Days Required to Travel Around Bhutan

With an area of 38,394 sq km, Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in South Asia. Although small in size, Bhutan is rich when it comes to environmental biodiversity, vibrant culture, pristine natural resources and age-old traditions. 

Many of you might be wondering, “How long would it take for me to travel around Bhutan?”. To give you an honest answer, it depends. Most visitors spend anywhere between 3 and 13 days, which is enough for Bhutan; the exact number of days depends on the region(s) you plan to cover.

Once you understand how to plan your travel hours realistically, you can easily draft an itinerary on your own. But before you start planning, let me give you a short introduction to the major tourist destinations of Bhutan. After that is done, we can easily map out the destinations with different travel duration periods.

From the ranges of the majestic Eastern Himalaya to the centuries old dzongs and temples, different regions of Bhutan offer different experiences, all rewarding and fulfilling.

In this section, we divided Bhutan into four regions: Southern Bhutan, Central Bhutan, Eastern Bhutan, and Western Bhutan. All 20 Dzongkhags (districts) have been divided into these four regions. Let’s look into some of the major tourist destinations for each of these regions.

Western Bhutan

Western Bhutan is home to some of the major cities and valleys like Paro, Thimphu, Samtse, and Haa. For most of the international visitors, their journey in Bhutan starts for this region, as Paro is the only city with an international airport in the entire country. 

Apart from having the most iconic temples, like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this region also has the official seat of the Royal Government in Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu. You also have the high-altitude mountain passes like Chele La Pass and Dochu La Pass in this region. 

Central Bhutan

In central Bhutan, you will find some of the best places for cultural immersion like Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. While Punakha is not only home to some of the major sacred sites of Bhutan, it is also a prime destination for river rafting. 

Wangdue Phodrang, on the other hand, has the famous Gangtey Monastery and some of the best nature trails in Phobjikha Valley. If you go a little higher towards Gasa, you can enjoy their natural hot springs and witness a semi-nomadic lifestyle in some villages. 

Southern Bhutan

Southern Bhutan is equally beautiful, with some of the major places like Bumthang and Trongsa. Bumthang offers different cultural activities for visitors apart from sightseeing. You can visit the local weaving center or the local brewery in the town. 

Trongsa is another important administrative region, as the Crown Prince learns and governs from the Trongsa Dzong before taking the throne formally. You can find two domestic airports in this region; one in Jakar and the other one in Gelephu. 

Eastern Bhutan

Eastern Bhutan is home to other sacred sites of Bhutan in places like Trashigang, Lhuentse, and Samdrup Jongkhar. The third and last domestic airport is in Trashigang. The Lhuentse Dzong is the ancestral family home of the Royal Family in Bhutan.

There is also Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Merak, which is believed to be the home of the yetis and the nomadic Brokpa people of Bhutan, yak herders who originated from Tibet and live in isolation.

If you are asking, “What about Northern Bhutan?” Here is the answer, Northern Bhutan is used to describe the region where the Eastern Himalayan ranges fall in Bhutan.

Related Read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Bhutan

This table has been provided to give you general information regarding the time and distance between the major destinations in Bhutan. 

Now that this has been cleared up, and you know more about different regions of Bhutan and their attractions, we can finally move to the main section of the blog that answers your question, “How long does it take to travel around Bhutan?”

As I have already mentioned above, you can complete your journey in Bhutan within 3 to 13 days; it just depends on the destinations that you want to visit. Now let’s take Paro as the port of entry, as this is where all the international visitors enter Bhutan from – Paro International Airport. 

So to make it easier, this section has been divided into three parts to explain what areas you can cover within the given time periods. The time periods have been divided into three categories: 3 to 4 days, 5 to 7 days, and 8 to 13 days. 

Bhutan Within 3 to 4 Days

If you have 3 days in Bhutan, then you can easily cover Paro and Thimphu, the major cities of Bhutan. While Paro is the gateway to all international visitors, Thimphu is the capital of the country.

By dividing time equally for Paro and Thimphu, you can still manage to hike the famous Taktsang Monastery on the second day itself. Since these cities are only 50 km apart from each other, making sightseeing across both cities is possible within 3 days. To get a clearer understanding of the 3-day tour, you can check out Altitude Himalaya’s Shortest Bhutan Tour Package.

Now if you have four days in Bhutan, then you will be able to visit all the major attractions of Paro and Thimphu. For a 3-day trip, you might have to compromise with limited sightseeing.

But during a 4-day trip, you can visit the sacred architectural structures as well as the museums of Thimphu and Paro, where Bhutan’s history and arts have been preserved. Please check our Short Bhutan Tour itinerary for a clearer breakdown.

Bhutan Within 5 to 7 Days

If 3 to 4 days in your hand gives just enough time for sightseeing in Bhutan, then 5 to 7 days will give you more time to explore and even engage in some cultural activities.

5 Days in Bhutan

If you have 5 days in Bhutan, then you can add either Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang with Paro and Thimphu. By doing so, you can also go for another hike, either to Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha or around the famous nature trails in Phobjikha Valley.

Similarly, you can also cover the National Institute of Zorig Chusum or visit the Dochu La Pass on the way to Punakha. To get a better understanding, you can check our itinerary for the Explore Bhutan Tour Package lasting for 5 days.

6 Days in Bhutan

As for six days, you can explore more of Paro instead of visiting a fourth district, or just visit both Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. If you choose to explore more of Paro or Thimphu, you can have enough time to visit the National Museum and other dzongs like Simtokha Dzong and Zuri Dzong.

Otherwise, you can visit Wangdue Phodrang and spend a day hiking on the Gangtey Monastery Nature trail from Phobjikha Village. You can also participate with the villagers as they perform their daily activities. If you want an example, check Altitude Himalaya’s Best Bhutan Tour Package for 6 days.

7 Days in Bhutan

Even if you have 7 days in Bhutan, I would not recommend you rush your trip to cover more distance. Instead, 7 days give you the best opportunity to explore the aforementioned 3 or 4 cities in depth.

If you have 7 days in Bhutan, then you can spend your week in these 3 cities while creating a deeper connection with the native people and get an even more detailed perspective on Bhutan’s culture and heritage.

You can either choose to spend your time creating a personalized stamp at the Postal Museum or making papers in the Jungshi Handmade Paper factory, or, if the season matches, you can also participate in harvesting celebrations at Punakha or Phobjikha Valley.

For a 7-day trip, you can check Altitude Himalaya’s 7 Day Bhutan Tour itinerary as an example. If you need help with customizing, feel free to reach out to the travel expert. 

Bhutan within 8 to 13 Days

If you have 8 to 13 days to travel in Bhutan, then you have the greatest opportunity to explore different corners of Bhutan. By adding more destinations, you will also be able to cover 3 of all the regions of Bhutan. Longer stay means more regions.

When you explore more regions of Bhutan, you will come across different communities and you will be able to distinguish how people in Bhutan have different lifestyles. From the royals to the nomads, Bhutan has them all.

8 Days in Bhutan

8 Days in Bhutan will give you ample time to visit the Southern, Central and Western regions of Bhutan. You can visit Paro and Thimphu in Western Bhutan, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang in Central Bhutan, and Trongsa and/or Jakar in Southern Bhutan.

The best thing about having 8 days in hand is that you will be able to explore Thimphu and Paro without any rush. Instead of major dzongs and temples, you can also visit nunneries and wildlife reserves. 

You will be able to join various short hikes and even complete a short trek like the Bumdra Trek, which meets the way of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. If you want to learn more about how technology and heritage clothing have evolved, then you can visit the museums and institutions to learn more. 

Basically, 8 days is the ideal time to observe and participate in the slow living that Bhutan practices. Altitude Himalaya’s Bhutan Cultural Tour for 8 days is one way to plan your itinerary. 

9 to 10 Days in Bhutan

If you have 9 to 10 days in Bhutan, why don’t you visit all the major towns and cities such as Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang, Punakha, Trongsa, and Wangdue Phodrang? 9 to 10 days will not only give you sufficient time for detailed sightseeing, but if you want, you can also go for longer treks within 9 to 10 days.

You can go for a 3-day long Gangtey Valley Trek, or you can also go to Haa Valley instead of Trongsa. There too, you have an option to go for a 3 day long Haa Valley Trek, where you walk through the cleanest forests and visit some of the old traditional villages.

The 9-day long Bhutan Discovery Tour by Altitude Himalaya is a perfect example of  slow paced travelling that allows you to immerse deeper into the culture and lifestyle of Bhutan. Sightseeing can always be exchanged with short treks based on the visitor's preferences.

11 to 13 Days in Bhutan

If you have 11 to 13 days in Bhutan, then you can add your visit to the Tang Valley or Haa Valley without compromising on other cities and towns. On your way to Haa, you can also visit Chele La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Bhutan, at an elevation higher than 3,900 m above sea level.

You can visit other hidden gems on the way from one city to another, and if you don’t want to drive to Thimphu from Paro, then you can take the Druk-Path Trek, which lasts for 4 to 6 days.

After sightseeing, you can also choose to stay at homestays for a few days and participate in the daily activities of the native people with the hosts. And not to forget, Trashigang is Eastern Bhutan is another beautiful town, from where you can visit the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, believed to be the home of the yetis.

If you are more interested in activities like hiking, trekking, rafting, and camping, then you can always ask your tour operator which activities can fit in your itinerary. For those looking for an even more adventurous trek, you can always look up the Jomolhari Loop trek, which lasts for 6 to 8 days.

What is the purpose of your Bhutan visit? Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or are you an explorer who loves observing ancient structures? Or are you looking for inner peace and hoping to make spirituality a greater part of your life? Or maybe you could just be another traveller in Asia.

I’m sure that the previous section of the blog gave you a general idea about the places that you can cover within a certain number of days. And the information above pretty much implied that trekking and hiking would require more days. 

But let’s look into the three main purposes that visitors go to Bhutan for and get more clarity on this subject. 

Sightseeing

Sightseeing is one of the most stress free ways for a traveller to collect memories, and Bhutan is the ideal destination if you are looking for a change of scenery. However, before you visit Bhutan, you must know what Bhutan offers for sightseeing. 

The agricultural fields in the valleys of Bhutan glisten under the sun, especially if it has just stopped raining. The snowcapped mountains stand tall under the clear sky and look like they’re only a couple of miles away from the mountain passes. 

And then they have the traditional dances that are different in each region, except for the masked dance that is performed throughout Bhutan. Sightseeing is simple if you only want to visit the major attractions; depending on the number of cities you wish to visit, it can be completed in 3 to 7 days. 

Trekking or Hiking

If you are visiting Bhutan for a trek or a hike, then you will probably be staying longer than the visitors who are there for sightseeing. After you land in Bhutan, you will obviously go for the major sightseeing, taking about 3 to 7 days. 

Even if you don’t want to go sightseeing, you will have to wait for a few days to acclimatize to the elevation. After that, depending on the distance and duration of the trek or hike, you can determine the number of days you will be spending in Bhutan.

You don't have to calculate the days for the Taktsang Monastery hike and the short nature hike in Phobjikha Valley, as they can be covered within a few hours. But if you want to go for hikes/treks that last for 4 days, then you will need about 8 days at least. For longer and more difficult treks like the Jomolhari Loop, I would recommend you stay for at least 12 days. 

Note: Before you plan for a hike or a trek, always make sure to contact your tour operator and get weather updates. 

Pilgrimage

If you want the best pilgrimage experience in Bhutan, then be prepared to spend about 7 to 13 days in Bhutan. The reason why you will need more time for pilgrimage is because the journey is not as simple as sightseeing. 

On a pilgrimage, you will spend more time in the dzongs, temples, and nunneries compared to sightseeing. If you are visiting a temple, you will be spending more than 2 hours there.

Pilgrimage also takes time because it involves a lot of religious rituals that are performed for various reasons. Rather than simply checking off a destination, those who opt for pilgrimage often take time to reflect and meditate. 

Furthermore, pilgrimage also required physical exertion. For instance, even if some dzongs can be reached by a vehicle, pilgrims often choose to walk. Some do it with the faith of getting rid of their sins, while others do it to achieve salvation and blessings. 

But the main point is that pilgrims also need more time to rest, as their journey is more physically straining. This combines with travelling between pilgrimage routes, which is always time consuming because of the rough terrains and winding roads in Bhutan.

I hope that these factors have been helpful in planning your trip duration. From nature to spirituality, you can experience a close connection with everything in Bhutan. It’s just a question of what you want to experience and how long you wish to dedicate to the experience.

Now that the purposes that determine your stay duration in Bhutan have been cleared out, let’s look into the factors that can increase your stay in Bhutan. 

Budget

Your budget is the pre-determinant of everything related to your travel plans in Bhutan. Your first question is, “Are you willing to pay an SDF of $100 for each night you spend in Bhutan?” Don’t get the SDF confused with your daily expenses. And if you are willing to pay the SDF, then how many nights are you willing to stay?

After that you will need to research the tour operators who are providing the services at a price that you are friendly with, as well as those who are willing to take you to the places you want to visit in Bhutan. 

This means, you will need to prepare your budget for these expenses: 

• Accommodation 
• Meals
• Sightseeing
• Transportation within Bhutan
• Flight fares to Bhutan
• Personal expenses (shopping and tipping)

So even if you are spending only 3 nights in Bhutan, your budget must include $300 for SDF of 3 nights in Bhutan and an extra amount to cover all the expenses mentioned above. To get more clarity on the expenses with an estimated amount, please read the blog on Bhutan Travel Cost. 

Off Season Travel Conditions

If you are planning on visiting Bhutan around the summer or winter, be prepared for some buffer days. This is applicable whether you are travelling on wheels or walking, because the weather affects the routes of both the parties mentioned here. 

Driving during summer is a little risky, as heavy rain can cause landslides in different regions of Bhutan, especially the India-Bhutan border region. So if you are planning on visiting remote areas during the rainy season, then expect some delays even if the possibilities of landslides are low. 

Now winters are a whole different story. Heavy snowfalls often result in temporary road closures. While high-altitude treks are not even possible, visitors are recommended to hike around lower-altitude regions. 

The seasons not only affect transportation by road, but they also cause delays in aviation operations. Please be prepared for flight delays if it's raining or snowing. This is another reason why you need good travel insurance; to compensate for delayed or cancelled flights. 

Peak Tourist Season and Festivals

Peak tourist season can affect your planning as well as the intended days of your vacation in Bhutan. The peak tourist seasons and the best time to travel in Bhutan are Spring and Autumn.

When travelling within Bhutan, if you are planning on taking a domestic flight from one region to another, make sure to book it earlier; otherwise, you will have to take the roadway, costing you more time.

You might also have issues with booking your accommodations. While you might not face any issues with booking your hotels in major towns and cities with regards to availability, you might want to book your stays before the hotel prices go up. 

Having your accommodations sorted will allow you to move according to your itinerary. Think about it, it would be a major letdown if your flights have been booked but you’re not sure about your stay. You would have to cancel the entire trip. This is another reason why we suggest you visit Bhutan through a trusted tour operator.

Lastly, be prepared to meet a crowd of visitors in major sightseeing places. For this reason, we suggest you stick to your travel itinerary provided by the tour operators. By following the timings provided in the itinerary, you will be able to reach your destinations in time and be able to avoid the crowd as well as the road traffic. 

Now festivals are a whole different topic. Before we move forward, please look into the table below to learn more about the major festivals in Bhutan, their duration, expected date and locations where they are held:

I hope that the table gave you a general idea of when and how long these festivals last and where they are celebrated. Due to a mix of local and tourist crowds, you might face delays in reaching your destinations or the venue of celebration. 

If you get to attend a festival in Bhutan, then it will be one of the best experiences of your trip. But if you want to attend the festival, make sure that you start planning earlier and inform your tour operator about your interest in attending the festival. They can arrange your seating areas with a better view and fix your timings accordingly. 

As you have seen in the table, most of the major festivals last for 3 to 5 days. So if you want a closer observation of the culture, rituals, and traditions, then you might want to extend your stay at the city or town where the festival is being held. 

Travel Styles

Everyone has their own style of travelling depending on their purposes. While some people visit Bhutan for sightseeing, others go there to experience luxury that the last Shangri-La has got to offer. 

Let me explain in brief how your travel days can be affected by your travel style.

Sightseeing

If your style of travelling is just sightseeing, taking a couple of pictures, learning a bit about the site’s history, and then moving on to another location, then you won’t need extra time at all. 

So a normal sightseeing trip around Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang would take you about 5 to 7 days. And these days come with some famous short hikes, like the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Phobjikha Nature Trail.

Leisure Travel

But many go to Bhutan to learn the secret of slow living that the Bhutanese people have mastered over centuries. To learn more about their lifestyle, their faith, and how deeply connected they are with their families and communities, you must spend time with a Bhutanese. 

In this case, rather than staying at a hotel for a night, your ideal choice would be to book a spot at a homestay where you can live with a native family for a few days or even a week (depending on your preference). 

The reason why this is an ideal choice is because it gives you a clearer perspective on their choice of meals, their daily activities and everything else that shapes their lives. This means your stay will be prolonged, taking you around 8 to 9 days, keeping 3 or 4 days aside for a single location.

Luxury Travel

Then we have the luxury travellers. Most of the tour operators have a separate itinerary when it comes to luxury travel packages. The itineraries are crafted based on the preferences of the guest.

A luxury tour in Bhutan ensures that you cover all the essential sightseeing but also have enough time for your holistic wellness. This means, if you want to experience a deeper cultural immersion, then the package is curated to fulfill your expectations while providing you exceptional services.

So even if you only want to visit Paro and Thimphu, a luxury tour might take you about 4 to 5 days at the least. To get more clarity, please check Altitude Himalaya’s Bhutan Luxury Tour Package, where the itineraries have been curated to give you the best experience with the best services.

Now this brings us to the end of this section, and I hope that you understood how different events can result in buffer time during your travel. So please make sure that you book your vacations with a reliable tour operator who will ensure that you avoid such delays and conclude your vacation on the expected date. 

Don’t forget, an extra night means another $100!

Here are some essential tips for travellers planning their itinerary to Bhutan:

• Do not rush your travel. Travel at a comfortable pace. Instead of rushing to complete the sightseeing, try to soak in the peace and beauty of the destination you are in. This is why I would suggest, if you have time, to take at least 4 days to cover Paro and Thimphu to explore them entirely. 
• Road travel takes time. In Bhutan, you are not just covering the distance that is shown in the map. Road travel can take longer than expected because the mountainous regions have winding roads. Lastly, the weather plays a huge role in determining your travel hours. 
• While acclimatization is not stressed upon for places like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, I would still suggest you get adequate rest after the day ends. 
• The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery will take you an entire morning or an entire afternoon. Taking that into consideration, make sure that you have a day in your itinerary that is dedicated to Paro.
• Make time for quiet hours at the monasteries, nature hikes, village walks, and other activities. They will ensure that you are more immersed in the environment and the culture.
• If you are travelling from Nepal, prepare for an extra buffer day. While it is very unlikely for travel delays, mountain weather is sometimes unpredictable. Better safe than sorry.

Bhutan is a small country, I agree. But its charm can only be witnessed through mindful travelling as Bhutan reveals itself in its silence, in its undisturbed nature. 

While 3 to 15 days in hand will be sufficient for you to travel around Bhutan, to be specific about the actual duration, you need to understand what travel style suits you, what the purpose behind your Bhutan visit is, and what are the places that compelled you to book your trip that you cannot miss out on. 

Tshetrin Tharchen wrote in his book, “Paradise. A paradise it was in its majestic silence of cold wintry conditions. The world is a collection of paradises and my home is a sparkling paradise.” With this quote, I will leave you with a question; how many days do you think will be enough for you to explore Bhutan?