One Week in Bhutan: Top 4 Recommendations
A trip to Bhutan’s lush countryside, enchanting mountains and colorful traditional architecture draw travelers from all around the world. While shorter tours around the country last three to four days and cover just its three major cities, Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, a comprehensive tour of the country can go well over ten days. One week in Bhutan allows you to not just soak up the must-see sights but also discover the interiors of the country. Options abound when it comes to a 7-day trip to Bhutan. We suggest that you add a day or two to your one-week Bhutan itinerary if you want to hike the famous Druk Path. Below are our recommendations that last between 6 to 8 days.
- Petra Giessen
- From Switzerland
1. Dragon tour: 6 days in Bhutan
| Day 1 | Land in Paro, drive along Paro Tsu River to Thimphu |
| Day 2 | See Thimphu’s highlights including Simtokha Dzong |
| Day 3 | Stop at Dochula Pass, enjoy spectacular views of Himalayas |
| Day 4 | Return to Paro and visit Paro Dzong |
| Day 5 | Hike up a cliff to Tiger's Nest |
| Day 6 | Bid farewell to Bhutan |
The laid-back city of Paro, which is also the starting point of your 6-day trip in Bhutan, has a small-town feel even though it is home to the only international airport in this Buddhist country. Tick off the highlights of Thimphu, the capital city, then drive to the Dochula Pass. Located 3,100 meters above sea level, it offers a spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. Last on your itinerary is what most travelers to Bhutan look forward to: a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest. See more 6-day tours in Bhutan.
2. Best of Bhutan: One week in Bhutan
| Day 1 | Transfer to Thimphu and explore the city |
| Day 2 | Drive to Dochula Pass, hike through paddy fields to Chimmi Lhakhang |
| Day 3 | Visit Punakha Dzong |
| Day 4 | Swap stories with nuns, drive back to Paro |
| Day 5 | Discover Paro’s highlights |
| Day 6 | Clamber up a cliff to Tiger's Nest |
| Day 7 | Transfer to airport for your flight home |
Cover the highlights of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro during your one week in Bhutan with this tour. See the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, an ancient fortress that also acts as the seat of the Bhutanese government and soak up the Himalayan panorama from the Dochula Pass. Then hike up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten and visit Punakha Dzong. Your sightseeing tour of Paro is followed by a trip to iconic Tiger’s Nest. See more 7-day tours in Bhutan.
3. Bhutan Heritage by Bicycle: 7 days in Bhutan
| Day 1 | Transfer to Thimphu and explore the city |
| Day 2 | Drive to Dochula Pass, hike through paddy fields to Chimmi Lhakhang |
| Day 3 | Visit Punakha Dzong |
| Day 4 | Swap stories with nuns, drive back to Paro |
| Day 5 | Discover Paro’s highlights |
| Day 6 | Clamber up a cliff to Tiger's Nest |
| Day 7 | Transfer to airport for your flight home |
Cover the highlights of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro during your one week in Bhutan with this tour. See the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, an ancient fortress that also acts as the seat of the Bhutanese government and soak up the Himalayan panorama from the Dochula Pass. Then hike up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten and visit Punakha Dzong. Your sightseeing tour of Paro is followed by a trip to iconic Tiger’s Nest. Describe your ideal 7-day Bhutan tour for a customized itinerary.
4. Bhutan Druk Path Trek: 8 days in Bhutan
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bhutan, visit Paro Dzong |
| Day 2 | Clamber up a cliff to Tiger’s Nest |
| Day 3 | Start your Druk Path trek |
| Day 4 | Hike through forests of fir trees to Jangchulakha |
| Day 5 | Set up your camp near the alpine lake of Jimilang Tsho |
| Day 6 | Traverse rhododendron thickets, see Janatso and Simkotha lakes |
| Day 7 | Cross Pumo La Pass, end your day in Thimphu |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Paro airport |
Few trails in Bhutan rival the Druk Path, an iconic route that takes you through some of the country’s most stunning destinations. Spend 8 days in Bhutan for a trek of a lifetime. Your journey starts on the third day of this trip in Ta Dzong and takes you through forests of pine, firs, and rhododendrons to Jimilang Tsho, an alpine freshwater lake located more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Set your foot on the highest point of this trip, the Pumola Pass, on the seventh day. See more 8-day tours in Bhutan.
One week in Bhutan will be enough time to see jaw-dropping mountains, looming dzongs and ancient monasteries that come to life at prayer time. Just in case the above itineraries do not meet your requirements, we have travel experts in Bhutan who can help you plan the perfect itinerary. Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Bhutan for more ideas and inspiration.
