This 7 day Bhutan itinerary covers the western part of Bhutan and will show you the insights into the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" or 'Druk Yul' and understand why it is still regarded as the "Last Shangri-La" in the Himalayan region. You will understand why Bhutan is higher on people's happiness through Gross National Happiness than anywhere else in the world.
Visit various traditional, cultural, religious and natural heritage sites of Bhutan, a country which was kept in isolation from the rest of the world until the 1960s. You will also get to learn about Bhutanese art, cuisine, and history while falling in love with the laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals. This 7 day Bhutan itinerary covers the western part of Bhutan and will show you the insights into the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" or 'Druk Yul' and understand why it is still regarded as the "Last Shangri-La" in the Himalayan region. You will understand why Bhutan is higher on people's happiness through Gross National Happiness than anywhere else in the world.
Visit various traditional, cultural, religious and natural heritage sites of Bhutan, a country which was kept in isolation from the rest of the world until the 1960s. You will also get to learn about Bhutanese art, cuisine, and history while falling in love with the laid-back atmosphere and welcoming locals.
Customise this trip for a perfect match
Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.
Itinerary
Day 1
Paro Arrival and Travel to Thimphu
Close
After receiving you at Paro International Airport, our guide and driver will take you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the afternoon you will visit historical, monumental and cultural sites of Tashicho Dzong. Later learn about the arts and crafts of Bhutan at the local market while taking a stroll around the town.
Accommodation
Hotel Riverview★3 star
Activities
Simtokha Dzong
Tashichho Dzong
Craft Bazaar and Clock Tower SquareOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro International Airport to Thimphu
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Semtokha
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
Close
Visit various places of historical, traditional and natural interest like the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, Royal Takin Preserve, Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang and Buddha Point with the largest Buddha Statue of Bhutan. A day in Thimphu introduces you to the country, its culture and history as well as the national animal, a curious creature with lore surrounding its existence.
Accommodation
Hotel Riverview★3 star
Activities
National Library of Bhutan
Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Motithang Takin Preserve
Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan
Memorial Chorten
Changangkha Lhakhang
Kuensel Phodrang
Restaurants
Bhutan Kitchen
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Motithang
Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Close
After breakfast embark on an adventurous journey to Punakha, where history was created and re-enacted. En-route visit the Dochula Pass, where, on a clear day you can see the to view the Himalaya mountain ranges. Little further down, stop at the Royal Botanical Park, where you can explore and stop for lunch. After arriving in Punakha, you'll have time to visit a nunnery and do some sightseeing.
Accommodation
Punakha Residency★3 star
Activities
Dochula Pass
Royal Botanical Park
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Transportations
Private Driver from Thimphu to Punakha
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Dochula
Khuruthang
Punakha
Day 4
Punakha to Phobjikha
Close
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founding father of Bhutan where you'll learn about the philosophy the country was built on. Later move towards Phobjikha Valley. When you arrive, visit Gangtey Monastery and take a stroll around the villages in the valley, you'll have time to meet some locals and learn about life in this beautiful part of Bhutan.
Accommodation
Homestay in Phobjikha
Activities
Punakha Dzong
Gangtey Monastery
Phobjikha Valley
Transportations
Private Driver from Punakha Dzong to Phobjikha Valley
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Khuruthang
Punakha
Wangdue Phodrang
Day 5
Phobjikha to Paro
Close
Today, you'll take a leisurely journey back to Paro. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple) in Punakha and Tachog Lhakhang in Paro. Bhutan is famous for its people's fine craftsmanship skills that date back many years. In the afternoon take a walk around Paro's local arts and crafts shop, learn about the trade and purchase some truly unique souvenirs handmade by locals.
Accommodation
Bhutan Mandala Resort★3 star
Activities
Chimi Lhakhang
Tachog Lhakhang
Local Arts & CraftsOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Phobjikha Valley to Paro
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Wangdue Phodrang
Punakha
Paro
Bhutan
Day 6
The Tiger's Nest Hike
Close
After breakfast, take a drive for around 20 minutes to the start of the hike to Paro Taktsang Monastery. Founded on the cliff, one of the most iconic landmarks of Bhutan, said to be where Guru Rinpoche meditated and created the temple. Afterwards visit Paro Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, all bearing a historical significance to Bhutan where you'll gather your thoughts and fond memories of Bhutan, having reached your last day.
Accommodation
Bhutan Mandala Resort★3 star
Activities
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Paro Ta Dzong National Museum
Rinpung Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang
Restaurants
Taktsang Cafeteria
Transportations
Private Driver from Bhutan Mandala Resort to Tigers Nest
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Paro
Day 7
Departure
Close
Your 7 day Bhutan itinerary ends on this day. After breakfast, our team will drop you to the airport for your onward journey.
Transportations
Private Driver from Bhutan Mandala Resort to Paro International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Paro
Share With Your Partners
Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!
What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
23 activities
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Notes
In Bhutan, you are required to pay a $65 per day sustainable development fee that is compulsory for everyone who enters.
Starting From
AU$ 3,173/ per traveller sharing
Get a fully customised trip plan today
Benefits of this trip
Bhutan in 7 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
