Bhutan-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

  • Morning: Arrive at Paro International Airport
    • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel (approximately 10-15 minutes)
    • Check-in at your hotel and freshen up
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), a sacred Buddhist site perched on a hilltop
    • Explore the nearby Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Tara
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Bhutanese cuisine (emadatse, eezhay, etc.)
    • Relax in your hotel or explore Paro’s town

Things to know:

  • Visa requirements:
    • Travelers need to obtain a visa in advance from the Royal Government of Bhutan
    • The visa costs $40 per person per day and is usually issued for 3-4 days
    • Additional fees may apply for travel agents or tour operators
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: approximately Nu.100 (approximately $1.50 USD) for a short ride
    • Bus: Nu.10 (approximately $0.15 USD) for a short ride

Day 2: Paro to Punakha

  • Morning: Depart from Paro towards Punakha (approximately 4 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility
    • Explore the nearby Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress that served as the seat of government and religion in Bhutan for many centuries
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Bhutanese cuisine (emadatse, eezhay, etc.)
    • Relax in your hotel or explore Punakha’s town

Things to know:

  • Weather:
    • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season
  • Activities:
    • Trekking and hiking are popular activities in Bhutan, but may require special permits
    • Visit local markets (dzongs) to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs

Day 3: Punakha to Paro

  • Morning: Depart from Punakha towards Paro (approximately 4 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Druk Geyser, a natural hot spring located near the dzong
    • Explore the nearby Bhutan Post Office and Museum
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Bhutanese cuisine (emadatse, eezhay, etc.)
    • Relax in your hotel or explore Paro’s town

Things to know:

  • Cultural Etiquette:
    • Dress modestly when visiting temples and dzongs
    • Remove shoes before entering the main hall of a temple
    • Avoid public displays of affection
    • Learn basic Dzongkha phrases, such as “Kuzu zangpo” (hello), “Tashi delek” (goodbye), and “Jabbari” (thank you)

Additional Tips:

  • Responsible Tourism: Support local communities and businesses by purchasing handicrafts and souvenirs
  • Environmental Awareness: Be mindful of Bhutan’s fragile ecosystem and avoid littering or harming the environment