Is it worth taking a short trip to Bhutan? Useful Travel Suggestions for 3 to 5 days in Bhutan

Is it worth taking a short trip to Bhutan? Absolutely yes. Even though you only just have a short stay, Bhutan is able to impress you with its uniqueness. For anyone considering a trip to Bhutan, it is well worth taking a short visit of 3-5 days to explore the intense experience this last Himalayan Shangri-La has to offer.

Bhutan is a country unlike any other in the world, it accesses you an isolated land. In Bhutan, you can enjoy the unspoiled natural scenery, explore the strong Buddhism culture, and experience a simple rural life that is untouched by globalization. The most exclusive destination on the planet, Bhutan will be the most amazing and beautiful destination you have ever seen even though with just a short trip.

What to Expect from a 3 to 5 Days Trip to Bhutan

Ancient monastery sightseeing

Monasteries are a major part of Bhutanese life, and there are hundreds dotted around the country. However, the most popular and most stunning lie within the main tourist region in Western Bhutan.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery - is probably the most famous one, known as the Taktshang Monastery, which lies 900 meters up the side of the cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Sitting precariously on its narrow ledge, this ancient monastery lies on the site of the place where Padmasambhava, the Buddhist sage, first came to Bhutan and spent more than three years in meditation. The monastery is one of the most popular hikes in Bhutan, taking around 5-6 hours to make the climb up to the narrow ledge and the precariously perched monastery.

Tashichho Dzong - is located in the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, renowned for being one of the most famous of the Dzongs in this mountainous country. The seat of the Bhutanese government, the Dzong contains the throne room of the Druk Gyalpo, the Dragon King, as well as many of the offices of government and the secretariat.

Punakha Dzong - is the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, sitting in the city of Punakha to the east of Thimphu. Lying on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, this ancient fortress is the second oldest in the kingdom, and was built by the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Ngawang Namgyal.

Unique cultural experience

The unique culture of Bhutan has not only been preserved to be part of the historic heritage of the country, but is still a major part of the modern Bhutanese way of life. Across the country, buildings are still constructed in the traditional ways, and are constructed to traditional styling, as part of the continuing heritage of the kingdom.

Bhutanese national dress is also a common sight in the kingdom, and while it is not always worn on a daily basis, many people still choose to do so outside of the office or workplace. The Bhutanese national dress is still part of daily life in the kingdom, and the traditional gho and kira (for men and women) can be seen being worn regularly throughout the country, even in the major cities.

Culture is also inherently apparent in the local traditional crafts, which are still practiced across the kingdom. For the best aspects of the traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, which are listed in the kingdom and the 13 Traditional Arts, you can spend some time visiting Bhutan for the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, the National Folk Heritage Museum, and the Textile Museum, as well as the many crafts bazaars in the various cities and towns.

Unspoiled natural landscapes

Bhutan has a policy of sustainable natural landscapes, and around 70 percent of the whole country is currently devoted to forests. According to the government, there should be no less than 65% of the country that remains as forest regions at all times, for the benefit of the future generations. With so much natural scenery across the kingdom, the whole country is one of intense natural beauty that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

The magnificent forests of Bhutan mean that there is a wealth of oxygenation, and while the country does have cars and trucks, the air is always fresh and clean. The clear air and amazing landscapes also give way to the stunning views of the mighty Himalayas to the north. One of the best places to view the vast range of mountains is from the Dochula Pass, on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, where the 108 Memorial Chortens also stand in honor of the dead of one of Bhutan’s only wars.

Simple and leisure rural life that is untouched by globalization

Life in Bhutan is simple, yet satisfying, and for many of the people here, their lives remain untouched by the global lifestyles of other nations. Mobile phones are available and hey no have TV, modern cars, and many other modern amenities. But for most of the country, this rural way of life remains set apart from the modern type of city life. Here, you can relax and become one with your surroundings in the rural settings. This is one of the best ways to learn more about the Bhutanese philosophy in their version of Tibetan Buddhism.

Suggested Itineraries for the 3 to 5 Days Tour in Bhutan

Tight schedule for the 3 days tour in Bhutan

The shortest 3-day tour of Bhutan is a little tight in scheduling, as you will need to travel from Paro to Thimphu and back, as well as touring the national capital and having time to trek up to the Tiger’s Nest. But this short trip is a great way to get a first-hand look at the beauty of Bhutan in a short tour.

Available itineraries of the 4 days tour in Bhutan

The general itinerary for a 4 days Bhutan tour includes an additional day to spend trekking to the Taktshang Monastery, which means you have the rest of the second day to spend at other places. You will include travel to the Changangkha Lhakhang and King's Memorial Chorten, as well as the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the Kyichu Temple.

For those that want to do a little trekking in Bhutan, you can add the two days Bumdrak trek to your four-day tour, to allow you to spend some quality time trekking in the Paro Dzongkhag, tackling the wondrous Bumdrak Trek from Sang Choekhor to the Bumdrak Monastery and back. The trek takes you back to Paro via the Taktshang Monastery, approaching the precariously perched temple from above instead of from below.

Classic itinerary of the 5 days tour in Bhutan

A more expansive 5-day Bhutan tour of the classic sites in the Himalaya Kingdom takes you a little further afield. As well as exploring Paro and Thimphu, you will travel a little further to Punakha, the home of the beautiful Punakha Dzong, and the awesome Chhimi Lhakhang, among other sights. Lying to the northeast of Thimphu, Punakha is a popular tourist destination in Bhutan, and you can get one of the most outstanding views of the mighty Himalayas to the north from the Dochula Pass, on the road to Punakha.

Extra Tips for the Short Tour in Bhutan

Bhutan Visa

Visas are available only for those international tourists that have already booked a tour of Bhutan with a registered travel agency. Once your tour is decided and booked, as well as being paid for, the visa is applied for by the travel agency, and you will be sent the approval letter, to use for booking and boarding your flight and for the immigration desk at the airport. Your visa will be stamped into your passport when you arrive in Paro.

For tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, a visa is not required for entry to Butan. Indian citizens have a freedom of movement agreement with Bhutan, which means they only need a valid government ID to enter the kingdom, while nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives need only a passport to enter the country for as long as they wish to stay. And none of the three countries are required to be on a pre-arranged tour, having the freedom to travel independently in Bhutan.

Flights to Bhutan

Flights to Bhutan are only available from nine airports in five countries, which include India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, and Singapore. While the other countries have one departure location each, there are five in India, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Gaya. For most tourists, it is advisable to book your flights well in advance, especially in the peak seasons of spring and autumn, when flights can easily get booked up faster. And with limited flights and seats to Bhutan, you do not want to be left in the lurch with no flight on your expected travel dates.

Conclusion

Bhutan is an amazing country in the Himalayas that has some of the world’s most outstanding scenery and landscapes. A wholly unique and exclusive destination in Asia, this ancient and once-isolated kingdom of devout Buddhists is one of the few countries in this part of the world that is worth spending a shorter visit in and still getting a good experience of life in the country and the majestic Himalayan scenery. So if you are short on time and looking for a nice 3-5 day trip to somewhere new, head for the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the last Shangri-La in the Himalayas.