Visiting the entire world is an immensely difficult task yet every new experience energizes you with greater passion to travel. However there are parts of the world, unique in its own way, unsoiled by man's materialistic pursuit, where the past and the present, man and nature, live in harmony. Bhutan is one of those destinations where you will feel like you are traveling the time backward. The following are the best ways to spend five days and four nights in Bhutan.
Day 01 | Arrival Paro – Thimphu (1.5 Hours)
Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan from Kathmandu/Delhi. The flight from Delhi/Kathmandu is considered as one of the most scenic flights offering the view of the world's top ten highest peaks. The pilot in the plane will describe you as and when you are crossing over the highest peaks in the Himalayas.
The guide can receive and welcome you in Paro airport and transport you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Most probably in the afternoon you can visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends.
Afterwards, you can visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, for a broad view across Thimphu. Then continue to the enclosure where the national animal, the takin, is kept before visiting the large Buddha statue overlooking the valley. This sequence works well because it combines culture, identity, and a first clear sense of the landscape.
You may also try to fit in the visit to the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. And in the evening you can walk around the Thimphu town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan. Overnight halt in Thimphu. (Altitude: 2300m)
Day 02 | Thimphu – Punakha (3 Hours)
If your visit falls on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you can visit the Thimphu vegetable market, where local villagers come to sell agricultural produce. After that, continue to the traditional handmade paper mill and the School of Arts and Crafts in Kawajangsa, where students learn the artistic traditions still used across Bhutan. Together these stops give the day more daily-life context than monuments alone.
Later, you can visit the National Library, which houses important religious texts and Buddhist teaching material. Before the afternoon ends, continue to the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. That combination makes the day stronger because the institutional and spiritual sides of Bhutan are seen together.
Then continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns. You can have the lunch in the town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass (3200 m), which offers a beautiful and breath-taking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan. Take a walk and visit the chhortens at Dochu-La pass. You will have opportunity to see rhododendron forests which usually blooms during late April or early May.
En-route just before arriving the hotel, you can take a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of Lam Drukpa Kuenley who was also known as the Divine Madman. He is considered as a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to this temple for blessing. Overnight halt in Punakha. (Altitude: 1350m)
Day 03 | Punakha – Paro (4.5 Hours)
If you are staying in Hotel Meri Puensum, Hotel Zandopelri, or Hotel Densa, an early walk up to the nunnery is a rewarding start to the morning. The hilltop view across Punakha and Wangdue adds perspective before the day's drive begins. It is one of the easiest ways to make the route feel less like pure transit.
Later after breakfast drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Retrace your drive back to Paro.
En route could stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch could continue some of the sightseeing that you might have had missed earlier. Later in the afternoon continue your drive to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. You could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on. (Overnight: Paro, Altitude: 2200m)
Day 04 | Paro Sightseeing
Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hours uphill) to Tiger's Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with your guide. (Overnight: Paro)
Day 05 | Departure
Morning transfer of around 15 minutes takes you to the airport for departure. Your guide will bid you farewell there and close the route on a calm note. On a short Bhutan itinerary, that simple finish often feels right.
Some Useful Bhutanese Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ku-zu-zam-po-la | Hello (meaning good health) |
| Ka din chey la | Thank You |
| Lok jey gey | See you |
