Bhutan itinerary for a six days tour package-  the comprehensive guide

Are you looking for a complete Bhutan itinerary with detailed tips, images, and experiences? Like many travelers, we were drawn to Bhutan by tour brochures and advertisements. Most brochures offer only a few lines about each destination and some images, but they rarely provide the depth we want.

After returning from Bhutan, we wrote this guide based on our 6-day 4-night itinerary. It covers the kingdom’s most popular destinations—Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha- and is useful for travelers from Malaysia or other countries.

For the full Bhutan travel experience and stories from each place, start with our Bhutan Travel Guide.

Booking and Flights

We booked our trip through Golden Tourworld Travel (M) Sdn Bhd. Since there are no regular scheduled flights from Malaysia to Bhutan, our tour arranged a chartered flight directly from Kuala Lumpur to Paro with Bhutan Airlines.

Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport. Travelers from other countries will need to connect via these airlines.

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Paro, Then Thimphu

Our flight departed Kuala Lumpur at 4 a.m. and took four hours and twenty minutes to reach Bhutan. Bhutan is two hours behind Malaysia.

Paro International Airport

Paro Airport is one of the most challenging airports in the world. Fewer than 20 pilots worldwide are qualified to land here due to high altitude, strong winds, and deep mountain valley approaches. The landing is manual, and the runway only appears about 200 meters before touchdown.

For more information, please refer to our Paro Airport guide.

After arrival, we went straight to Olathang Hotel for breakfast. Our guide informed us that instead of exploring Paro, we would head directly to Thimphu. We stopped briefly at Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center along the way.

Lunch in Thimphu

We had our first traditional Bhutanese meal at Folk Heritage Restaurant. Popular dishes included Jasha Maru (chicken stew), Kewa Datshi (potatoes with cheese), Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), and Suja tea (butter tea).

Afternoon in Thimphu

• Motithang Takin Preserve: Sanctuary for Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. The preserve was established after takins were released from the city zoo.
• Changangkha Lhakhang: 12th-century temple known for child blessings and naming ceremonies.
• National Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974, honoring King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, featuring intricate carvings and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
• Tashichho Dzong: Majestic dzong housing government offices, temples, and the king’s throne room. The flag-lowering ceremony takes place daily at 5 p.m.

Evening

We checked in at Taj Tashi Hotel, a five-star property near Thimphu’s main street. We enjoyed a night walk, shopping for souvenirs, before resting.

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha and Return

Dochula Pass

Driving to Punakha, we stopped at Dochula Pass, which offers panoramic Himalayan mountain views and 108 Chortens commemorating Bhutanese spirituality and history.

Punakha Highlights

• Kuruthang Temple: Attended a monk blessing ceremony with chanting, holy rice, and golden strings for blessings.
• Chimi Lhakhang: Known as the Fertility Temple, famous for blessings for childbearing and family life. Learn more in our Chimi Lhakhang guide.
• Punakha Dzong: Known as the Palace of Bliss, with multiple courtyards, temples, and exquisite murals of Guru Rinpoche’s life.

We returned to Thimphu that evening, crossing Dochula Pass during the golden hour.

Day 3: Thimphu to Paro

• Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Home to one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world at 51.5 meters. Offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
• Folk Heritage Museum: Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse with kitchen, living areas, and artifacts demonstrating daily life.
• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: Learn how traditional paper is made from Daphne bark. Souvenirs are available.
• Bhutan Post Office Headquarters: Create personalized stamps using your photo, a unique souvenir.
• Kira and Gho Photography Session: Experience traditional Bhutanese dress for men and women and take memorable photos.

We prepared for an early start the next day to hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Day 4: Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The hike starts early to reach the trailhead by 7:30 a.m. The round trip usually takes 4 to 5 hours, plus time to explore the monastery. Some travelers ride horses to the halfway point.

The trail has steps, rocky terrain, and cliffside views of Paro Valley. At the halfway point, the Taktsang Cafeteria offers a break.

Photography is prohibited inside the monastery, and shoes, bags, and cameras must be left behind.

Read our full Tiger’s Nest Monastery guide.

Day 5: Paro Sightseeing and Departure

• Kyichu Lhakhang: A 7th-century temple tied to the legend of King Songtsen Gampo. The courtyard features an ancient orange tree believed to grant wishes.
• Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong): Administrative and religious center with the Utse tower and Goenkhang guardian temple. Features intricate carvings and panoramic views of Paro Valley.
• National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong): Originally a watchtower, it now displays artifacts and exhibits of Bhutanese history.

We departed from Paro, connecting through Kolkata on the way back to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 6: Return to Kuala Lumpur

We arrived at KLIA Airport after midnight, the 6th day of our trip! (So, as the brochure said, it is a 6D4N Bhutan itinerary!)

Our journey to Bhutan was a tapestry of memories, stories, excitement, precious moments, and friendship. All these experiences interweave together and will live in our hearts forever.

If you want to learn more about the key things to know before visiting Bhutan, including travel rules, cultural tips, and practical advice, check out our dedicated guide, 20 Things to Know Before Visiting Bhutan. It’s packed with firsthand insights to help you make the most of your trip.

Our tour agent: Golden Tourworld Travel (Note: It is a tour company in Malaysia)

Watch our video shot during our trip in Bhutan. 👇👇

If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video shot during our trip to Bhutan. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).