LIVE »

Climb Japan’s highest peak, volcano

March 27, 2010 – 3:23 am |

Climbing to the summit of Japan’s highest mountain, Mt Fuji, is one of the most rewarding experiences an amateur climber can have.

Read the full story »
LIVE

hobbies, adventure and travel activities

LEARN

how-to guides and special insights

BELIEVE

causes that challenge ordinary thinking

SEE

videos to demonstrate the extraordinary

SHARE

recommendations and stories of bubble busters globally

LIVE »

12 nights in Bhutan: Itinerary

January 25, 2012 – 1:44 pm |

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.

Day 2: Explore sights of Thimphu
  • 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

Animals of Bhutan

January 22, 2012 – 6:14 am |

Bhutan is home to a range of unique and uncommon species, including red pandas, snow leopards, blue sheep and even tigers. Groups of tourists travel to certain areas of the country especially to catch a …

Sharks: To fear or befriend?

January 21, 2012 – 2:29 am |

Throughout the week, news websites were covered with terrifying pictures of great white sharks leaping out of the water; their magnificent yet somewhat petrifying teeth violently thrusting towards the camera. Recent attacks have stirred a …

English funny: Bhutan

January 18, 2012 – 10:04 am | 2 Comments

I love giggling at English mistakes overseas but this was just outrageous!

There are so many things wrong with this statement.
It was printed in one of the daily newspapers during my recent trip to Bhutan. You …

10 reasons to visit Bhutan

January 15, 2012 – 6:09 am | 4 Comments

1. Bhutan is the country of Gross National Happiness.
GDP is not as important to Bhutan as GNH (Gross National Happiness). The index was designed to demonstrate the Himalayan kingdom’s unique culture that is based on …

Trongsa Festival in central Bhutan

January 12, 2012 – 9:29 am | 2 Comments

Intimately experience the authentic culture of the Land of the Thunder Dragon at Trongsa Festival in central Bhutan.
This is not a tourist show. It’s the real deal, featuring meditation, prayer, dancing, clowns, drama and blessing …

Chris Stevens and the ultimate working holiday

December 18, 2011 – 8:03 am | 2 Comments

Chris Stevens has secured an opportunity that could redefine the term “working holiday”. Next year Chris will be teaching surfing in Ecuador, receiving accommodation, scuba diving and spanish lessons in return for showing beginners how …

How I responded to a tsunami alert in Sulawesi

December 17, 2011 – 12:13 pm |

What would you do if you were holidaying on a small island and received a tsunami alert? Would you pack your things and move? What if you had no access to transport, higher ground or …

Hidden travel costs revealed

December 15, 2011 – 1:30 pm |

I often travel on a shoestring – hostel accommodation, takeaway food and bargain flights – but I still sometimes manage to blow my budget through unforeseen costs.
Now I haven’t even departed for my planned holiday …

Goosebump giving to Save the Children

December 8, 2011 – 4:04 am |

Who do you donate money to? Is it important for you to see how that money is being spent?
Nowadays non-profit organisations operate within a highly scrutinised and competitive environment. They need to report outcomes. It’s …

The Greek Islands are for everyone

December 7, 2011 – 11:06 am |

With nearly 230 inhabited islands, Greece offers travellers a multitude of different and unique itineraries. Some people go there to party, others in pursuit of lust and many to rekindle romance.

The Greek Islands were my very …