Bhutan Itinerary 2026: Routes & Trip Duration Overview
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How many days should you plan for Bhutan? This question is at the heart of every trip to the Himalayan Kingdom. Here you will find a comprehensive overview of all route options – from compact 7-day highlights to extended three-week explorations. With comparison tables, driving times and cost overviews, discover the route that matches your interests and time budget.
Which Route Suits Me?
The ideal Bhutan route depends on three factors: your available time, personal interests and physical fitness. The following overview helps with your initial assessment.
Trip Duration Recommendations in Detail
Experts recommend at least 7 days for a first Bhutan experience. The ideal trip duration is 10-14 days – enough time to experience the main attractions without feeling rushed. Those who want to delve deeper should plan 17-21 days.
7 Days – The Highlights of Western Bhutan
The classic 7-day route focuses on Western Bhutan – the so-called "Golden Triangle" of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. This route is ideal for first-time visitors and travelers with limited time who still want to experience the key highlights.
Main Stops
- Paro (2-3 nights): Tiger's Nest hike, Paro Dzong, National Museum
- Thimphu (1-2 nights): Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong
- Punakha (1-2 nights): Punakha Dzong, suspension bridge, Chimi Lhakhang
Ideal For
- First-time visitors who want to get a first impression
- Travelers with limited time budget
- Combination with other destinations like Nepal or India
10-14 Days – The Full Bhutan Experience
With 10-14 days, you have the opportunity to go beyond Western Bhutan. Add to the classic route the mystical Phobjikha Valley – known for wintering black-necked cranes – or the spiritual Bumthang with its centuries-old monasteries. This trip duration offers the ideal balance between comprehensive experience and relaxed pace.
Additional Stops
- Phobjikha Valley (1-2 nights): Gangtey Monastery, black-necked cranes (November to February), valley walks
- Bumthang (2-3 nights): Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, local cheese factory and brewery
- Trongsa (1 night): Trongsa Dzong, Tower of Trongsa Museum
Ideal For
- Travelers who want a comprehensive Bhutan experience
- Nature lovers and birdwatchers
- Culture enthusiasts with focus on Buddhism
- Combining cultural highlights with easy hikes
View detailed 10-14 day route →
14-21 Days – In-Depth Exploration
Those who bring two to three weeks can experience Bhutan in all its diversity. Explore the rarely visited Eastern Bhutan with its unique Brokpa culture, combine the tour with a multi-day trek, or take your time to immerse yourself deeper in the Bhutanese way of life. This option is for travelers seeking authentic Bhutan beyond the usual paths.
Possible Extensions
- Eastern Bhutan (4-6 nights): Trashigang, Merak and Sakteng, Mongar – authentic villages, Brokpa culture
- Haa Valley (1-2 nights): Hidden valley, less touristy, border region with Tibet
- Trekking combination: Druk Path Trek (5-6 days) or Jomolhari Trek (8-11 days)
Ideal For
- Experienced Bhutan returnees wanting to explore new regions
- Trekking enthusiasts who want to combine nature and culture
- Photographers and culture enthusiasts focused on authenticity
- Travelers who consciously want to travel slowly
View detailed 14-21 day route →
Route Comparison
This overview shows the key differences between route options at a glance. Costs are guidelines for solo travelers in the standard segment.
| Criteria | 7 Days | 10-14 Days | 14-21 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regions | Western Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha) | Western and Central Bhutan | Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan |
| Main Attractions | Tiger's Nest, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma | + Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang Monasteries | + Eastern Bhutan, Trek Options |
| Travel Pace | Tight, efficient | Balanced, relaxed | Leisurely, immersive |
| Total Driving Time | approx. 8-10 hours | approx. 15-20 hours | approx. 30+ hours |
| Cost from (Solo, Standard) | approx. 2,100 USD | approx. 2,800-4,000 USD | approx. 5,500+ USD |
| Ideal For | First-time visitors, limited time | Comprehensive experience | In-depth exploration |
The costs shown include SDF (100 USD per night), visa (40 USD), accommodation, meals, guide and transport. Flights to Bhutan are not included and cost approximately 800-1,500 USD extra from Europe.
Themed Routes by Interest
In addition to trip duration, you can also plan your route based on your main interests. The following themed routes combine the appropriate places and activities.
Culture & Dzongs
The spiritual side of Bhutan: monasteries, Dzongs and Buddhist ceremonies. Ideal for culture enthusiasts.
Trekking & Nature
Experience Bhutan's pristine mountain world: From day hikes to the legendary Snowman Trek.
Photography Route
Optimized for the best photo spots: lighting conditions, viewpoints and festival dates.
Family Trip
Child-friendly activities, adapted stages and SDF discounts for families.
Luxury & Wellness
Premium experience with Aman, Six Senses or Como: Spa, hot stone baths and exclusive experiences.
Combination Trips: Bhutan with Neighboring Countries
Bhutan can be excellently combined with a trip through Nepal, India or Tibet. These combinations offer a comprehensive Himalayan experience and take advantage of the geographic proximity of the destinations. The most common combination is Bhutan with Nepal – just a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Paro.
Bhutan + Nepal
The classic Himalayan combination. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro takes only one hour. Recommendation: 5-7 days Nepal and 7-10 days Bhutan. Ideal for combining the Buddhist culture of Nepal (birthplace of Buddha) with the living Buddhism of Bhutan.
- Logistics: Direct flight Kathmandu–Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
- Recommended sequence: Nepal first (lower elevation), then Bhutan
- Highlight: Himalayan panorama flight with view of Everest
Bhutan + India
Combination with Northeast India – Sikkim, Darjeeling or Delhi. The overland route via Phuentsholing offers a unique border experience. Recommendation: 7-10 days India and 7-10 days Bhutan.
- Logistics: Flight Delhi–Paro or overland via Phuentsholing
- Note: Indian visa required separately
- Highlight: Tea plantations of Darjeeling and Bhutan's mountain world
Bhutan + Tibet
The most demanding combination – two Himalayan kingdoms of Buddhism. Requires careful planning due to Tibet permit and extreme altitudes. Recommended only for experienced travelers.
- Logistics: Via Nepal (Kathmandu as hub)
- Note: Tibet permit required, only via group tour
- Altitude acclimatization: Particularly important (Lhasa is at 3,650 m)
Driving Times Between Main Destinations
Bhutan's roads wind through spectacular mountain landscapes – this means: distances are manageable, but driving times are often longer than expected. Winding mountain roads, pass crossings and occasional road works require realistic time management.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro – Thimphu | approx. 60 km | approx. 1 hour | Well-maintained road |
| Thimphu – Punakha | approx. 85 km | approx. 2-2.5 hours | Via Dochula Pass (3,150 m) |
| Punakha – Phobjikha | approx. 75 km | approx. 2.5 hours | Mountain roads |
| Punakha – Trongsa | approx. 130 km | approx. 3 hours | Via Pele La Pass |
| Trongsa – Bumthang | approx. 70 km | approx. 3 hours | Via Yotongla Pass (3,425 m) |
| Bumthang – Mongar | approx. 190 km | approx. 7 hours | Via Thrumshingla Pass (3,780 m) |
| Paro – Haa | approx. 65 km | approx. 2 hours | Via Chele La Pass (3,988 m) |
To the regions overview with interactive map
Cost Overview
The costs of a Bhutan trip are composed of several components. The largest item is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 100 USD per person per night. In addition, there are visa, tour package and flights.
| Item | 7 Nights | 10 Nights | 14 Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDF | 700 USD | 1,000 USD | 1,400 USD |
| Visa | 40 USD | 40 USD | 40 USD |
| Tour Package | approx. 1,400-1,800 USD | approx. 1,800-2,500 USD | approx. 2,500-3,500 USD |
| Total On-Site | approx. 2,100-2,500 USD | approx. 2,800-3,500 USD | approx. 4,000-5,000 USD |
| + Flights from Europe | approx. 800-1,500 USD | approx. 800-1,500 USD | approx. 800-1,500 USD |
To the detailed cost breakdown →
Best Time to Visit by Route Type
The best time to visit Bhutan depends on your chosen route and interests. The following overview shows the optimal months for different route types.
| Route Type | Best Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tour | March–May, September–November | Clear weather, good views of the Himalayas |
| Trekking Route | March–May, September–October | Stable weather conditions, passes accessible |
| Festival Trip | Spring and Autumn | Check Tshechu dates (vary annually) |
| Photography Route | October–November, March–April | Clearest mountain views, dramatic light |
| Birdwatching | November–February | Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley |
Detailed information on the best time to visit
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need minimum for Bhutan?
For a meaningful Bhutan trip, we recommend at least 5-7 days. In this time, you can experience the highlights of Western Bhutan: the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong and the capital Thimphu. Less than 5 days is hardly worthwhile due to the long journey and acclimatization to the altitude.
Can I change my route while in Bhutan?
In principle yes, but with limitations. Since Bhutan has a structured tourism system, accommodation and transport are pre-booked. Minor adjustments (for example, an additional temple visit) are usually no problem. Major changes like moving to another region require advance notice and may incur additional costs. It's best to discuss change requests with your guide.
Is Eastern Bhutan worth the extra travel time?
For travelers seeking authentic, less touristy Bhutan, Eastern Bhutan is absolutely worthwhile. There you encounter the unique Brokpa culture, see hardly any other tourists, and experience a Bhutan that has changed less in recent decades. The trade-off is long driving times and simpler accommodations. Ideal for Bhutan returnees or travelers with at least 14 days.
Which route do you recommend for a first Bhutan trip?
For first-time visitors, we recommend the classic 7-10 day route through Western Bhutan: Paro (Tiger's Nest), Thimphu (capital), Punakha (arguably the most impressive Dzong). With 10 days, you can add the Phobjikha Valley. This route shows the essence of Bhutan: spectacular monasteries, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscape – without overly long driving times.
Can I combine a trek with a cultural tour?
Yes, this is a popular option. The Druk Path Trek (5-6 days) leads from Paro to Thimphu and can be perfectly combined with cultural highlights: a few days of culture in Paro, then the trek, followed by Punakha and possibly Bumthang. For this combination, you should plan at least 12-14 days.
Do I need a guide for all routes?
Since 2022, a guide is no longer mandatory everywhere. In the corridor Paro–Thimphu–Punakha, you can move freely. However, for Dzong visits, travel outside this area (for example Bumthang, Eastern Bhutan) and all treks, a licensed guide is still obligatory. In practice, we generally recommend a guide – the expertise significantly enriches every trip.
What does a 7-day trip cost per person?
For solo travelers in the standard segment, expect approximately 2,100-2,500 USD on-site (including SDF, visa, hotel, meals, guide, transport). Add flights from Europe (approximately 800-1,500 USD). For two people, the cost per person is reduced as single supplement and vehicle costs are shared.
All Routes in Detail
Explore our detailed route descriptions with daily stages, attractions and practical tips.
By Trip Duration
Themed Routes
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