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Start with the places you want to experience
A first Bhutan holiday is easier to plan when you choose the route before the package price. Glider's route catalogue uses Thimphu, Paro and Punakha as proposed stay bases. They are alternatives and possible combinations, rather than a promise that every holiday includes all three. Decide which base contains your main priority, then give the remaining days a purpose.
Three starting points to compare
Thimphu
The catalogue's single-base plan for Thimphu lasts four days, with arrival and departure counted. Buddha Dordenma is one of the suggested priorities; Memorial Chorten and Thimphu markets are additional planning ideas. Choose this base when these stops matter more to you than changing hotels. If Paro is also a must-have, compare the linked six-day route instead of squeezing an additional base into the arrival day.
Paro
The catalogue's single-base plan for Paro lasts four days, with arrival and departure counted. Paro Dzong is one of the suggested priorities; National Museum and Taktsang trail are additional planning ideas. Choose this base when these stops matter more to you than changing hotels. If Punakha is also a must-have, compare the linked six-day route instead of squeezing an additional base into the arrival day.
Punakha
The catalogue's single-base plan for Punakha lasts four days, with arrival and departure counted. Punakha Dzong is one of the suggested priorities; Mo Chhu landscape and Chimi Lhakhang are additional planning ideas. Choose this base when these stops matter more to you than changing hotels. If Thimphu is also a must-have, compare the linked six-day route instead of squeezing an additional base into the arrival day.
Match the route to the time available
| Route | Trip length | Stay bases |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | 4 days / 3 nights | 1 |
| Thimphu → Paro | 6 days / 5 nights | 2 |
| Thimphu → Paro → Punakha | 8 days / 7 nights | 3 |
The four-day option keeps one stay base; the six-day examples connect two, and the eight-day plan uses three. Arrival, transfers and departure use part of that time. Open the day-wise plan to see where hotel changes occur. A longer destination list can give you less time in each place even when the overall trip has more days.
Turn the route into a useful enquiry
- Name your preferred first and last base in Bhutan.
- List two experiences you want to protect if the schedule needs simplifying.
- Share departure city, total available days and whether travel days are included in your leave.
- Ask for the transport between bases, named hotels and ticketed visits to be itemised.
For example, a traveller choosing Thimphu and Paro should ask how the connection fits between the two hotel stays. Someone choosing only Punakha should ask how arrival and departure work for that base. Those questions make the quotation comparable to the route you actually want.
Planning basis: the linked Glider route catalogue. Routes are proposals; hotels, transport, access, prices and availability are confirmed in your written quote. This guide does not claim a first-hand visit or live supplier availability.
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