A unique South Asian country, Bhutan lies between India in the south and China in the north, and Sikkim, a state in India, divides it from nearby Nepal. This landlocked Himalayan kingdom shares jaw-dropping views of mountains, valleys, forests, river streams, offbeat pleasure, city charm, cultural beauty, and more with its visitors.
A reliable travel agency provides complete Bhutan tour packages from India. These packages include flight ticketing, accommodations, meals, sightseeing, adventure, car hire, and customization.
As a dream destination for many travelers, Bhutan is home to many attractions, from popular tourist places to offbeat treasures. So, if you’re planning a week-long trip here and wondering how you can make the most of this vacation, this blog will be insightful.
This 7-day tour plan covers well-known attractions and lesser-explored spots for a well-balanced experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro Valley – Exploring Some Local Sightseeing Options
Key Highlights:
- Paro International Airport’s Bird’s Eye View Point
- National Museum of Bhutan
- Paro/ Rinpung Dzong
- Traditional Bhutanese dinner
- Local Markets
Take a flight connecting to Paro International Airport. Your guide will ensure car rental assistance, driving you from the airport to your hotel in Paro. Before you leave the airport, capture a bird’s eye view of the airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Check into the hotel, get some refreshments, have your meal, and leave for local sightseeing options.
Start your journey with the National Museum of Bhutan, located in Paro. This site provides in-depth knowledge of Bhutan's history and culture (home to a great collection of artifacts).
Visit the Paro or Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress and monastery that serves as a vital religious and administrative center. Known for its breathtaking architecture, Rinpung Dzong belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism. In summer, Paro/ Rinpung Dzong remains open from 8 am to 6 pm and 8 am to 4:30 pm in winter.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese or Tibetan dinner. While exploring Bhutan, don’t forget to taste Ema Datshi (chili cheese), red rice, and other authentic delicacies. Enjoy lively markets in Bhutan and shop for souvenir items, clothing, et al.
Day 2: Trek to the Iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery
Key Highlights:
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Relaxing in a classic hot stone bath
Start early in the morning to go on a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is situated 3,120 meters above sea level on a cliff (Upper Paro Valley). You will be rewarded with expansive views of the Paro Valley after the five to six-hour round-trip climb, explore, and return.
It’s a must-see in Bhutan, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. The top Bhutan tour packages from India include this thrilling hike.
Take a break, have your meal, and relax for some time.
Pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, which is said to have been built in the seventh century. The temple is situated in Lango Gewog of Paro Dzongkhag. Conclude your day with a traditional hot stone bath in Bhutan.
Day 3: Travel to Thimphu - The Charm of the Capital
Key Highlights:
- Buddha Dordenma
- Memorial Chorten
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Tashichho Dzong
Travel to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, from Paro Valley (about 1 hour 25 min). Check into your hotel in Thimphu and spend some time relaxing, including having meals.
Then, start your journey by seeing the Buddha Dordenma, a soaring golden statue with scenic views of the valley. After that, visit the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, a respected stupa, (a stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan). It’s a highly visible landmark in the country.
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, some 10 min from Memorial Chorten) to see traditional household items that offer an insight into Bhutanese rural life. The last place for the day will be Tashichho Dzong. This site is the seat of the Bhutanese government and a masterpiece of architecture, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Day 4: Peace and Adventure in Thimphu
Key Highlights:
- Hike to Cheri Monastery
- Simtokha Dzong
- Dochula Pass (An optional drive in the evening)
Hike to Cheri Monastery, a remote peaceful haven on a hill. The path leading to this monastery is not well paved, offering a relaxing escape from the city. This calm location is perfect for meditation and relaxation amidst nature. The hike to Cheri Monastery is 1.5 -2 hours, about 18 km north of Thimphu.
Later, visit Simtokha Dzong, constructed in 1629 and is Bhutan's first dzong. This castle monastery is some 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing.
Take a drive to Dochula Pass, where you’ll spot 108 chortens (stupas). The iconic Dochula Pass provides a captivating sunset view over the Eastern Himalayas, offering an added adventure.
Bhutan is also noted for its elaborate woodwork and paintings. Explore the markets in Thimphu, where you can buy handcrafted gifts, wooden products, prayer flags, Bhutanese handwoven textiles, Bhutan red rice, and traditional fabrics.
Day 5: Travel to Bumthang – The Spiritual Heartland of the Nation
Key Highlights:
- Staying in a Village Lodge or Guest House
- Enjoying a Relaxing Time in a Quiet Environment
After a 7-hour long journey from Thimphu, you might be a bit tired and look forward to some quality time relaxing in Bumthang. A cozy stay in the area with decent to high-end services will set your mood.
Have a comfy, delicious meal. Explore the valley that comes within a short distance from your accommodation in Bumthang. The natural landscape of Bumthang never fails to fascinate its visitors, located in central Bhutan. Overnight stay.
Day 6: The Charm of Offbeat Places in Bhutan
Key Highlights:
- Jakar Dzong
- Mebar Tsho
Get up early, have breakfast, and leave for a perfect lesser-known tour in Bhutan. To start with, visit one of the notable places – Jakar Dzong. Called the 'Castle of the White Bird,' located in the Chamkhar Valley in Bhutan, Jakar Dzong is a majestic structure in the country. It takes around 40 min from Bumthang, located on a ridge above Jakar town.
Next, leave from another offbeat and exquisite place in Bumthang - Mebar Tsho. It has to do with Terton Pema Lingpa, believed to be Padmasambhava's incarnated disciple.
Enjoy the lush greenery, rocks, and deep blue water of the beautiful lake (known as Burning Lake). If you need a peaceful yet adventurous location in Bumthang, come to Mebar Tsho.
Customized Bhutan tour packages from India offer the freedom to add your site preferences, whether offbeat or conventional attractions.
Day 7: Your Final Sightseeing Before You Depart from Bumthang
Key Highlights:
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum
Start early in the morning. First, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a major location in Bumthang, nearly 3 km away. Tour the temple and caves. Next, you can travel to Jambay Lhakhang as well (that comes on the way to Kurjey temple).
Jambay Lhakhang is believed to be one of the 108 temples constructed in 659 CE by Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king. And, it’s one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, famous for the Jamba Lhakhang Drup festival.
Wangduechhoeling Palace has now become a museum and cultural hub (around 5 km from Jakar town). It showcases the fascinating history and Buddhist principles, dedicated to the Wangchuck Dynasty. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Domestic flights are available running between Bumthang and Paro ( a quick solution). However, you can travel by car, which takes about 8 hours to reach Paro Valley.
Best Time to Travel
Plan your Bhutan trip either in spring or in autumn (March and May or September and November).
How to Reach Bhutan from India
Mainly three entrance points make it easy to travel from India to Bhutan, while Jaigaon gives the best road access to Bhutan from India. Indian people do not require a visa to enter Bhutan; however, they must show a voter ID or a passport that is valid for six months with a birth certificate for individuals below the age of 18.
Travelers have only two transport means to reach Bhutan since it’s a landlocked country (with no maritime share).
By Air: The quickest way is to fly to Paro International Airport, well connected to India.
By Road: The most popular land route is through Jaigaon (West Bengal) to Bhutan via Phuentsholing (Bhutan’s border town).
Besides the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route, two other border points from India include - Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
The Land of Thunder Dragon Bhutan is a little country with endless adventures. A Bhutan itinerary for 7 days offers a handy guide to some well-known sites and lesser-known places. Choose your tour packages from various options, from best-selling to personalized plans at Rs Travels. Have a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience in Bhutan.