Monasteries, fortresses, dramatic landscapes, food that touches the soul, culture, and warm people, Bhutan is all this and more! The best bit? It is visa-free for Indians! It is to be noted that Hindi is widely spoken in Bhutan, so there is no language barrier there. Also, Indian currency is accepted and the conversion rate is 1:1, so you don’t have to worry about that either. You do, however, have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee, which is about ₹1,200/day for Indians. Also, if you’re planning to drive your own car from India, then you’ll have to pay a tax of ₹4,500/day for that. So, if you have been planning to travel to this beautiful country, then here is a 10-day itinerary curated by our Editor-in-Chief Kamiya Jani.
Kamiya Jani’s 10 Days Itinerary For Bhutan
1. Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. You can get direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, and Bagdogra to Bhutan. Round-about flight tickets cost around ₹36,000-40,000, depending on the city you’re travelling from. It is one of the world’s most challenging airports in the world, so it would definitely be a flight to remember. It is mandatory to hire a guide here as well and this service usually costs around ₹2,500-3,000. So, rest, explore the town a little, and get ready for more travel the next day.
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Where To Stay In Paro: Le Méridien Paro
2. Days 2 & 3: Explore Bumthang
Bumthang lies in the eastern part of Bhutan, the cradle of Buddhism in the country, and is known for its serene landscapes. It takes 8-9 hours by road and an hour by flight to reach Bumthang from Paro. Bhutan has some beautiful cultural festivals, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly. Two days are enough to explore this place and you cannot miss visiting Jampa Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple, and other monasteries here.
Where To Stay In Bumthang: Swiss Guest House, The Village Lodge, or Amankora
3. Days 4 & 5: Off-Grid Adventure In Punakha
Next, travel to Punakha, which is six hours away from Bumthang by road and is absolutely amazing. There, you have to visit the Suspension Bridge and Punakha Dzong. If you’re an adventure junkie, then you can also try river rafting.
Kamiya also tried the National dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi there and would recommend eating it while you’re there.
Where To Stay In Punakha: Pemako Punakha and Happiness Field Village Farmstay
4. Days 6 & 7: Punakha To Thimphu
Next, drive to Thimphu. It takes about three hours to cover the distance but there is a lot to see on the way like Dochula Pass and the legendary Fertility Temple. In Thimphu, the capital city, you can explore the bustling markets, the College of Astrology, Art and Craft College, the Buddha Dordenma Statue, and more.
Where To Stay In Thimphu: Pemako Thimphu
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5. Days 8, 9 & 10: Explore Paro
Return to Paro and explore the local markets in the city. It still has an old-world charm and you can shop souvenirs and handicrafts here. The next day, you can climb the iconic Tiger’s Nest.
The next day, take a flight back home with a heart full of adventure and memories!
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We hope this information will help you plan the perfect vacation in Bhutan and save you all the hassles of creating a new itinerary!
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
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