Bhutan Itinerary - 11 Days In The Land Of The Thunder Dragon - Part 1
Tashiccho Dzong
The Kingdom of Bhutan is probably one of the last few untouched beauty in the world. The Buddhist kingdom perched on the Himalayas has its history intricately weaved alongside their religion. As such, it shaped the architectural beauty of what it is today. A visit to Bhutan will touch your heart & soul as you get to feast your eyes on the stunning landscape the kingdom has to offer.
Bhutan is unlike any commercial countries that we are used to. The magnificent country prides their culture & tradition which you will experience the moment you set foot on their land. From traditional dance festivals, traditional outfits like Gho (for men) & Kira (for women), you will find yourself immersing into their rich history and understanding more about the meaning of life and why they are ranked the happiest country in the world.
My 11D10N Itinerary in Bhutan
Bhutan may be small in population, but they are relatively huge in size. Most short trips (around 7 days) will take you only up to Paro. However, you can add a few more days and you get to visit the true gem of Bhutan. I planned my trip with Dragon Trails Tours and had a fantastic experience. Before you fly, don’t forget to check out my guide on all you need to know before visiting Bhutan here.
This is the breakdown of my itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu > Dochula Pass > Punakha
Day 4: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha > Bumthang
Day 6-7: Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang > Phobjikha
Day 9: Phobjikha > Paro
Day 10: Paro (Tiger’s Nest Hike)
Day 11: Depart
Part 1 of today’s guide consists of my time in Thimphu.
You can read the other parts here:
Part 2: Punakha, Bumthang & Phobjikha
Part 4: Staying in a 5 star Hotel
Day 1 - Paro to Thimphu
Plus points of a red-eye flight, you get to catch the beautiful sunrise!
There are many ways to make your way to Bhutan but since I have zero time to plan and literally just got off the plane from Korea two days before my life changing trip, I opted for a direct flight from Singapore to Bhutan. There are only two airline carriers that operate to Bhutan depending on the route you intend to take. You can discuss this with your tour operator. For the direct flight, there is only one flight available via Drukair and it is 6.30am in the morning.
Pre-flight fuel
In-flight fuel
Be sure to reach early and request for a window seat! I promise, it is worth it. You will never get the same opportunity to be present in an aircraft that is able to skilfully cruise through the Himalayan mountains. I have never encountered anything as spectacular as this and I still marvel at the expertise of these pilots. The plane ride was comfortable and there is a short stopover at Kolkata. Food is amazing, leg space is pretty alright as well so if you are not a fussy traveller, economy class is good enough. Psst, due to the exclusivity of the carriers, even an economy ticket is pricey. Mine was about SGD$1145 for a round trip.
Landing in Bhutan
When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by Sonam & Kencho, my guide and driver for the trip. We took a 1.5 hour drive from Paro down to Thimphu. It was such a beautiful way to start the morning as you get to indulge in Bhutan’s stunning landscape. Instead of the usual city skyline, you get to look at stunning snow capped mountains as well as listening to slow trickling rivers. The air is crisp and just being in the present felt like an absolute gift. It was utterly refreshing.
City Hotel Bhutan
We checked into City Hotel, a hotel that I picked specifically as they had such gorgeous breakfast views. It is also tucked right in the middle of the city which makes it super convenient. My other hotels were recommended by the tour agency.
The room was extremely spacious and clean, I was shocked! I definitely did not expect it out of a 3 star accommodation. Apart from the two single bed that creeped me out as a solo traveller, this hotel definitely exceeded my expectations!
Simply Bhutan (Living Museum)
Lunch was an authentic spread of Bhutanese cuisine at Simply Bhutan (Living Museum). If I did not remember wrongly, there is also a quaint little cafe nearby that serves a delectable spread of Japanese cakes and aromatic brewed coffee.
Bhutanese cuisine generally consists the staple of rice paired with stir-fry vegetables, chilli & cheese. I even got to try the famous butter tea, which isn’t my cup of tea. Get the pun? I was also exposed to Ara, a locally distilled alcohol which tastes a little like rice wine. Afterwards, we did a tour of the living museum to get a gist of how traditional Bhutanese people were living.
The tour at Simply Bhutan was great as it gives you a gist on what you will be in for throughout the next couple of days. The museum is well kept and there are many interactive displays available for you to experience the authentic traditional Bhutanese culture. I even got a chance to try out in archery, a national sport in Bhutan!
Pema Tshering
What struck out to me most was the little cosy shop of Pema Tshering, Bhutan's ever talented cerebral palsy foot artist. As a child, he was abandoned by his family but his determination made him one of the most renown artist in the country. You can read all about his story here. He is truly an inspiration in life and a living example of how nothing is impossible. If you ever have a chance to visit Bhutan, be sure to make a trip down here. You can support him by purchasing his works, every piece of his work is done using his feet. How remarkable is that?! It is unfortunate that I could not buy any of his pieces as I do not own an apartment to myself, but I hope sharing his story here might move a reader or two.
Buddha Point - Buddha Dordenma
Buddha Dordenma
After the museum tour, we then drove up to the famed Buddha Point. It holds a colossal statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha and measures 51.5 metres tall! Inside the statue itself, there are over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues that are made of bronze and gilded in gold. What a feat! I wish I could show you everything inside but out of respect to the sacred places, photography is forbidden so let's just appreciate this marvel from the outside. Side note, I am so glad, as for the first time, I am truly admiring the beauty of what's in front of me and not busy fumbling for the perfect shot. Both the exterior and interior is extremely ornate.
This was originally planned for Day 2 but as I was dressed inappropriately to enter the Dzong (what's new, Winter!), we decided to do an impromptu switch of the itinerary. With both Sonam & Kencho, it was always flexible and carefree. I really dislike making plans as based on my personal experiences, plans always fall through. I am so glad to be with these two as there was always a backup plan whenever something crops up.
National Memorial Chorten
National Memorial Chorten
Prayer Wheels
Built in memory of the late third king in 1974 by his Mother, the Memorial Chorten is an intricately designed Tibetan style stupa. Locals come and circumambulate in a clockwise direction as a religious practice. There were also prayer wheels whereby people turn it to accumulate wisdom & good merits. I do not have a religious background but I do respect all religions so of course, I did participate in some of the practices like such! It was truly an insightful experience to learn more about Buddhism. Like many have said, Buddhism is more of a lifestyle than a religion.
Local Market
Trinkets sold at the local market
An actual human bone
As I was still quite hyped on adrenaline, we visited the local market and Sonam also helped to get me a data card. Data is pretty affordable, I am just an excessive user because I work on my phone so you get the gist. The local market was exciting - From fresh produce to interesting trinkets, my eyes could only take in that much. There were traditional weavings, archery bows, clothes and even daily necessities like wooden bowls etc; I must say, I am not a shopper kinda girl but I sure was tempted to bag a couple of trinkets home. Through the things that were sold, you can get a glimpse of the daily Bhutanese life - simple & contented.
Day 1 ended pretty early with an in-room dinner *cues masala chai party* and a good night's sleep at City Hotel. Not sure if it was the early flight or my body's way of adjusting to the altitude, I could literally feel my heart pumping out of my chest so it was sleep, sleep & sleep for me!
Day 2 - Thimphu
Breakfast view at City Hotel
Trust an Instagrammer to pick a picturesque hotel! This was the rewarding view overlooking Thimphu at City Hotel’s breakfast patio. You get to breathe in the crisp fresh air as you indulge in your breakfast. What a beautiful way to start the day.
Tango Monastery
The hike is slightly steep but it is pretty easy. My body was still adjusting to the altitude so I was panting a lot even though there was little to no strain on my body. I promise, it is so refreshing to start your day with a morning hike. In Singapore, nobody has the luxury to be one with nature, or even admire the surroundings as you take your breakfast. Most of the time, I spend my breakfast typing away on my laptop in the office. Oh how I miss waking up to a view like this and starting my mornings with a hike to clear my thoughts. I always believe that every now and then, it is crucial for us to reconnect with Mother Nature, to center our thoughts and align with the Universe.
Mindfulness at its best
Midway mark - Rest & take in your surroundings
Catching my breath
Finally, I could see the end of the hike instead of mountains and forests. I think halfway, Kencho was too kind, he even helped to carry my backpack. Thinking back, it is actually pretty funny. Nonetheless, the entire hike was so fulfilling and beautiful. All I could think of was "HOW?!" How did these amazing people construct such intricate buildings at the top of a mountain? Alright, to be honest, I was thinking aloud and the answer to all these questions: WALK.
As usual, no photography is allowed inside but we got lucky and managed to visit a room filled with sacred relics as they were renovating the premises!
After touring the Tango Monastery, we made our way down (or up). I was delighted to see many more of these magnificent buildings perched on the precipice and like a curious child, I kinda made them bring over too. The roads are mostly unpaved soil so do remember to wear a good pair of shoes with some grip so that you wouldn't slip and fall.
Untreated beauty of Bhutan
Picturesque landscape
View of Tango Monastery
Impressive structures
Celebratory selfie for reaching the top!
Descended into a cave
Y'know what's next after spending the entire morning climbing, walking and exploring - LUNCH! Opted for a Bhutanese meal again because I LOVE the baked corn & chilli! Also, I had a good amount of pasta this year already so no thank you. Serve me up some Bhutanese food cuz' I am Asian like that.
Authentic Bhutanese Cuisine
First date: Poised & Pretty
After: JUST GIVE ME MY FOOD!
The flavours of the traditional Bhutanese food are mostly spicy. They are usually sautéed with lots of butter & cheese so you can expect your taste buds to be engulfed in full, wholesome flavours. My favourite food is momos but they're not pictured here. It is a dumpling (kinda like a gyoza) and it tastes SO GOOD! By this time, I ate pretty well thanks to all the cheese & butter, and I could feel my body getting more adjusted to the altitude. If you are experiencing any altitude sickness, load up on em' butter teas! It is an acquired taste but I promise you'll feel better.
Traditional Art School
Traditional Art School Bhutan
As we were still early to visit the Dzong, we made a pit stop at the Traditional Art School. Let me just put it out there that these are one of the most talented people I have seen and I am simply amazed by the works that were produced from their bare hands. Coming from all walks of life, they are truly an inspiration. Their dedication, determination and sole goal to master a skill is definitely something we need to learn from.
Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong
Ended the day at Tashichho Dzong, an architectural beauty that is now a Buddhist monastery & administrative office of the Bhutanese government. We arrived just in time to watch the flag ceremony. The compound is vast and you get to explore snippets of it. It is a truly impressive fortress that is worth a visit. Do note that you have to be dressed modestly to enter.
The vastness of Bhutan’s ancient Dzongs
Different corners in Tashichho Dzong
Prayer Wheels
One of the many entrances
Every corner of the Dzong is just as picturesque. Can you believe that this entire structure is built without the use of nails or written plans? It is only Day 2 and I am blown away by the genius minds of the Bhutanese. Of course, you guys have come a long away together with me so let's revel in my memories of the great city of Thimphu for now.
Stay tuned for part 2 as we make our way to the previous capital of Bhutan, Punakha and down to central Bhutan, the Switzerland of Bhutan - Bumthang, for a more immersive experience of the traditional Bhutanese culture. For now, thank you for reading and feel free to drop me any questions regarding my trip! It would be my pleasure to answer your queries. Have a good one!
xx
Winter
