Overview
End your pursuit of happiness with an unforgettable 10-day journey through Bhutan, a serene Himalayan kingdom where culture, nature, and spirituality harmoniously coexist. Begin in Phuentsholing and travel to Thimphu, exploring landmarks like the National Library, Handmade Paper Factory, and Buddha Dordenma. Continue to Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass to discover historic Dzongs and the peaceful Punakha Valley. Enjoy a day trip to the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, home to the Gangtey Monastery and migratory black-necked cranes. Next, head to Paro and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliff. Explore Paro’s rich heritage at Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive to Chele La Pass, offering panoramic views of sacred Himalayan peaks. This journey through Bhutan’s spiritual sites, untouched landscapes, and warm hospitality promises a deeply enriching and soul-stirring experience.
Highlights
- Cultural immersion in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro
- Breathtaking views from Dochu La & Chele La Pass
- Spiritual visits to Tiger’s Nest & ancient monasteries
- Scenic day trip to Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery
- Wildlife spotting: black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrival in Bagdogra. Transfer to Phuentsholing.
- Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP), meet our representative who will help you board your transfer to Bhutan.
- Enjoy your drive to the last Indian border town called Jaigaon, after which you will enter Bhutan.
- Here, you will arrive in Phuentsholing and complete the permit formalities.
- Reach your hotel in Phuentsholing and check in to your hotel.
- Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 02 :
Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Travel to the capital city of Bhutan.
- Post breakfast in the morning, start your drive to Thimphu.
- Today’s road journey will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside landscapes of Bhutan.
- You will pass through some meandering mountain roads lined with broad leaves forests, waterfalls, quaint villages, and towns to reach Thimphu.
- En route, take a small stopover at the Chuzom Bridge from where you will see a beautiful confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, along with a beautiful portrait of the King and Queen as a welcoming sign to Bhutan.
- By evening, reach Thimphu and check in to your hotel.
- If time permits, you can choose to explore Thimphu - the only city in the world without traffic lights or explore the local markets.
- Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 03 :
Full Day - Thimphu Local Sightseeing.
- Begin the day by having your breakfast at the hotel.
- Next, get ready to explore the capital city of Thimphu.
- We will start by visiting the National Library of Bhutan which is a haven for history buffs as it houses archives of Bhutan along with Tibetan and Bhutanese texts and manuscripts.
- Further, we will visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to understand the process of making traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the daphne bush.
- Next, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten which is the tomb of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as the Dragon King.
- Later, we will visit the Buddha Dordenma statue - the largest sitting Buddha Statue made of solid bronze and plated with gold, located atop a hill near Thimphu.
- After admiring the views of Thimphu Valley from the large Buddha statue, you will visit the magnificent Simtokha Dzong which was built in the 17th century.
- Further, we will visit the Royal Takin Preserve (Motithang) - a zoo in Bhutan that is home to the National Animal of Bhutan - Takin.
- Further, we will take you to the amazing Sangaygang View Point encircled with pine trees and colorful prayer flags to enjoy the views of the Thimphu Valley.
- We will also visit the glorious fortress of Bhutan - the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Govt of Bhutan since 1962.
- Next, you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
- In the evening, you are free to indulge in a shopping spree at the Handicrafts Emporium and the local markets of Thimphu.
Day 04 :
Thimphu to Punakha. Pass the beautiful Dochu La.
- Have your breakfast in the morning and get ready for the day.
- Today, we will take you to Punakha, located 75 km to the east of Thimphu.
- Our first stop on today's road journey will be the Dochu La - one of the most scenic mountain passes of Bhutan.
- We will spend some time admiring the surrounding views of the Himalayas while sipping a hot cup of tea/coffee in the cafe at the pass.
- We will also visit the Druk Wangyel Monastery and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens which are built on the pass in memory of the Bhutanese soldiers who died in “Operation All Clear” in 2003.
- Further, embark on a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility) - a temple dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Mad Man).
- This place is considered the origin of Phalluses as the symbol of fertility and protection where childless couples usually seek blessings so that they conceive.
- We will then travel further to visit the 3rd oldest Dzong of Bhutan - Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
- From here, we will cross Punakha to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built to overlook the Punakha valley which is said to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world.
- We will then trace our journey back to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which is located at the scenic confluence of Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu Rivers.
- The Punakha Dzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, known for hosting the famous annual Punakha Tshechu Festival.
- Upon completing the sightseeing, we will reach our hotel in Punakha.
Day 05 :
Excursion to Phobjikha Valley. Overnight stay in Punakha
- Wake up to a pleasant morning in Punakha Valley and have your breakfast.
- Today, we will take you to the Phobjikha, a U-shaped Valley located in the east of Punakha.
- This Valley is known for its scenic landscape and a large number of black-necked cranes that migrate here during the start of the winter season from the highlands of Tibet for roosting.
- Spend some time admiring the views of the valley from the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery which overlooks the entire valley.
- Upon completing the sightseeing for the day, we will head back to Punakha.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 06 :
Punakha to Paro. Sightseeing in Paro.
- Wake up in the morning and have your breakfast in the morning.
- Later, get ready to board your transfers to Paro.
- After crossing the Chuzom Bridge we take a short stopover at Tachogang Lhakhang, located across a wired river bridge over the Paro river.
- After exploring the Tachogang Lhakhang, we will continue our drive to Paro.
- Upon reaching Paro, check-in to the hotel and head out for sightseeing in Paro.
- We will visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower now turned into the National Museum of Bhutan which showcases some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art.
- Next, we will visit the Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of Heap of Jewels) - the administrative seat of Paro and one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
- Return back to the hotel in Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 07 :
Sightseeing around Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest.
- Post breakfast in the morning, get ready to watch the most magical sight of Bhutan.
- Today, we will visit the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple), located 11 km from Paro.
- Drive to the starting point of the hiking trail that will take you to the Taktsang Monastery.
- We will then start the hike through the beautiful pine forest to reach the magnificent Taktsang Monastery.
- You will have to hike for 2-4 hours (depending on your speed), to reach one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley.
- Spend some peaceful time walking around the monastery listening to the prayer chants, the sound of the fluttering flags or quietly meditating in the caves of the monastery.
- After spending enough time in the monastery, we will start our return journey.
- Return back to the hotel in Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 08 :
Excursion to Chele La. Enjoy the views of the most sacred peak of Bhutan.
- Have your breakfast in the morning and get ready for the day.
- Today, we will drive to the highest motorable pass of Bhutan - the Chele La.
- Chele La is located 40 km southwest of Paro and is 13,000 ft above sea level.
- Enjoy a beautiful drive to Chele La through dense forest, waterfalls, a carpet of rhododendrons, etc, depending on the season.
- Reach Chele La and admire the views of Mt.Jumolhari(Bhutan's most sacred peak at over 22,000 ft) along with Mt.Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West as well as the view of both the valleys (Paro and Haa).
- Return back to Paro and rest for some time.
- In the evening, you are free to explore the local market of Paro.
- Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 09 :
Paro to Siliguri. Embark on a scenic road journey.
- Have your breakfast in the morning and get ready to start your return journey.
- You will board your transfers and start a beautiful return road journey.
- Enjoy this road journey and cross Phuetnsholing to reach India.
- Reach Siliguri by evening, check in to the hotel, and rest for the day.
- Overnight stay in Siliguri.
Day 10 :
Departure. Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport.
- After breakfast in the morning, get ready for your transfer to Bagdogra airport.
- Your amazing Bhutan Trip will conclude once you are dropped at the Bagdogra airport for your onward journey.
- Take back a treasure of happy memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Travel as per Itinerary in Hatchback/ SUV (as per group size)
- Entry Permit for Bhutan for 9 Days, including all Inner Line Permits
- Accommodation for 9 Nights - 1 Night in Phuentsholing, 2 Nights in Thimphu, 2 Nights in Punakha, 3 Nights in Paro, 1 Night in Siliguri on sharing basis
- 9 Meals (Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 10)
- Driver Charges, Permits, Tolls, Fuel & Parking charges
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Guided Trek to Taktsang Monastery
- Airport/ Railway Station Pickup and Drop
Cost Excludes
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Bhutan Tourism Fees of INR 1,200/- per day (Mandatory)
- Any kind of food and beverages that is not included in the package like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, meals/refreshment/lunches on the highway.
- Any personal expenses like tip to the drivers, entry to the monuments/ monasteries, camera/video camera charges, laundry, telephone bills, tips etc.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne by the customer on the spot)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion.
- Cost arises due to any change in tourism policy between Bhutan – India travel and trade policies.
- Cost arises due to changes or delays in flight timings. WanderOn as a responsible travel partner will definitely try to minimize the impact of delay but WanderOn shall not be liable/responsible for such incidents.
- Airfares/ Train Tickets
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