How 5 Days Bhutan Itinerary looks Like, A complete Travel Guide
This 5-day Bhutan holiday is ideal for travelers wanting to explore the best of western Bhutan, including Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro. The journey begins and ends in Paro, offering a mix of cultural experiences, temple visits, scenic hikes, traditional farmhouses, and a taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
Day 1 Arrival Paro: You can enter Bhutan either by air or by land. For travelers holding foreign passports (other than Indian), flying is the most convenient option—it saves time and avoids the need for an Indian visa or dealing with Indian immigration. The only straightforward land entry is through Phuentsholing, ideal if you’re traveling from West Bengal.
Bhutan is served by two airlines with limited international routes. You can book direct flights to Paro from:
- Bangkok
- Singapore
- Kathmandu
- Delhi
- Dubai
Flying is the easiest and most efficient way to begin your journey to Bhutan.
Day 2 Thimphu City Tour: Thimphu, the capital and most populated city of Bhutan, stretches approximately 25 km from Dechencholing in the north to Chuzom in the south. The city offers a wide range of restaurants—from pure vegetarian to multi-cuisine options. Your day begins with a visit to the interactive Simply Bhutan Museum, where you can enjoy cultural performances, try traditional archery, and learn about Bhutanese heritage. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 Traditional Arts and Crafts School).
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3 Thimphu to Punakha: Punakha is noticeably warmer than Thimphu, so be prepared for a sudden rise in temperature. Along the way, you’ll find roadside stalls selling local fruits and vegetables—carry some cash if you wish to buy. During the monsoon, you may see locals roasting maize, a seasonal favorite. Stop by Lobesa town before visiting the famous Fertility Temple. You’ll notice many phallus statues, keychains, and souvenirs—these symbolize protection and are rooted in deep religious beliefs. Some traditional homes even have phallus paintings on their walls. For adventure lovers, optional rafting on the Mochu River is available—lasting around 2 hours from upper Punakha to the Dzong.
Day 4 Punakha to Paro: Our journey begins from Punakha to Paro, a scenic drive of around 4 hours. Today’s highlight is a special lunch at Aum Toep Zam Farmhouse, where the host will welcome you with a traditional khadar and a sip of local ara. Her authentic Bhutanese cuisine is loved by both locals and tourists. If you’re not used to Bhutanese spices, let us know in advance—we’ll inform the host to prepare a milder version.
After lunch, continue the drive to Paro, stopping briefly for a panoramic view of the airport. During peak season, 5–6 flights land daily at the narrow airstrip of Paro International Airport—one of the world’s most challenging landings, handled by only a few specially trained pilots. Later, enjoy a stroll around Paro town before an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 5 Paro Tiger Nest Hike: The hike to Tiger’s Nest takes approximately 3 hours uphill. The trail is well-maintained, lined with pine forests and fluttering prayer flags, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. Thousands of visitors make this pilgrimage daily. Entry tickets, costing around $12 per person, must be purchased at the base camp.
Bring sunglasses, a cap, and water, as the sun can be intense and the 9 km trek strenuous. A small waterfall greets you just before reaching the monastery. As you approach, the soft chants of monks and the scent of incense fill the air, adding a spiritual aura to the journey. The sound of mantras becomes more distinct as you climb the final stairs from the viewpoint.
Inside the monastery, visitors are allowed into several sacred rooms—please dress modestly and maintain silence. Our guide will provide a full briefing.
After exploring the temple, we return to base camp. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. Later in the evening, enjoy a cultural performance at a local farmhouse, followed by a traditional hot stone bath—an ideal way to unwind after the hike.
Traditional Village
Day 6 Paro to Airport and see off: Our guide and driver will see you off at the airport. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Paro International Airport from your hotel. While the airport is relatively quiet and check-in is usually quick, we recommend arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
How to Book this Trip to Bhutan?
Once you finalize your itinerary and travel dates, we will proceed to book your flights to Bhutan and share the tour invoice along with hotel details. After receiving the payment, we will apply for your Bhutan visa. Please note that the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is mandatory, and a visa fee of USD 40 per person applies. Your actual visa will be stamped upon arrival in Bhutan. Proper documents like passport is required to travel Bhutan.
Who does Bhutan Visa?
Tour Bhutan is a licensed travel agency, approved by the Department of Tourism and the Royal Government of Bhutan. Established in 2008, we have proudly served thousands of guests, creating memorable travel experiences across the country. Our exceptional service has earned us strong recommendations from past clients on popular platforms such as TripAdvisor.
