Climb Japan’s highest peak, volcano

LIVE »

12 nights in Bhutan: Itinerary

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to explore Bhutan. It’s long enough to get away from most tourists and off the beaten track, while remaining affordable (remember Bhutan’s expensive daily fee discussed in point no. 5 of my previous post?).

Most reports claim you should spend two weeks travelling from the west to central Bhutan and back, entering and exiting via Paro airport. What people don’t tell you, is that you can also enter Bhutan overland in the southeast region to travel westward across the full width of the country over two weeks. The latter option is considered quite dangerous because the border region is occupied by Indian terrorists, which is why it is not actively promoted or recommended by tour operators. It is very important to research this situation thoroughly before proceeding with this option.

Here is a basic breakdown of my itinerary to inspire and assist you with your planning:

Day 1: Arrive in Bhutan

• Fly from Delhi (India) to Paro
• Tachogang Lhakhang
• Drive from Paro to Thimphu.

Day 1: Paro airport, completely surrounded by mountains.

• Memorial stupa
• Giant buddha statue
• Changang Khak Lhakhang
• Mini Zoo (Takin, national animal)
• Hike to Wangditse Goupa
• Textile museum
• Folk heritage museum.

Day 2: Memorial stupa.

Day 3: Visit the old capital

• Drive from Thimphu to Punakha
• Dochu La Pass
• Punakha Dzong
• Chime Lhakhang hike.

Day 3: Me at Punakha Dzong.

Day 4: Full day drive to Bumthang

• Lunch at Trongsa.

Day 4: Lunch.

Day 5: Whole day walk around Bumthang

• 7th century Jambay Lhakhang
• 8th century Kurjey Lhakhang
• 16th century Tamshing Monastery
• 17th century Jakar Dzong.

Day 5: Walk around Bumthang.

Day 6: Hike to temple

• Hike to Kuenzang Dra Goupa
• Lunch at nunnery
• Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake.

Day 6: Hike amongst stunning scenery.

Day 7: Full day mountain hike

• Hike to Pedtseling Goupa.

Day 7: Look over Bumthang.

Day 8: Attend Trongsa Festival

• Drive from Bumthang to Trongsa
• Attend Trongsa Tschecho, festival.

Day 8: Attend Trongsa Festival.

Day 9: Drive from Trongsa to Phobjikha Valley

• Attend Trongsa Tschecho early for thangkha hanging.

Day 9: Watch early Thangkha hanging at Trongsa Festival.

Day 10: Nature watch

• Hike through Phobjikha Nature Trail
• Gangtey Goupa
• Drive from Gangtey to Paro.

Day 10: Nature watch at Phobjikha Valley.

Day 11: Haa Valley excursion

• Drive to Chelela Pass (4000m)
• Picnic lunch at Haa Valley
• Local temple.

Day 11: Haa Valley.

Day 12: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

• Hike to Taktsang Monastery
• Paro Dzong
• Kyichu Lhakhang.

Day 12: Me and Shea before the Tiger's Nest.

Day 13: Fly from Paro to Delhi.

Day 13: Fly over Mount Everest on the return trip to Delhi.

I planned this itinerary by reading the Bhutan Lonely Planet guide and with the assistance of local tour company Bhutan Travel Bureau.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about planning your journey to Bhutan – you can leave a comment below or contact me on Twitter (@theBubbleBuster) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebubblebusterproject).

By Marissa Toohey