Bhutan 7 Days Itinerary – The best Solo Travel Experience Guide!
About the post: Before I decided to go for a solo trip to Bhutan by road, like any other traveler, I also had many questions on my mind. Why should I travel to Bhutan? Is it safe to travel in Bhutan alone? What is the culture of Bhutan like? But, after witnessing the scenic beauty of this country, I had a breathtaking experience! This post is my humble attempt to share about the lesser-known yet exhilarating resplendence of Bhutan!
Scrumptious Momos of Bhutan
Here I am going to tell you everything you need to know before traveling to Bhutan including itinerary, costs, and FAQs of this trip. You can definitely customize anything according to your personal preferences. Also, I have mentioned some of the places that I couldn’t visit but you can include them in your list. I have framed the whole document in such a way that you can experience the contemporary as well as quaint essence of Bhutan that’ll leave you mesmerized forever!
ROUTE:
By Road: If you want to enter Bhutan by road, you can take a flight to Bagdogra airport or travel by train to Hasimara railway station and then book a cab outside the airport or station to reach Phuentsholling.
By air: You can fly from Kolkata, Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati & Mumbai to the Paro International Airport in Bhutan.
Hotel Recommendations:
In Bhutan, I was lucky enough to stay in heavenly places that included quaint home-stays, traditional as well as luxurious hotels. I’m providing the booking links to these places. You can check competitive booking prices too.
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Paro – Ama’s Village Lodge
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Phuentsholing – Centennial Hotel
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Thimphu: Bhutan Boutique Residency
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Punakha: At Punakha, I stayed at Damchen Resort, arranged by Zinigo (Travel organizers)
Punakha
COST:
My entire trip to Bhutan cost around Rs. 30000. This includes flight fares, accommodations, transportation, food and other allied expenses. Although the budget of any trip massively depends on the time of visit, mode of conveyance and how you chalk out the complete trip. Without compromising comfort and quality, one can enjoy a vacation in Bhutan even in Rs. 20,000
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Fasten your seat-belt before landing in heaven!
The journey begins from Delhi to Bagdogra by air. Upon arrival, you can book a prepaid cab from outside the airport itself. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach Phuentsholing that is located in the Indo-Bhutan border area.
Spend the rest of the day by loitering around this beautiful place and start getting lost in the charismatic enchantment of Bhutan.
Other places to visit in Phuentsholing – Bhutan Gate, Amu Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre. Zangtro Pelri Lhakhang, Zangto Pelri Park, Karbandi Monastery, Torsa River Side, Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra.
Day 2: Time to get the permit!
You must reach the Immigration Office at Phuentsholing early morning to get the Bhutan Entry Permit. If you arrive late, or on holidays, you will be met by long queues and a closed office respectively. In case you are wondering how to obtain a permit, click HERE!
Set out early afternoon post-lunch to Paro. The journey of 4 hours from Phuentsholing to Paro itself offers you the jaw-dropping sight of beautiful people and the unique architecture of Bhutan.
Day 3: Oh Paro, what a marvel you are!
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
Wake up early to make the most of the day ahead! You can visit Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery, the sacred monastery of Guru Rinpoche. You have to hike for 2 hours to reach the peak point and the trek offers you a splendid panoramic view of the mountains and valleys of Paro. If you do not wish to hike on the first day of your trip, you may alternatively follow this itinerary in reverse order!
After finishing the trek and having lunch you can head towards Paro or Rinpung Dzong surrounded by scenic beauty to witness some of the fine architecture. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the popular Tshechu festival of Paro in this Dzong where local masked dance take place.
Other places to visit in Paro – Jangta Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple, Chele La Pass, Airport View Point, Namgay Artisanal Brewery, Zuri Dzong Fort, Drukgyal Dzong Monastery, Dasho Nishioka Chorten Museum, National Museum Of Bhutan, Tamchoe Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang.
Day 4: Kuzungpo la (Hello), Thimphu!
Leave for Thimpu after eating breakfast and by road, it will take a maximum of two hours to reach Thimphu. After arrival, you can spend the day covering the must-visits like Tashichho Dzong and National Library of Bhutan. Like me, you can also rent a cycle from Wheels on Hills Cycle rentals, to go around Thimphu. But let me warn you in advance, it is a pretty strenuous activity on the mountain slopes.
On the way to visit Buddha Dordenma of Thimpu
Day 5: Hold on! Thimphu has more to offer!
Visit Kuenselphodrang Nature Park to see one of the masterpieces of architectural miracles, Buddha Dordenma. It’s a massive statue of bronze more than 50 meters in height. After that you may opt to take a troll in Centenary farmers’ market (open on weekends) to buy some really fresh & organic produces. Just in front of the market there is a traditional bridge that offers a breathtaking view of the town.
Other places to visit in Thimphu – Changangkha Lhakhang, Tango Goemba, National Memorial Garden, Motithang Taki Reserve, Dechen Phodrang, Simply Bhutan, National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
Day 6: Tashi Delek (Welcome) to Punakha!
Punakha
On your way to Punakha from Thimpu by road, you can stop at astounding places i.e. Simtokha Dzong & Dochula Pass (where Bhutanese soldiers are commemorated by 108 stupas). After checking in to your hotel in Punakha, you can step outside to visit jaw-dropping Punakha Dzong & Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Day 7: Bhutan, Kaadinchhey La (Thank You) for everything!
You can’t leave Bhutan without experiencing its other side where an age-old tradition of worshiping the most intriguing of objects – the phallus is fiercely practiced. Besides, you can buy something from the handicraft market here and visit to the fertility temple.
Other places to visit in Punakha – Khamsum Yully Namgyal Chorten, Ritsha, Mo Chhu, Chimi Lhakhang, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, Jigme Dorji National Park, Koma Tsachhu, Limbukha Village.
It’s time to bid adieu & travel back to Phuentsholling, from where the whole trip started.
Click here: Visiting Bhutan From India? – Some Frequently Asked Questions!
So this was my take on the detailed itinerary for a 7-day Bhutan trip. I hope this helps you to plan a power-packed trip to Bhutan that you’ll cherish forever. For doubts and queries, comment below!
