Bhutan 15 day itinerary: Cross-country highlights

The little Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is like no other place on Earth. With its stunning white-capped mountains, impressive dzongs (some of which are impossibly perched on steep cliffs), perfect balance between development and tradition, and a strong commitment to environmental protection, this small mountainous country is rightly referred to by many as the last ‘Shangri-La’ (Heaven on Earth).

With such diversity of natural beauty, architectural wonders and lively traditions, a 15 day trip is the ideal time to explore the entire breadth of Bhutan, from west to east, stopping at some of the most famous sights as well as visiting some of the most remote parts of the last Himalayan Kingdom (if short on time check out our 7-day or 10-day itineraries).

To prevent mass tourism and preserve its traditions, visiting Bhutan is only possible through a tour with a minimum daily fee of $250 (depending on the season). This price is all-inclusive: accommodation, meals, a driver, a guide, and even a ‘sustainable development fee’ that helps fund roads and schools are included, making this a reasonable deal.

Tip: Try to align your visit with one of the traditional colourful festivals or tshechus (Bhutanese lamas publish a list of all the festivals one year in advance, giving you a chance to plan accordingly).

Bhutan 15 day itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Paro

You will likely arrive in the early morning flying over the impressive Himalayan mountain range (if you are lucky and the skies are clear, you might even get a glimpse of Mount Everest). After clearing immigration and customs at the little airport, explore the charming town of Paro and its surrounding areas. Some highlights include the 7th-century Khyichu Lhakhang (a circular temple with beautiful paintings depicting the victory over the demons that roamed this area), Paro Dzong (the beautiful monastery-fortress that protected the valley from Tibetan invaders), and the National Museum at Ta Dzong, the former watchtower. For more tips on visiting Paro click here.

Tip: Make a stop at one of the archery ranges to see Bhutanese impressive skills at this national sport.

Day 2 – Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, easily the most famous sight in all of Bhutan. The 2-hour hike is strenuous but the views of the structure impressively perched on a steep cliff 900 meters above the valley are worthwhile. After exploring the 10th holiest site for Buddhists, head back to Paro and explore more of the town or head to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong which was damaged by the fire of a butter lamp. Relax your tired feet (and body) in a hot stone bath at one of the more luxurious hotels in the area.

Day 3 – Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the small but busy capital of Bhutan, and spend your day exploring its top sights. Do not miss the Takin National Reserve (the takin is the national animal of Bhutan), the local market, the Textile museum, the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, and Buddha Point which offers beautiful views of the city. You can also use the day to buy souvenirs, including traditional tangkas, wooden hand-painted masks or hand-made paper featuring natural motifs from the local paper factory. For more tips on how to spend your time in Thimphu click here.

Day 4 – Punakha

A 3-hour drive going over Dochu La Pass (more than 3.000 meter above sea, famous for its 108 chortens in lush coniferous forests) leads to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The city is home to the second longest suspension bridge in the world as well as so-called most beautiful dzong in all of Bhutan where lamas occasionally perform miracles. For more tips about Punakha click here.

Day 5 – Phobjikha Valley

Home to the black necked crane in the winter months, this glacial valley boasts a 1.5-hour ecological trail which crosses pine and bamboo forests. The trail is considered one of the most beautiful trails in the country. There is also an option to visit the 17th century monastery Khewa Lema temple with its incense-making factory or the black necked crane information centre.

Tip: The valley is famous for its delicious potato, so make sure to try some of the local potato dishes while there.

Day 6 – Trongsa

Continue your journey east, and you will arrive to Trongsa, home to a 17th-century impenetrable fortress that successfully protected the valley from invaders throughout its history. The interior consists of a labyrinth of structures and courtyards, each waiting to be explored. The surrounding forests are also full of wild monkeys, so keep your eyes open.

Day 7 – Bumthang

The next day, head to Bumthang – the holiest district in Bhutan. En route stop at one of the local carpet factories. The hand-woven carpets feature amazing colourful patterns and designs – and they make for excellent souvenirs. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day exploring some of Bumthang’s sights, including its dzong and Kurje Lhakhang monastery, or simply walk around the old town of Jakar and enjoy some souvenir shopping or tasting of the local dry cheese. For more tips about what to do Bumthang click here.

Day 8 – Bumthang

Bumthang district has the highest concentration of temples and monasteries in the country. If you manage to time your visit with a tsechu masked dance festival, take your time to participate in this colourful event.

Day 9 – Bumthang

Head on an excursion to one of the valleys near Jakar town. Some of the most popular include Ura Valley, where small villages have a medieval feel with their cobble-stone streets, closely packed houses and impressive monastery atop the hill. Alternatively head to Tang Valley, home to some of the most beautiful farmhouses in all of Bhutan. Or, for something more remote, visit Ogyen Choling palace that has been owned by the same family for centuries.

Day 10 – Mongar

You will spend most of the day making your way to the remote eastern region. You will first reach Mongar, the largest city in eastern Bhutan. The 8-hour will lead you from high mountains to low elevation valleys, and the vegetation will change drastically from alpine forests to sub-tropical plants. Mongar has a more modern 20th-century dzong which is an interesting contrast to the more ancient counterparts you have seen until now.

Day 11 – Excursion to Lhuntse

From Mongar, visit Lhuntse, one of the most isolated districts famous for its elegant textiles featuring insane levels of detail and for being the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family. Lhuntse’s textiles are believe to be the best in the whole country. The drive is extremely scenic with stark cliffs towering above river gorges and dense coniferous forests.

Day 12 – Trashigang

Head to the easternmost district of Bhutan where less than 500 tourists make it each year. The area was once the centre of a major trading route among Himalayan merchants – today, it retains its economic significance as the junction between the west and east of Bhutan, as well as between Bhutan and the Indian State of Assam. The town’s 17th-century dzong stands on an impressive cliff with sharp drops on nearly all sides.

Day 13 – Around Trashigang

Visit some of the most remote areas of the country, including settlements which were closed to foreign visitors as recently as 2010! The settlement of Merak may be visited on a long day trip thanks to recent efforts to build the road, but more time is required if you wish to explore the beautiful region on foot. Merak (and the villages of Sakteng, Tengma, and Borang Tse – which currently do not have a road access) is inhabited by the Brokpas, a semi-nomadic population of yak herders with unique still preserved customs and traditions, including the not-to-be-missed yak celebration festival.

Day 14 – Samdrup Jongkar

On your last full day in Bhutan, head to the border town of Samdrup Jongkar. On the way there are some interesting sights such as the country’s oldest college and the national handloom weaving centre in Khaling. Alternatively, you can catch a flight from Yonphula back to Paro where you began your trip.