Family Adventure in Bhutan: 7 Days

• Morning:
  • Arrival in Phuentsholing: Upon arrival at Phuentsholing, a bustling border town located at the southern gateway to Bhutan, you will be greeted by your guide. Phuentsholing is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is an entry point for travelers coming from India.
  • Immigration and Customs Formalities: You will complete the necessary immigration and customs procedures. Ensure you have all the required documents for entry into Bhutan.
• Afternoon:
  • Drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu: After completing the formalities, you'll start your scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The distance between Phuentsholing and Thimphu is approximately 145 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours. The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes, winding roads, and traditional villages. You’ll pass through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque valleys.
  • Arrival in Thimphu: Check-in to your hotel upon arrival. Enjoy the evening at leisure, taking in the beauty of the capital city.
• Evening:
  • Overnight in Thimphu: After a long day of travel, rest and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Thimphu.

The National Memorial Chorten: Built-in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is devoted to World Peace. The Chorten is popular amongst the localities for various major Buddhist religious festivals and it is one of the best places to see in Thimphu Bhutan.

 Buddha Dordenma Statue: Atop a hill in Thimphu, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. Hidden inside it has 125,000 smaller Buddhas. This means that in Thimphu, there are more Buddha statues than this city’s population (100000), It is also known as Buddha point.

Simply Bhutan (Living Museum): It is a living museum run fully by the youth and supported by Bhutan Youth Development Fund. The museum gives a glimpse of traditional Bhutanese life. There is a small collection of typical household objects and tools. The youth guide also explained how the Bhutanese used to build houses out of mud, the making of wheat wine etc. One can try their traditional costumes (Gho & Kira) and have photos taken for free. There are also traditional dance performances. One can also purchase some handicraft for souvenirs as well as supporting them.

The Motithang Takin Preserve: For animal lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. This attractive preserved area was built as a small zoo but later it was converted into an animal preserve centre. Takin -The national animal of Bhutan, lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

Sangaygang View Point: There is a beautiful view point in Bhutan called Sangaygang. It is the location for the tower which transmits the national television channel of Bhutan called BBS. A wonderful view of Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan, can be observed from this view point. On clear, cloudless days, a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city from point of view can be captured with a camera. Thousands of prayer flags can be seen, fluttering in the air.

The Clock Tower: Clock Tower Square is an example of a great architectural marvel. It is a tower with four clock faces, which makes it different from any other building or structure in Bhutan. People usually visit here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops near this tower, making it one of the most visited sites in the town.TashiChho Dzong: It is a monastery which is located next to the bank of the Wang Chhu River, it is also known as Thimphu Dzong.  Annual 3 days Tsechu festival is also hosted every year at TashiChho Dzong. It was built in 1216 A.D.

Changyul Park: Head to Changyul Park for a family-friendly nature walk or picnic surrounded by lush forests and beautiful river valley views.

Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, depart for Punakha (approximately 3 hours).

Dochula Pass: It is located between Thimphu and Punakha which is around 3100 m high, here you can see a scenic view of   the Eastern Himalayan. In Dochula Pass 108 stupas are built and in winters it is fully covered with snow which makes it a very beautiful place.

Punakha Dzong: Explore one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.

Chimi Lhakhang: Visit this unique temple of fertility, and if you're feeling adventurous, explore the surrounding countryside.

River Rafting: Generally rafting conjures of images of crashing through horrendous rapids and monstrous waves with laughing and screaming joyful rafters hanging on but in the context of Rafting in Bhutan, it is a gentle drift-down-the-river admiring the scenery and running a few small yet exciting rapids. (own cost)Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan was believed to be built by the Buddhist Monk, Thangtong Gyalpo. This ancient hanging bridge is draped with prayer flags all along and provides a perfect spot for bird watching and nature photography. This historical bridge is worldwide known for its picturesque appearance.

Overnight: Stay in Punakha.

• Morning: After breakfast, depart from Punakha for a day excursion to Phobjikha Valley (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Phobjikha Valley & Black-Necked Cranes: Explore the serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty. If you’re visiting during winter, take the opportunity to spot the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from Tibet.
• Nature Walks: Take a leisurely family-friendly nature walk around the valley, surrounded by lush forests, gentle streams, and snow-capped mountains—perfect for family photography and peaceful moments in nature.
• Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch or dine in a local guesthouse.
• Return to Punakha: After exploring Phobjikha, return to Punakha in the late afternoon (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Overnight: Stay in Punakha.

• Morning: After breakfast, depart for Paro (approximately 4-5 hours).
• Paro Sightseeing: Once you arrive, enjoy a visit to Paro Dzong, a stunning fortress with rich history and architectural beauty.
• National Museum: Explore the National Museum of Bhutan, located in an old watchtower, offering fascinating insights into Bhutanese culture, art, and history.
• Overnight: Stay in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Embark on the iconic hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest). This hike is suitable for families and offers stunning views of Paro Valley. After reaching the monastery, spend time exploring and learning about its history.

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For a scenic and family-friendly adventure, a day excursion to Chelela Pass is an unforgettable experience. Located at 3,988 meters (13,080 feet), Chelela Pass offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Jhomolhari. The cool, crisp air and breathtaking vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a family outing.

Family Adventure Tip: The drive up to the pass is filled with picturesque landscapes, with plenty of spots to stop and take photos. At the pass, families can enjoy a gentle hike through beautiful alpine forests and meadows, where children can marvel at the colorful prayer flags and wildlife. It's an ideal way to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of Bhutan’s high-altitude landscapes.

Overnight: Stay in Paro.

• After breakfast, explore the Paro Dzong and National Museum before driving back to Phuentsholing (approximately 5-6 hours).
• Drop-off: Phuentsholing (End of the tour).