Recognised by Ministry of tourism
Gateway to Bhutan from India – 8 Days
Tour Overview:
This immersive 8-day road trip begins in Phuentsholing, the southern border town of Bhutan, and takes you into the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Visit Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, the cultural and spiritual centers of the nation. Explore historic monasteries, magnificent dzongs, rich customs, and the stunning Himalayan scenery. This journey is the ideal combination of peace, adventure, and history for visitors arriving by road from India, featuring attractions such as the Dochula Pass, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and lively local encounters.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Phuentsholing – The Gateway to Bhutan
On arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to Phuentsholing, a bustling border town that serves as Bhutan’s entry point from India. Nestled at the base of the Himalayas, this commercial hub offers a mix of Bhutanese and Indian cultures. After check-in at the hotel, relax and prepare for your journey into Bhutan’s heartland.
Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu (Approx. 6 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your scenic ascent into the mountains towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. En route, pass through the misty mountain town of Gedu, and marvel at the Chukha Hydropower Dam. Stop at Chuzom, where two rivers — Paro Chu and Thimphu Chu — meet, a perfect photo opportunity. Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and later in the evening visit the beautifully illuminated Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that houses government offices and the monastic body.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day exploring the cultural treasures of Thimphu. Visit:
Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local heritage restaurant.
Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (Approx. 3 hrs)
After breakfast, embark on a drive to Punakha, passing through the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m) adorned with 108 memorial chortens and fluttering prayer flags. On clear days, the pass offers views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks including Gangkhar Puensum, the country’s highest peak.
Arrive in Punakha and visit:
Check into your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro (Approx. 4 hrs)
Today, travel to the serene valley of Paro, retracing your path over Dochula Pass. Stop en route to visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan, now functioning as a language institute.
Once in Paro, explore:
Stroll through Paro’s quaint town in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast, begin the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. This sacred pilgrimage site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The trek takes around 2 hours one-way and offers breathtaking views throughout.
Return to your hotel and unwind after the hike.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Paro to Phuentsholing
After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing, descending from the mountains into the subtropical plains. Enjoy the changing landscapes and a few rest stops along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest.
Overnight in Phuentsholing.
Day 8: Departure – Phuentsholing to NJP/Bagdogra
After breakfast, check out and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey with cherished memories of Bhutan’s culture, nature, and warmth.
Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Phuentsholing – The Gateway to Bhutan
On arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to Phuentsholing, a bustling border town that serves as Bhutan’s entry point from India. Nestled at the base of the Himalayas, this commercial hub offers a mix of Bhutanese and Indian cultures. After check-in at the hotel, relax and prepare for your journey into Bhutan’s heartland.
Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu (Approx. 6 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your scenic ascent into the mountains towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. En route, pass through the misty mountain town of Gedu, and marvel at the Chukha Hydropower Dam. Stop at Chuzom, where two rivers — Paro Chu and Thimphu Chu — meet, a perfect photo opportunity. Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and later in the evening visit the beautifully illuminated Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that houses government offices and the monastic body.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day exploring the cultural treasures of Thimphu. Visit:
- Kuensel Phodrang – the towering Buddha Dordenma offering panoramic views
- National Memorial Chorten – a revered stupa built in memory of the Third King
- Folk Heritage Museum – a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life
- School of Traditional Arts – showcasing 13 classical Bhutanese arts and crafts (closed on Sundays and holidays)
- Takin Preserve – see Bhutan’s national animal up close
- Changangkha Lhakhang – a hilltop 12th-century monastery
- Sangaygang Viewpoint – for sweeping views of the Thimphu valley
- Simply Bhutan – an interactive cultural center
Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local heritage restaurant.
Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (Approx. 3 hrs)
After breakfast, embark on a drive to Punakha, passing through the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m) adorned with 108 memorial chortens and fluttering prayer flags. On clear days, the pass offers views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks including Gangkhar Puensum, the country’s highest peak.
Arrive in Punakha and visit:
- Punakha Dzong – Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant fortress at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers
- Punakha Suspension Bridge – one of the longest in Bhutan, with stunning river views
Check into your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro (Approx. 4 hrs)
Today, travel to the serene valley of Paro, retracing your path over Dochula Pass. Stop en route to visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan, now functioning as a language institute.
Once in Paro, explore:
- Ta Dzong – the National Museum housed in a former watchtower
- Rinpung Dzong – a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture
- Tamchog Lhakhang – a temple dedicated to the bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo
Stroll through Paro’s quaint town in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast, begin the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. This sacred pilgrimage site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The trek takes around 2 hours one-way and offers breathtaking views throughout.
Return to your hotel and unwind after the hike.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Paro to Phuentsholing
After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing, descending from the mountains into the subtropical plains. Enjoy the changing landscapes and a few rest stops along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest.
Overnight in Phuentsholing.
Day 8: Departure – Phuentsholing to NJP/Bagdogra
After breakfast, check out and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey with cherished memories of Bhutan’s culture, nature, and warmth.
Inclusion
Inclusions:
- 7 Nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers in Bhutan by private non-AC Coaster Bus (for group)
- India side transfers by WagonR/Innova as per group size
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary on a point-to-point basis
- All applicable Bhutan government taxes and permits
- Pickup and drop from Bagdogra/NJP
Optional Tour
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