How to do Bhutan right! #nearindia

Airport: As soon as you land at the Paro Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, you check out the first thing on the list.

The view of the Himalayas from the airport is breath taking. While landing on the airport, getting out of the clouds, you are most likely to see the peaks of the Himalayas. The Airport while magnificently situated is equally terrifying!

Kyichu Lhakhang: A temple that was built in a night to halt the ogress trying to stop the spread of Buddhism in Tibet. Also happens to be the oldest temple.

Kyichu Lhakhang is a 10-minute drive from Paro. Visitors are welcome between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Day 2

Paro Taktsang: The Tiger's Nest Monastery

A small monastery hanging from a valley is sure to make your day. it is one from the 13 small monasteries where the Guru Rinpoche or “Precious Master” also known as the “Second Buddha” of Bhutan is said to have meditated.

It's situated at 10,000 ft. above sea level and requires a 2 hours trek for the magnificent view. So pace yourself well.

Day 3

Start your journey early in the morning to reach Thimphu just after sunrise. This gives you a whole day. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Thimphu.

Buddha Dordenma Statue: Sitting on the top the mountain the statue of Buddha seems to be watching over the capital city of Bhutan. The enormous golden statue encapsulates 125, 000 smaller statues of miniature Buddhas.

Garden of Phallus (Wangchuk Chenmoi Dümra): The garden is inside the Simply Bhutan museum and restaurant complex on Genyen Lam.

Day 4

Dochula Pass : Dochula pass is one of the most touristic destinations of Bhutan. On the road from Thimphu to Punakha, the mountain honors the Bhutanese soldiers who died in the war against India in 2003. Atop the mountain sits 108 chortens (stupas) built in memory of them. This Himalayan pass is worth your time.

Dochula Pass Meditation Caves: Just an addition 10 minutes hike from the pass, there are these meditation caves. While at first glance they look like hobbit houses are meant for the monks and nuns.

Day 5

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Build in 2004 for the peace in Bhutan and the rest of the world it is a chorten, or stupa, overlooking the Punakha Valley. Not meant to be a place of worship or education, this pace for build to find inner peace and harmony.

Situated 17 km from the Punakha District of Bhutan and to reach the valley is an hour trek.

In the evening you can make your way to the Chamkhar Town which is close to the "The Burning Lake You would reach late at night as it's almost a 6 hour drive.

Day 6

The Burning Lake and the Tang Valley: The Burning Lake is 30 minutes from the Chamkar town and is an easy walk from the road.

Though it’s known as Mebar Tsho, or “the Burning Lake,” this sacred site is not quite a lake at all, but rather a pool along a river in the Tang Valley. Legend has it a sacred treasure hidden by an ancient guru was revealed with a burning butter lamp from these waters.

Tang Valley: One of the most remote valleys in Bhutan, this place is an absolute view to sore eyes.

Day 7:

use your last day to return to Paro and enjoy the sceneray on the way!

REMINDERS:

Unlike other countries Bhutan charges a daily fee of approximately 250$. I know this sounds a lot but this includes all your daily expenses. Hence, food, transportation, a local guide and hotels. So while Bhutan isn't a budget friendly place, it will be wort your money.

Being one of the only countries in the world to have never been conquered and the history that seeps through the streets of Bhutan, it absolutely should be on your bucket list!

Let me give you a week’s itinerary for your travel.

Day 1