Overview

Explore Bhutan is a thoughtfully designed journey through the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom, covering Bhutan’s most iconic valleys, spiritual landmarks, and cultural treasures. From the border town of Phuentsholing to the vibrant capital Thimphu, the fertile valleys of Punakha, and the historic town of Paro, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of scenic drives, cultural immersion, gentle hikes, and spiritual experiences. Ideal for first-time visitors, the tour reveals Bhutan’s timeless traditions, dramatic landscapes, and peaceful way of life at a comfortable pace.

7 Nights 8 Days 10 May
Highlights
What makes this tour special

  • Arrival through Bhutan’s gateway town Phuentsholing

  • Scenic Himalayan drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital

  • Cultural exploration including Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Buddha Dordenma

  • Visit to Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and panoramic mountain views

  • Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed Temple of Fertility

  • Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong at the river confluence

  • Experience Bhutan’s longest Punakha Suspension Bridge

  • Discover heritage and history at Ta Dzong (National Museum)

  • Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

  • Visit ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples

  • Scenic return journey through Bhutan’s valleys and foothills

Itinerary

Day 01: 10 May | Gateway to the Thunder Dragon Kingdom

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Railway Station, meet your tour representative at the designated exit point. Begin your scenic drive through lush tea gardens and foothills toward Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s gateway town located on the Indo-Bhutan border.

On Arrival:
• Hotel check-in and rest after the journey
• Evening free to relax or explore the nearby market area on your own

Good to Know:
• Carry original passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Indian SIM cards work in Phuentsholing
• Currency exchange available locally

Overnight: Phuentsholing

Day 02: 11 May | From Border Town to the Capital Valley

After breakfast, proceed to the Bhutan Immigration Office to complete permit formalities. Once completed, begin a picturesque drive along winding mountain roads, river valleys, and forested landscapes toward Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

On Arrival:
• Hotel check-in
• Evening free for leisure, café visits, or short local walks

Good to Know:
• Immigration offices are closed on weekends & Bhutanese holidays
• Light jackets recommended due to cooler temperatures

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03: 12 May | Traditions, Temples & Timeless Thimphu

Sightseeing Sequence:
• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory – Observe traditional papermaking using natural tree bark
• Folk Heritage Museum – Experience Bhutanese rural life inside a preserved traditional home
• Memorial Chorten – A revered stupa where locals gather for daily prayers
• Changangkha Lhakhang – A 12th-century temple overlooking Thimphu Valley, known for child-blessing rituals
• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – Visit one of the world’s largest Buddha statues offering panoramic valley views
• Takin Preserve – Home to Bhutan’s national animal, located on the outskirts of the city

Good to Know:
• Modest dress required for monasteries
• Photography restricted inside temples

Optional Add-Ons:
• Local handicraft shopping
• Evening traditional hot stone bath (subject to availability)

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 04: 13 May | Across the High Pass to Punakha’s Valleys

Depart after breakfast for Punakha, driving across the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,100 m). Stop to admire the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Himalayan views (weather permitting).

Continue downhill to Punakha Valley and enjoy:
• Chimi Lhakhang Walk – A short village hike to the Temple of Fertility dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley
• Punakha Dzong – Bhutan’s most majestic dzong, located at the confluence of Pho & Mo rivers
• Punakha Suspension Bridge – Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge

Good to Know:
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Weather is warmer in Punakha than Thimphu

Overnight: Punakha

Day 05: 14 May | Sacred Bridges & Paro’s Heritage Trail

After breakfast, begin your drive toward Paro, retracing the scenic Dochula route.

En route stop at:
• Tamchog Lhakhang – A sacred temple accessed via an iron chain bridge over a river

Upon reaching Paro, visit:
• Ta Dzong (National Museum) – A former watchtower showcasing ancient artifacts, thangkas, stamps, and textiles

Good to Know:
• Museum closes by late afternoon
• Some walking involved on uneven paths

Overnight: Paro

Day 06: 15 May | The Legendary Tiger’s Nest Experience

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Excursion

Operating Time:
07:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Early breakfast recommended

Itinerary Details:
Drive to the trailhead and begin your hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic site dramatically perched on a cliff.

• Approx. 2–3 hours ascent (one way)
• Rest stop at the cafeteria viewpoint
• Explore the monastery complex before descending

Later visit:
• Kyichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century), known for its sacred orange tree that bears fruit year-round

Good to Know:
• Moderate fitness required
• Hiking poles available on request
• Alternative: Viewpoint visit only (no full hike)

Overnight: Paro

Day 07: 16 May | Farewell Himalayas – Journey Back to the Border

After breakfast, visit:
• Paro Airport View Point – One of the world’s most scenic airports
• Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) – A fortress-monastery and administrative center known for its stunning architecture

Later, begin the long but scenic drive back to Phuentsholing, passing rivers, forests, and border towns.

Good to Know:
• Long drive day – keep essentials handy
• Stops provided for refreshments

Overnight: Phuentsholing

Day 08: 17 May | Departure with Memories of Bhutan

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed toward Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of Bhutan.

Tour Ends

Hotel Details: 3-star Deluxe

  • Phuentsholing: Hotel Phuentsholing / Hotel Damchen or similar

  • Thimphu: Hotel Druk Noryang / Forest Boutique or similar

  • Punakha: Hotel Roja / Punakha Stream Lodge or Similar

  • Paro: Hotel Ratna Vara / Galling Resort or similar

Flight Details:

10 May BOM IXB 1125 1410 IX 1176

17 May IXB BOM 1135 1435 6E 5275

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodations on a double/twin sharing in a 3-star property
  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel
  • SDF Charges (4 Nights) 
  • Professional Tour Guide 
  • Visa / Permit Assistance
  • Sightseeing Entrance:
    • Buddha Point 
    • Memorial Chorten 
    • Takin Preserve 
    • Simply Bhutan 
    • Tashichho Dzong 
    • Changangkha Lhakhang 
    • Chimi Lhakhang 
    • Punakha Dzong 
    • Taktsang Monastery 
    • Kyichu Lhakhang 
    • Ta Dzong 
  • Toyota Coaster Bus / similar Non-AC All sightseeing and transfer as per itinerary within Bhutan Only
  • Traveller / Similar AC Pickup & Drop – Bagdogra Airport
  • Fuel Charges and Driver Expenses
  • Parking Fee
  • Tour Manager from Mumbai
  • Flight ticket from Mumbai - Bagdogra - Mumbai

What is NOT included in the tour

  • GST
  • International flights, Airport Taxes, Porterage, Reschedule, or Cancellation charges
  • Any meals other than those mentioned above
  • Any portage at airports and hotels, tips, insurance, wine, mineral water, telephone charges, and all items of a personal nature.
  • Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Factors beyond our control, like flight delays, cancellation of Ferry operations, bad weather, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, etc cause expenses.