How many days are required to visit Bhutan? How to choose the right Bhutan itinerary? Are 5 days enough for Bhutan? These are some commonly asked questions we collect from our first-time travelers heading for the kingdom of Bhutan. Here are some Bhutan Trip Maps with top recommend Bhutan Itineraries to help you to detail the answer on how many days to spend in Bhutan.
From the Bhutan Trip Maps below, you will see that Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa, Gangtey, and Bumthang are the most popular tourist places (districts) in Bhutan for travelers from all over the world. Usually, it takes 4 to 11 days to enjoy a Bhutan trip that covers the above districts of Bhutan.
Bhutan Trip Maps
How many days are needed for a Bhutan tour? If you are planning a short trip to Bhutan, we suggest you spend a minimum of 4 days hiking to Tiger's Nest Monastery and dzongs in the districts of Paro and Thimphu. If you have a 5 to 6 days vacation, it will be good to enjoy a quick Himalayan trek or a classic Western Bhutan tour that covers the dzongkhags of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
Here is a map of Bhutan Country showing its 20 dzongkhags (districts) which are divided into 4 parts: Western Bhutan, Central Bhutan, Southern Bhutan, and Eastern Bhutan. Most people will plan Bhutan trips to Western Bhutan and Central Bhutan.
Districts of Bhutan Map
If you want to do a panorama trip in Bhutan, then it will be good to use 7 to 11 days for an in-depth experience in both western and central Bhutan. If you are a super fan of Bhutan and have 10 to 14 days to spare, you can add Eastern Bhutan and spectacular valleys such as Haa valley and Phobjikha valley to your Bhutan itinerary.
Some of our customers even spent 30 days exploring over two-thirds of the land of the country that start from Western Bhutan to Southern Bhutan. By the way, the Bhutan visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry. An extension of the Bhutan visa is available while you are in Bhutan.
Map of 4 days Glimpses of Bhutan Trip (Tour Code: BTG-A)
This Glimpses of Bhutan Trip Map shows a 3 nights 4 days route covering the destinations of both Paro and Thimphu, Western Bhutan. You can take direct flights from Kathmandu, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati, Dhaka, Yangon, Bangkok, and Changi to Paro International Airport in Bhutan.
Paro is the entrance gate of Bhutan which is also famous for the one-day Tiger's Nest Monastery hiking. Thimphu is Bhutan's capital and the largest city, in this tour, you will have a sightseeing day with its brilliant attractions like Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and so on.
Map of 5 days Western Bhutan Trip with Haa (Tour Code: BTG-A1)
This Western Bhutan Trip with Haa Map shows a 4 nights 5 days route that covers the best of Paro, Haa, and Thimphu, Western Bhutan. Compare to the 4 days Bhutan trip, this 5 days trip includes a day tour to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass. The Chele la pass(3988m) is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan from where you have superb views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey.
Known as the "Hidden-Land Rice Valley", Haa is not only famous for its picturesque scenery but also for its ancient temples like Lhakhang Nagpo and Lhakhang Kharpo which were built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In Haa, we will also visit Dzongdrakha Goempa (Mini Tiger's Nest) which is perfect to get a good view of Paro Bondey valley and Wangchuck Lo Dzong which used to be an administrative center for the Bhutan Royal Family.
Map of 6 Days Classic Bhutan Tour (Tour Code: BTG-B)
This Classic Bhutan Tour Map shows a 5 nights 6 days route covering the highlights of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to the 4 days Bhutan trip, this 6 days trip includes a 2-day round trip (150km) to Punakha from Thimphu while having a try Bhutan's National Sport (Archery experience) and enjoying a Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath in Paro.
When driving to Punakha (74KM, about 2.5hrs) we will have a photo stop at Dochula pass which is the best platform to get breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. In Punakha (1310m) we would take a hike in Chimi Lhakhang (a pilgrimage for a childless couple to seek blessings, can buy handicraft souvenirs with the phallic symbol) and Limbukha Village (known for its love of peace and tranquility). As the ancient capital, Punakha owns the most beautiful Punakha Dzong in Bhutan which is a highlight of the day.
Map of 6Days Bhutan Highlight Tour (Tour Code: BTG-B1)
This Bhutan Highlight Tour Map shows a 5 nights 6 days route covering the place of interest of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to the 6 Days Classic Bhutan Tour, this 6 days trip is different in the order of the visiting days of the same sites. In this way, it is more flexible for you to choose to do the Tiger's Nest hiking on day 2 or day 5.
Map of 6 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour (Tour Code: BTG-E)
This Bhutan Cultural Tour Map shows a 5 nights 6 days route covering the districts of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to the 6 Days Classic Bhutan Tour and 6 Days Bhutan Highlight Tour, this 6 days trip spend more time in Thimphu exploring more about the culture of Bhutan through its Folk Heritage Museum, School for Arts and Crafts, and Bhutan Post Office Headquarters.
Also, this trip will spend two nights separately in Paro and Punakha. That means we can have time to go to the Khufu Temple to pray and have a hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten. And we will also have time to discover the Kyichu Lhakhang, National Museum, and Paro Dzong in Paro. Sure, to visit more places in the limited days, this itinerary may be a little tight for the one who prefers a leisure tour.
Map of 7 days Discover Bhutan Tour (Tour Code: BTG-F)
This Discover Bhutan Tour Map shows a 6 nights 7 days route covering the dzongkhags of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to the 6 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour, this 7 days trip spends 1 night and 2days in Thimphu, 2 nights in Punakha, and 3 nights in Paro, in this way you can slow down and discover an in-depth Bhutan with the top three popular dzongkhags. In other words, if you want to have a panorama trip of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, this 7 days Bhutan trip is highly recommended.
Map of 8 days Bhutan Panoramic Tour (Tour Code: BTG-C)
This Bhutan Panoramic Tour Map shows a 7 nights 8 days route covering the districts of Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, and Punakha, Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to the 6 Days Classic Bhutan Tour and 6Days Bhutan Highlight Tour, this 8 days trip adds 2 days round trip to Gangtey from Punakha (150km) and enjoy the marvel of the Gangtey Nature Trail, Phobjikha Valley, and Black-Necked Cranes Center.
In Gangtey, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2hours) that start from Gangtey Monastery(3030m) and ends in Khewang Lhakhang(2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot. During the winter, it may be a bonus to see the rare and endangered Black-neck Cranes.
Map of 9 days Western Bhutan with Gangtey & Haa (Tour Code: BTG-C1)
This Western Bhutan with Gangtey & Haa Map shows a 8 nights 9 days route covering the districts of Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Haa, and Punakha in Western and Central Bhutan. Compare to 8 days Bhutan Panoramic Tour, this 9days trip adds 1 day’s round trip to Haa.from Paro (130km). This trip is considered a panorama tour of Western Bhutan.
A tour to Haa Valley is amazing while paying a visit to the Chele La Pass (3988m) which is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan. Haa valley is the smallest district in the country and is the destination for nature lovers. Some of the places of attraction that are a must-see in Haa are Dzongdrakha Goempa, Lhakhang Nagpo, Lhakhang Kharpo, and Wangchuck Lo Dzong. One of the most popular dishes in Haa is the Haapi Hoenta which is a must-try when in Haa.
Map of 11 days Western and Central Bhutan Tour (Tour Code: BTG-D)
This Western and Central Bhutan Tour Map shows a 10 nights 11 days route covering the districts of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, and Bumthang in Western, Central, and Southern Bhutan. Compare to the 8 Days Bhutan Panoramic Tour, this 11 days trip adds 3 days round trip to Bumthang from Gangtey (320km) via a visit to Trongsa Dzong and Yotongla Pass (3436m), Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, and Rinchengang Village.
Bumthang is one of the most historic districts in Bhutan. Sightseeing day in Bumthang will cover some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries like Kurje Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang. It was here the place that Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan. Bumthang is not only famous for Yathra Weaving but also for the production of honey, cheese, apples, wheat, buckwheat, and potatoes.
Wish the Bhutan travel maps above can help you to have a better idea of your Bhutan trip plan. Next time, when someone asks questions like“How many days to spend in Bhutan?” You may find out the answer though these Bhutan Trip Maps quickly and share your ideas about a Bhutan trip. Remember, usually, 4 to 6 days is enough for a quick Bhutan highlight tour.
For some other trips with Bhutan Festival, Bhutan Trekking, Bhutan Luxury vacations, Bhutan package trip, or joining a group, you are welcome to contact us.
Some of our guests enjoyed their Bhutan trips in Oct 2022
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If you would like to customize a trip to Bhutan, you can contact our Bhutan travel experts. Asia Odyssey Tours & Travel Company Limited (bhutantrip.com) is a leading online travel service focused on Bhutan trips for about 10 years. Headquartered in Hong Kong, we have branch offices in Tibet, Nepal, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Chengdu, Guilin, Xian, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Since 2013, we have been arranging both private & customized Bhutan tours for our clients from all over the world.
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