Bhutan is a small monarchical country in South Asia located between China and India. Although the official name is Bhutan, the country is known as ‘Druk Yul’ to the locals, meaning ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. The country was largely isolated from the outside world for centuries. The people of Bhutan have always been vocal about protecting their traditions. As a result, it did not take long to increase communication with other countries. In the 1970s, the movement of tourists began in the country. There is a lot of architecture to see, as well as thrilling experiences like rafting. Thus, every year thousands of tourists flock from far and wide to visit the tourist spots of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro in Bhutan. It is a very popular place, especially for the people of South Asia.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
The best time to visit Thimphu, i.e., Bhutan, is from September to November. Considering the weather and natural beauty of Bhutan, these three months are the best time to visit.
How to Get to Bhutan
There are several routes to Bhutan. The easiest way is to fly to Paro Airport. However, it would be good for you if you could add a little money and visit a neighboring country. You can come to Sikkim from any part of the world. Or, you can go to Siliguri. You can roam there. Sikkim and Siliguri are beautiful places with many attractions.
Bhutan Travel Expenses
When traveling to any country, if you go in a group or with a travel group, the cost is much less, and you don’t have to face any problems alone. Furthermore, if there is a problem, it is convenient for everyone to make a decision together. Therefore, if you want to go alone or with your family, then the cost will be a little higher, keeping this in mind you have to plan the entire trip.
A one-way trip to Bhutan for 4/5 days to visit Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha will cost 300-350 dollars. But if you make a group like 4/5 people or 6/7 people, then the cost will be less. Even cheaper travel is possible if you are a backpacker type of traveler.
Travel Plan – How to Organize a Tour
If you go to Bhutan for 5-6 days, you can visit Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha as well. In that case, you can use the following travel plan:
Day 1
If you arrive by plane, no matter when you land, after landing and completing immigration, you can hire a taxi to see some places inside the city before going to the hotel. Leave some space for the return day; it will be convenient. Then hire a new taxi or car and go to Thimphu city.
If you want to enter Bhutan by bypassing Sikkim, then you will depart from Sikkim or Siliguri wherever you are at Jaigaon Phuentsholing Port. After affixing the exit seal from Jaigaon Immigration, proceed to Bhutan Gate. From Phuentsholing, you have to go to Thimphu after completing immigration at Bhutan Gate. Try to come in the morning. Breakfast can be taken at Burimari Bazaar, and lunch can be delivered to Phuentsholing. Basically, immigration takes more time. So after completing immigration, it is around 8-10 PM to reach Thimphu by bus or taxi in the afternoon. On arrival at Thimphu, check-in at the hotel and have dinner at the hotel. Since it will be night by the time you reach Thimphu, it will not be possible to see much on the first day.
Day 2
Explore Thimphu City. But, of course, you will go out early in the morning after breakfast. If you see the nearby places on foot, then the cost will be less, and you can see many places. Within walking distance, you can visit Thimphu City – City View Point, Memorial Chorten, Clock Tower, Thimphu River, Thimphu Dzong, Library, Thimphu Dzong, and Parliament House. Places a little far from the city should be seen by taxi, such as – the National Takin Reserve Zoo, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Thimphu National Memorial Chorten. In between, have lunch outside. Next to Tashichho Dzong or Thimphu Dzong is the immigration office. There, you have to fill out the application form and get a permit to enter Punakha city. In the meantime, advance tickets for the bus to Punakha should be reserved for the next morning. Because there are only 2 buses per day from Thimphu to Punakha. Again, you can go to Punakha by sharing a taxi. In that case, the time will be less than 1 hour.
Day 3
In the morning, leave Thimphu for Punakha. It would be better to rent a car here and see the whole city. You can go to Dochula Pass first because going there is quite time-consuming, and on the way back, you can see some more places. It will take around 3.5 to 4 hours to visit Dochula Pass. Then, on the way back, you can visit Punakha Dzong, the National Library, the Art School, and the Folk Heritage Museum. Then this day may not be enough time. And if you don’t go rafting, you won’t get the real fun of Punakha. So it is better to stay in Punakha on this day.
Day 4
On this day, you can go out early in the morning and go rafting in the Pho Chu River to see Lakhang Temple, Pelri Temple, and Talo Monastery. It would be nice to spend more time on rafting on this day. And the suspension bridge will be seen along with rafting. If you have time, you can visit the National Park and Torsa Nature Reserve. But yes, it’s better to return to the Thimphu hotel from Punakha by evening as you have to leave for Paro again the next day. So a good night’s sleep is necessary.
Day 5
You can go to Paro from Punakha in the morning by taxi or by hiring a car. In the morning, you can go to Chele La Pass, which is the highest road in Bhutan. Jomolhari Mountain can be seen from here. Then hire a car or taxi one by one to visit Tiger’s Nest, National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Paro Monastery, Kichu Monastery, Paro Chu, and other places. It is better to visit Taktshang for one day in Paro because Taktshang is 80 km away from the city. And it is better to stay in Paro on the last day of the trip.
Day 6
Today, we need to leave early in the morning due to immigration requirements at Jaigaon and Burimari. If you have time, you can check out Tang Sang, provided you booked the taxi the day before. Then, proceed to Phuentsholing, complete the immigration process, and obtain the exit seal. If returning by bus, the procedure is the same as before, from Bhutan Gate to Jaigaon.
Some Tips for Traveling to Bhutan
- Travel During Off-Season: The best time to travel to Bhutan on a budget is during the off-season. Consider traveling outside the peak months of March, April, October, and November. Additionally, try to book your flight tickets at least three months in advance to secure cheaper rates.
- Cash and ATMs: ATM booths in Bhutan are not always reliable and often run out of money. It’s advisable to plan your cash needs accordingly and not rely solely on withdrawing money from ATMs while in Bhutan.
- Universal Adapter: Carry a universal adapter with you. This will be useful not only for charging your mobile but also for other electrical devices that you might need during your trip.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting any religious or cultural sites, such as jungles, temples, or other sacred places, always follow the local guidelines and instructions.
