Great Bhutan Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

How many days to spend in Bhutan? This is a common query among first-time travelers heading for this enigmatic country. If you are planning a Bhutan itinerary, we suggest spending a minimum of five to seven days to visit the major monasteries, dzongs, and temples as well as to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.

If you have anywhere between ten to 14 days to spare, you can add remote and spectacular valleys such as Phobjikha to your Bhutan itinerary. With enough time at your disposal, you might also want to drive through the Chele La Pass, the country’s highest motorable road, and go deeper into Bhutan’s beautiful countryside.

Bhutan in 5 days or less offers a compact yet enchanting journey through this Himalayan kingdom’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. You can hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, stroll through the serene valleys of Paro, and explore Thimphu, the vibrant capital blending tradition with modernity. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient monasteries, intricately designed dzongs, and colorful markets that showcase Bhutan’s unique heritage. Though brief, this trip immerses you in the kingdom’s spiritual essence, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty, leaving you with memories to treasure.

For more ideas and tour options, check out our 5-day tours in Bhutan.

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 A one-week Bhutan itinerary gives you interesting options to push the envelope and discover some hidden gems of this amazing land. Explore every nook and cranny of Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and browse through the collection of the capital city’s folk heritage and textile museums as you immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and tradition.

Up next on your itinerary should be Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. From there you can drive to the country’s central valleys. A stunning, seven-hour trip on road is all that it takes to reach Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutanese Buddhism.

You can also include the beautiful valley of Phobjikha as well as a quick tour of Paro in a seven-day itinerary. Else, skip Punakha and spend two days trekking to the medieval dzongs in and around Paro.

Check out our 7-day Bhutan tours for more tour options that are booking-ready.

A 10-day trip to Bhutan offers the perfect balance of cultural immersion, spiritual exploration, and natural beauty. You’ll have the chance to visit iconic monasteries, including the Tiger’s Nest, discover stunning dzongs and temples, experience Bhutanese festivals, and enjoy scenic treks through lush valleys and Himalayan landscapes. With plenty of time to explore vibrant towns like Thimphu and Paro, as well as remote, untouched regions, a 10-day journey in Bhutan allows you to truly connect with the country’s unique traditions, serene atmosphere, and breathtaking landscapes.

Alternatively, you can also spend your time soaking up all the superb sights of Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha without feeling rushed during a ten-day stay in the country. You also have the option to combine the best of both worlds if you want to. Spend a couple of days trekking through Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and tiny villages. Done with your hike, you can then spend the remainder of your time exploring Paro and Thimphu.

Check out these 10-day Bhutan tours for more tour options that are booking-ready.

Two weeks in Bhutan is a sufficient duration to experience the length and breadth of this magical country and tick off most of its cultural and religious sites. If you're wondering how many days should you spend in Bhutan, consider building on the ten-day options above as you delve into the country’s extraordinary spiritual heritage.

Located to the east of Thimphu, the Phobjikha Valley is a dream come true for history enthusiasts and budding ornithologists alike. This place holds a lot of significance among the adherents of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism as it is home to Gangteng Monastery, while its marshlands provide refuge to more than a dozen endangered avian species, including the graceful black-necked cranes that fly down from the Tibetan Plateau during winter.

If you still find yourself with some time to spare, head out to see Bhutan’s oldest nunnery, Kila Gompa, and learn more about the country’s traditional arts and crafts at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Other destinations worth your attention are Royal Botanical Park in Lampelri—on the outskirts of Thimphu—and Ogyencholing Museum.

If you are looking for a more personalized travel experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Bhutan. If you would like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in Bhutan.

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