Bhutan 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Thimphu Exploration

Things to Know:

  • Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas, with a unique culture influenced by Buddhism.
  • The official language is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken in the cities.
  • Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), and it is tied to the Indian Rupee at parity.
  • Visitors must adhere to a minimum daily tariff ($250/$65 per day for individual tourists, or $200/$70 for groups of 3 or more) that covers accommodation, meals, transportation within Bhutan, and guide fees.
  • All international visitors require a visa, which can be arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Morning:

  • Arrival at Paro International Airport (flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore are available).
  • Drive to Thimphu (45 minutes), the capital city of Bhutan.
  • Visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in memory of the third king of Bhutan.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant. Try national dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese dish) or Red Rice with Jey Alu (potatoes).
  • Visit the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature and ancient texts.
  • Explore the Traditional Handicrafts Emporium to learn about Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts like weaving, painting, and metalwork.
  • Take a walk along Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu’s oldest sports ground, where the national football team practices.

Evening:

  • Visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), a beautiful fortress housing the throne room of His Majesty the King and the central monk body. It is particularly stunning at night when it’s illuminated.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Punakha Valley

Things to Know:

  • Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan, and its Dzongs are architectural masterpieces.
  • The best way to travel between cities in Bhutan is by car, which can be arranged by your tour operator.

Morning:

  • Depart early for Punakha (3 hours drive).
  • Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050 meters) for a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong (Pungtang Dechen Phodrang), standing at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers.
  • Take a walk to Chhimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman).

Evening:

  • Return to Thimphu for dinner. If time permits, visit the weekend market or enjoy a quiet evening at a local cafe.

Last Day:

  • Depart from Paro International Airport after breakfast.