will see ALL the tallest peaks on his journey.
On reaching Paro, be sure to get your SIM cards at the airport if you need a working phone. We stayed in Thimphu for the first few days, so it’s worth checking out Chunzom – or the meeting point when crossing the Paro River that runs along almost the entire way.
Day 2: Dochu La and Punakha
Get your travel permits for Punakha, the winter capital of Bhutan, and then proceed on the journey. While getting permits, it’s worth checking out the local market that’s right next door for little trinkets and Bhutanese art. Key highlights:
Dochu La: The pass where 108 stupas adorn the top of a mountain and commemorate the dead from 2003 battle. Both Indians and Bhutanese lives were lost here due to lack of roads and facilities.
Punakha Dzong: The most sacred dzong of the country, which is another 1.5 hours from Dochu La. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers (male and female), and is a heavenly sight with jakaranda trees blossoming in the summer
Travel back to Thimphu and if tired, take a break at the cafe at Dochu La Pass again.
Day 3: Thimphu and return to Paro
Spend the day in Thimphu and make the trip to Paro in the evening. Key highlights:
Thimphu Dzong: The main administrative building of Bhutan and houses the office of the King.
Buddha Dordenma: A massive statue of Buddha made out of gold that should already have caught your attention when you first came into Thimphu
Changangka Lakhang: A small Buddhist temple at the top of 104 stairs where mothers to this date bring their sick children before they even take their kids to the doctors. Here you can spin the 108 wheels for world peace to do your part, but most importantly enjoy the peace of this little world within its walls
Simply Bhutan: A combination of a museum and restaurant where you can not just try the authentic Bhutanese food, but also learn about the local culture and try Aara – the local alcohol
Archery grounds: Check out the local archery grounds and watch people shoot arrows that hit aims 140 meters away. Unreal how many people in Bhutan can actually do this effectively.
Day 4: Sunrise at the river in Paro + Chelela Pass
Paro: Wake up and go for a walk/ run by the river to see the beautiful Bhutanese sunrise
Chelela Pass: A beautiful pass at the height of 3988 meters that is covered by prayer flags planted by visitors and passers by. The views are absolutely spectacular, and even better is the drive to this serene spot. When you get the pass, be sure to take a walk around and feel the soul of the world touch you away from the crowd that generally surrounds you in life
Thangka (window) shopping: On the way back to Paro, there’s a very well known place for Thangka painting. Check these out to learn more about the belief systems of this country. Each painting is a view into the very core of Buddhist thread that ties all Bhutanese lives and culture together
Try Bhutanese clothing: The women in India wear a skirt like fabric called a Kira with a wrap in top called Teogo, and the men typically wear robe like fabric called the Gho. If you have some time to spare, spend some time with locals wearing their dresses and dancing to their beautiful music
Day 5: Hike the Tiger’s Nest
Keep this day entirely for the hike so you can take your time checking out the monastery and clicking enough pictures on the way. Additionally, if you end up having the time and energy, spend some time to relax by the river with a bonfire lit up, or just go for a hot stone bath (which honestly, we didn’t try).
Autograph 
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