Where you stay
8 nights in 4 cities, 2 rooms. Similar hotels may be used if one is full.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Pickup and drop
- Sightseeing
- Meals
Trip details
Day by day
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Day 1 Phuentsholing
Day 1:Arrival at Phuentsholing/Hasimara
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport/Siliguri and drive to Phuentsholing/Hasimara, enjoying scenic views of Dooars' tea gardens and forests. Check in at the hotel and relax. Enjoy authentic cuisine before an overnight stay.
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Day 2 Thimphu
Day 2:Phuentsholing to Thimphu – Scenic Drive & En Route Sightseeing
Complete immigration formalities in Phuentsholing, then begin your drive to Thimphu through scenic mountain roads.
Along the way:
* Visit Kharbandi Monastery for sweeping views of the Phuentsholing Valley.
* Stop at Gedu town for a brief exploration.
* Admire the engineering marvel of Chukka Bridge.
* Enjoy photo stops at serene waterfalls cascading along the route.
* Pay a peaceful visit to the tranquil Milarapa Temple, a lesser-known spiritual gem tucked in the hills.
Arrive in Thimphu by evening, check into your hotel, and unwind after your journey. -
Day 3 Thimphu
Day 3: Explore Thimphu - Full Day Sightseeing & Overnight Stay
After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu, covering its most iconic attractions.
Major Attractions:
- Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – A massive golden statue of Buddha offering stunning panoramic views of the valley.
- Memorial Chorten – A sacred stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, an important religious site.
- Tashichho Dzong – The beautiful fortress that houses the King’s office and the Government Secretariat.
- Changangkha Lhakhang – An ancient monastery perched on a ridge, offering breathtaking views of Thimphu.
- Simply Bhutan Museum – An interactive museum showcasing Bhutanese culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
If time allows, you can also visit:
- Motithang Takin Preserve – A wildlife reserve dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.
- National Library & Archives – Home to ancient Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts.
- Handicrafts & Textile Museum – Witness Bhutanese craftsmanship and traditional weaving techniques.
- Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend) – A vibrant market where locals sell handicrafts, organic produce, and souvenirs.
After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel and unwind.
Overnight stay in Thimphu. -
Day 4 Punakha
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass - Sightseeing & Overnight Stay
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Punakha, a scenic journey passing through the stunning Dochula Pass (3,100m).
En route attractions:
- Dochula Pass & Druk Wangyal Chortens – A breathtaking viewpoint featuring 108 memorial chortens and panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
- Lamangthang Takin Preserve (Optional detour) – Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin.
Upon arrival in Punakha, visit:
- Punakha Dzong – One of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Suspension Bridge – The longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering stunning valley views.
- Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) – A sacred temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, known for blessing couples seeking children.
Overnight stay in Punakha. -
Day 5 Punakha
Day 5: Phobjikha: Excursions
Embark on a scenic drive from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley known for its pristine beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours through winding mountain roads, passing charming villages and serene landscapes.
Exploring Phobjikha Valley:
- Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba) – Visit this 17th-century monastery, an important Buddhist learning center perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the valley.
- Black-Necked Crane Information Centre – If visiting between October and March, witness the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate here from Tibet. The center provides insights into their conservation and habitat.
- Local Farmhouse Visit – Experience Bhutanese rural life, interact with local families, and enjoy a warm cup of butter tea or ara (local wine).
- Bird Watching & Nature Trails– Walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a leisurely 1.5-hour hike through pine forests, open meadows, and quaint villages. Keep an eye out for exotic birds and yaks grazing in the fields.
- Sunset Views over the Valley – If time allows, stay to witness a mesmerizing sunset, with golden hues painting the valley’s vast, undisturbed landscape.
After an immersive experience in Phobjikha, return to Punakha for an overnight stay, reflecting on the serene beauty of Bhutan’s countryside. -
Day 6 Paro
Day 6: Punakha to Paro via Simtokha Dzong – A Journey Through Bhutan’s Heritage
Begin the day with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), a sacred monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman." The temple is believed to bless couples seeking children and offers a peaceful setting amidst lush paddy fields.
After this spiritual stop, embark on a picturesque drive from Punakha to Paro (125 km, approx. 4.5 hours), passing through mountain landscapes, river valleys, and historical sites.
En Route Sightseeing:
- Simtokha Dzong – The oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, now serving as a Buddhist institute. It houses ntricate murals, ancient scriptures, and stunning Bhutanese architecture.
- Tachogang Lhakhang & Iron Bridge – A small but sacred temple built by the legendary Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, known for constructing Bhutan’s first iron bridges. Cross the traditional iron chain bridge for a unique experience.
- Paro Riverside Viewpoint – Stop by the Paro Chu River , surrounded by stunning landscapes, ideal for photography and relaxation.
Exploring Paro Upon Arrival:
- If time allows, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic fortresses. Known as the "Fortress of Heap of Jewels," it boasts imposing architecture, intricate woodwork, and breathtaking views of Paro Valley.
Evening Relaxation:
- Experience the traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, a soothing soak in mineral-infused water heated by river stones, known for its healing and therapeutic benefits.
Finally, check in at your hotel in Paro for an overnight stay, unwinding after a culturally enriching journey. -
Day 7 Paro
Day 7: Paro: Tiger Nest Trekking and Later Paro Sightseeings
Begin your day with an early morning trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual site, perched dramatically on a cliffside at 3,120m. The 4–5 hour trek offers stunning views, prayer flag-laden trails, and a deep sense of tranquility. Explore the monastery’s sacred shrines and murals before descending to Paro town for a well-deserved break.
In the afternoon, if time permits, visit the Paro Airport Viewpoint to witness one of the world’s most scenic airport landings. Later, explore the Paro Brewery, where you can enjoy locally crafted Bhutanese beer.
After a fulfilling day of adventure and exploration, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and an overnight stay in Paro. -
Day 8 Phuentsholing
Day 8: Chelela Pass Excursion & Return to Phuentsholing
Start your day early with an excursion to Chelela Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. On a clear day, you can witness the majestic Jomolhari Peak (7,326m), often referred to as the "Bride of Kangchenjunga."
- The journey to Chelela Pass (roughly 1.5 hours from Paro) takes you through dense forests, prayer flag-laden hills, and picturesque landscapes.
- Enjoy the cool mountain breeze, spot colorful Himalayan birds, and take in the stunning views of Haa Valley.
- If you're feeling adventurous, take a short nature hike through the alpine meadows surrounding the pass.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan)
- After returning to Paro, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower turned museum, which houses a fascinating collection of Buddhist relics, Thangka paintings, ancient weapons, and historical artifacts that narrate Bhutan’s rich history.
Return to Phuentsholing
- In the afternoon, begin your 5-hour scenic drive back to Phuentsholing, retracing the beautiful mountain roads.
- Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax after a long journey.
Overnight stay in Phuentsholing. -
Day 9
Day 9: Departure to Bagdogra Airport/Siliguri/NJP
Check out from the hotel in Phuentsholing and embark on a scenic drive back to Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, or NJP Railway Station. Bid farewell to Bhutan, concluding your memorable journey with cherished experiences.
