About This Tour
Embark on an extraordinary twelve-day journey through the mesmerizing landscapes and cultural treasures of Bhutan. Commencing at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, the tour unfolds with a drive to Phuentsholing, an offbeat Indo-Bhutan border town. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets, securing a tourist permit, and enjoying leisurely evenings. Traverse to Thimphu, the capital, and marvel at snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and the unspoiled greenery en-route. Delve into Thimphu's cultural richness through full-day sightseeing, exploring markets, monasteries, and historic landmarks. Journey through Punakha, Phobjika, Bumthang, and Paro, experiencing their unique charm and cultural tapestry. Conclude with a thrilling trek to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, creating everlasting memories before returning to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.
Highlights
- Explore Phuentsholing's border charm and secure a tourist permit for Bhutan.
- Marvel at the snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and green landscapes en-route to Thimphu.
- Discover the cultural richness of Thimphu through full-day sightseeing, including markets and monasteries.
- Experience the beauty of Punakha, Phobjika's Gangtey Monastery, and the tranquility of Bumthang.
- Embark on a scenic drive to Paro, exploring historic fortresses, monasteries, and cultural landmarks.
- Undertake a thrilling trek to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro.
- Immerse in the cultural heritage of Bhutan through visits to Dzongs, temples, and local markets.
- Depart with cherished memories after a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
What’s Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels mentioned or similar.
- Services of Local English Speaking Guide
- Travel Insurance for guest up to 60 years
- Local 01 SIM Card per family on arrival will be provided on a returnable basis
- Sustainable Development Fee (Royalty Fee)
- Internal permits for visiting municipal areas
- Bhutan Sector Transfers and Sightseeing by Non AC Toyota Coaster/Hiace/Similar depending on group Size.
- India Sector Transfers from IXB airport to Phuentsholing by AC Toyota Innova/Indigo/Tempo Traveller Similar depending on group Size.
- Any Air or Rail fare.
- Monument entrances Museum visiting fees.
- Any other meal not mentioned in price includes.
- Any other destination not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusions
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allBagdogra Airport/ NJP Railway Station to Phuentsholing/Jaigaon - Pickup
Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport[IXB]/Railway Station [NJP], get driven to Phuentsholing. Check-in the hotel in this offbeat little town at the Indo-Bhutan border. Haggle in the long lines for a tourist permit. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.
Phuentsholing/Jaigaon to Thimphu - Transfer
Today you travel to the capital and largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Along the drive, find snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, streams and the unspoiled greenery. Break in the trip and linger a while to stretch your legs. Admire the top view of Chukha Dam en-route. Once you arrive, check in to the hotel Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Thimphu - Full Day Sightseeing
Meander through the colorful streets of the semi-developed markets Catch the glimpse of National Flag hoisting Take in the view of the enormous Thimphu Dzong Explore the Changlimithang Monasteries, Simtokha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong Take a stroll through the Takin Zoo and meet smiling Takins, the national animal of Bhutan Go for an art expedition here: National Library, Thimphu National Museum, School of Arts & Crafts, Handicrafts & Textile Museum, and Handmade Paper Factory Trail up to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Tower and watch the whole town settling in Overnight stay at Thimphu
Thimphu to Punakha - Via Dochu La
This Morning Drive To Low Lands Of Punakha Valley Touching Dochula Pass 10,000 Ft And On The Way Stop At Hong Tho Village. Stop At The Immigration Checkpoint To Stamp In Your Permit. You Will Be Driving Through The First Mountain Pass In The Western Part Of Bhutan.
You Will Find The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens On The Top Of The Pass Where The Ridges Are Draped In Colorful Prayer Flags Greet You.
Stop At Lamperi And Visit The Royal Botanical Park For 30 Minutes. Proceed Down Towards Punakha. On The Way Stop And Take A Short Walk Through The Villages To Chimi Lhakhang - The Divine Madman Also Known, As Drukpa Kinley Is A Famous Teacher With Whom The Phallic Symbol Is Associated. Tales Told By Your Guide Would Have Excited You To Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Japanese And Several American Couples Visited This Temple And Were Blessed Miraculously With Children.
Afternoon Visit Majestic Punakha Dzong Placed Strategically At The Junction Of The Pho Chu And Mo Chu Rivers, The Dzong Was Built In 1637 By Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal To Serve As The Religious And Administrative Seat Of The Region. It Was Here That The Dual System Of Government Was Introduced In The 17th Century And In 1907, Enthroned The First King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk
Shop For Souvenirs And Come Back To The Hotel In Punakha For A Good Night’s Sleep.
Punakha to Phobjika - Transfer & Half Day Sightseeing
After Having Your breakfast in the hotel, drive to Phobjikha. After Arrival at Phobjikha Visit Gangtey Monastery, short hike to Natural Train of Gangtey Valley. After Whole Day Tour Overnight stay at Phobjikha Hotel.
Phobjikha to Bumthang - Transfer
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast. When you finish checking out, a designated driver will be waiting to take you to the charming village of Jakar. Stop at Pele La Pass along this beautiful route for spectacular views. Proceed to Trongsa. Visit the spectacular Trongsa Dzong when you get there for a look at Bhutan's rich architectural and cultural legacy. After lunch, travel to the hotel that has been reserved in Jakar. Have fun and stay the night at the hotel.
Bumthang - Full Day Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will be exploring Bumthang. This place is famous for four valleys with varying altitudes from 2,600 meters to 4,000 meters. The valleys forming Bumthang are Tang, Ura, Chumey, and Choekhor.
This is a cultural and spiritual land, famous for ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples.
The first stop in the sightseeing tour is Jambay Lhakhang. This 7th century monastery was built by Songtsen Gampo, ancient king of Tibet. This structure was built along with 108 monasteries in the process of subduing evil spirits of the Himalayan region. However the current structure was rebuilt in the early 20th century.
Later, you will be taken to the three temples, Kurje Lhakhang. The right-most temple of the 17th century is built on a rock face of a Guru, who meditated there during the 8th century. The second temple (holiest of all) stands on a rock cave, which has the body imprint of the Guru. The last temple of the 20th century was built by Bhutan’s Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang. Surrounding these temples, you will find 108 Chorten walls.
Later, you will be taken to 16th century Jakar Dzong. The structure you see today was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung. His grandfather built the first structure.
Today, this monastery is the administrative center of this valley and it also houses the area’s regional monk body.
After lunch, you will be taken to the 16th century Tamshing Lhakhang, the Terton Pema Lingpa temple. He is seen as Guru Padsambhava’s reincarnation. This temple is famous for many ancient paintings like 21 Taras (Boddhi Satva's female form), 1000 Buddhas, and others.
This temple underwent restoration during the 19th century.
Later, you will be hiking to Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, which is a famous cultural attraction, where you can find young monks practicing and training religious rituals, dharma dance, ceremonial instruments, sacred rituals, and art classes.
You will be taken on an evening stroll through local markets and shops of the region
Bumthang to Punakha - Transfer
Set forth on an eight-hour drive towards Trongsa via Punakha Get distracted by the charming villages, pristine mountains, and historic shrines along the way Discover Chendebji Chorten which was built to subdue demons and evil spirits Explore the sprawling Trongsa Dzong, one of the most magnificent fortresses in Bhutan Gain insights about the art forms of ancient Bhutanese in the Ta Dzong museum Overnight stay in Punakha
Punakha to Paro - Transfer Via Simtokha Dzong
After a piping hot breakfast, Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This Dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in bhutan. It now houses the institute for language and culture studies.
Afternoon in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's national museum in 1968.
Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Paro - Full Day Sightseeing
Today explore Paro which is a hub of sacred sites and historical buildings. Start the tour with Rinpung Dzong, an exemplary architecture. Discover the Kichulanka Monastery which is one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century. Catch sight of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery from between the clouds. One thing not to miss is the staggering road views of monasteries. Visit the Paro Museum, Paro Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight stay in Paro.
Paro to Phuentsholing/Jaigaon - Thrilling Trek To Tiger’s Nest
Arise Fresh Amidst Unpolluted Expanses And Gorge On A Delicious Breakfast. The Day Presents You An Incredible Trek To Tiger’s Nest. The Ascent Is An Easy One And You Can Reach The Top In Almost 2 Hours, If You Are An Enthusiastic Trekker. Beginners Might Take A Little More Time.
Tiger’s Nest: Also Known As Taktshang Goemba Or Paro Taktsang. It is A Monastery That Is Perched On A Cliff And Offers You A Spectacular Scenery Of Blue Pine And Rhododendrons Forest. Legends State That Guru Rinpoche Flew To This Site On A Tigress’ Back To Mollify A Local Demon. Later, He Meditated Here For Three Months.
Once You Have Enjoyed The Adrenaline Rush With This Bhutan Trekking, Come Back To The Hotel And Relax Your Weary Self.
Tip: Clicking Pictures Is Not Allowed Inside The Monastery. So, Make Sure You Hold Back The Photographer In You.
Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay at Phuentsholing.
Phuentsholing/Jaigoan to Bagdogra Airport/ NJP Railway Station - Drop
After breakfast Check out from the hotel & get chauffeured to Bagdogra Airport[IXB]/Railway Station [NJP] Return with unforgettable memories.