7N / 8D
Bhutan Explorer: 7 Nights, Ancient Monasteries, Scenic Valleys and Culture
Phuntsholing(2N) → Thimphu(2N) → Punakha(1N) → Paro(2N)
STAY 3✭ hotels
$ 429
$ 460
6% off
/personDetailed Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Bhutan from Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station take time 4hrs. 170km.
- Meet and greet upon arrival by our representative at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.
- Drive to the Indo-Bhutan Border (Jaigaon-Phuentsholing), enjoying the beautiful scenery of tea garden estates along the way.
- Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
- The evening is free for exploring the local market around Phuentsholing.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Phuentsholing.
- Distance: 170 km
- Duration: 4 hours
Day 2 Phuentsholing to Thimphu Transfer take time 5 to 6 hrs. 160km.
- After breakfast, complete the immigration formalities.
- Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, via Gedu, which is located about 9,000 feet above sea level.
- Enjoy a view of Chukha Dam and stop for a photo session at Wankha Waterfalls.
- Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to the hotel.
- Evening free for exploring the local market.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 Full Day Thimphu Sightseeing
- The National Memorial Chorten: Built in memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is dedicated to World Peace. The Chorten is popular among locals for various major Buddhist religious festivals and is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: Atop a hill in Thimphu, this massive golden Buddha sits atop a gilded meditation hall. Hidden inside are 125,000 smaller Buddhas, meaning there are more Buddha statues in Thimphu than the city’s population of 100,000. It is also known as Buddha Point.
- Simply Bhutan (Living Museum): This living museum is fully run by youth and supported by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life, featuring a small collection of typical household objects and tools. Youth guides explain how Bhutanese people traditionally built houses out of mud and made wheat wine. Visitors can try on traditional costumes (Gho & Kira) and take photos for free. Traditional dance performances are also available, and handicrafts can be purchased as souvenirs, supporting the youth.
- Folk Heritage Museum: One of the oldest traditional houses, this museum is approximately 150 years old and once belonged to an affluent family. The government converted the house into a museum in 2001, providing visitors with fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum features a three-story, 19th-century traditional house that showcases the Bhutanese lifestyle and artifacts from rural households, including typical household objects, tools, and equipment.
- The Motithang Takin Preserve: For animal lovers, the Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. Originally built as a small zoo, it was later converted into an animal preserve center. The Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, resides in the Motithang Takin Preserve.
- Sangaygang View Point: Sangaygang is a beautiful viewpoint in Bhutan, home to the tower that transmits the national television channel of Bhutan, BBS. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On clear, cloudless days, a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city can be captured with a camera, with thousands of prayer flags fluttering in the air.
- The Clock Tower: Clock Tower Square is an example of great architectural marvel. This tower features four clock faces, distinguishing it from any other building or structure in Bhutan. It is one of the most popular places among visitors, who often come in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. Numerous restaurants and souvenir shops are located near the tower, making it one of the most visited sites in the town.
- TashiChho Dzong: This monastery, located next to the bank of the Wang Chhu River, is also known as Thimphu Dzong. The annual three-day Tsechu festival is hosted here every year. TashiChho Dzong was built in 1216 A.D.
- Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 Thimphu to Punakha Transfer and sightseeing 110 km.
- Dochula Pass: Located between Thimphu and Punakha at an elevation of around 3100 meters, Dochula Pass offers a scenic view of the Eastern Himalayas. The pass features 108 stupas, and in winter, it is fully covered with snow, making it a beautiful destination.
- Punakha Dzong: This is the most beautiful dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers named Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) in Punakha. Mo Chu is widely preferred by first-timers, children, and elderly visitors. Upon visiting Punakha Dzong, guests will be mesmerized by the Bhutanese architectural marvel and have the opportunity to explore the sacred history of this ancient site.
- Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, the Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan is believed to have been built by the Buddhist monk Thangtong Gyalpo. This ancient hanging bridge is adorned with prayer flags and provides an ideal spot for bird watching and nature photography. It is renowned worldwide for its picturesque appearance.
- Chimi Lhakhang: Also known as Chime Lhakhang, this Buddhist monastery is located in the Punakha District of Bhutan, near Lobesa. It stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Chogyal, after the site was blessed by the "Divine Madman," the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), who constructed a chorten at the site.
- River Rafting: Generally, rafting conjures images of crashing through tumultuous rapids and monstrous waves, with joyful rafters laughing and screaming. However, in the context of rafting in Bhutan, it is a gentle drift down the river, allowing participants to admire the scenery while navigating a few small yet exciting rapids. (Own cost). Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 5 Punakha to Paro and Sightseeing
- The Botanical Park: The botanical park is situated within an elevation range that forms the heart of the "tri-junction" of the hill ranges of Sinchula, Helela, and Dochula. It features a botanical garden of rhododendrons and has a lake known as Baritsho Lake, which holds religious significance as local people offer votive offerings there. The park is located in Lamperi, 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from Thimphu.
- Simtokha Dzong: Built in 1629 and also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang, Simtokha Dzong was established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan and is a significant historical structure.
- Rinpung Dzong: Also known as Paro Dzong, Rinpung Dzong was constructed in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is renowned for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and is one of the top tourist attractions in Paro.
- Drukgyal Dzong: Drukgyal Dzong is a Buddhist monastery, translated as the ‘Victorious Fortress’. It is the site of several victories over marauding Tibetan invaders and is considered one of the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan.
- National Museum of Bhutan: An ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collections represent the rich cultural traditions of the country.
- Overnight Stay: Accommodation will be provided at a hotel in Paro.
Day 6 Paro Tiger Nest Hiking Take time 5 - 6 hrs.
- Taktsang Monastery: After breakfast, embark on the Tiger Nest hike (approximately 5 hours round trip). This is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The temple clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters. To reach the temple, visitors must trek for around 4-5 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this stunning heritage site.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: Also known as Kyichu Buddhist Temple, Kyichu Lhakhang is a pilgrimage site as it is part of the 108 temples built by the king. It is very old, beautiful, and one of the most visited monasteries in Paro.
- The Hot Stone Bath at Paro: The Menchu (medicinal water) or hot stone bath is a traditional healing practice in which a person soaks in fresh river water mixed with local Artemisia leaves and heated with river stones roasted over a fire. (At own cost)
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
Day 7 Paro to Phuentsholing Transfer take time 5-6 hrs. 160 km.
- Paro River: The Paro Chhu flows through the Paro Valley, which is home to one of Bhutan's main towns, Paro, as well as many important monasteries.
- The two best-known monasteries are Taktsang ("Tiger's Nest" in Dzongkha) and Paro Dzong.
- Paro Airport View: This is one of the most stunning airports in the world and is also the country’s first and only international airport.
- With a breathtaking view, this airport has become a must-visit place in Paro.
- After checking out from Paro city, you will drive to Phuentsholing.
- Our representative guide will assist you with your immigration exit formalities.
- Evening free to explore the local market.
- Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 8 Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station to Drop 4 hrs. 170 Km. Tour End
- Cherish your memories.
- After breakfast, we will proceed to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station to drop you off.
- Your Bhutan tour will come to an end at this point.
- Our representative will assist you with your exit formalities and bid you farewell.
- Like all good things, your Bhutan trip will conclude here.
Stay & Meal Details
Mid-Range
Phuntsholing
2 nights
HOTEL METO PEMA / HOTEL ORCHID
Breakfast + Dinner included
Thimphu
2 nights
HOTEL FOREST BOUTIQUE / HOTEL DRUK NORYANG
Breakfast + Dinner included
Punakha
1 night
HOTEL WHITE DRAGON / HOTEL KINGALING
Breakfast + Dinner included
Paro
2 nights
HOTEL SAMPHEL PARADISE
Breakfast + Dinner included
$460
6% off
Premium
Paro Dzongkhag
2 nights
HOTEL DRUK / HOTEL BHUTAN GA ME GA
Breakfast + Dinner included
Punakha
1 night
RKPO Green Resort / HOTEL FOUR BOUTIQUE
Breakfast + Dinner included
Paro
2 nights
TASHI NAMGAY RESORT / THIM DORJI RESORT
Breakfast + Dinner included
$659
4% off
Package Policies
- Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
- Meals as per the plan.
- SDF charges (₹1200 per person per night) - Mandatory.
- Bhutanese guide - Mandatory.
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day.
- One tourist SIM card for the group.
- Exclusive non-AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing. Please inform guests that the vehicle will not be at their disposal; it will be available as per the itinerary only (point-to-point basis). Vehicle timing is from 9 AM to 5 PM during sightseeing.
- All permit fees and hotel taxes as per the itinerary.
- 24/7 assistance during the trip.
- Rates are valid for Indian nationals only.
- Airfare / Train fare
- Entrance Fees (Monument Fees)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and gratuity, mineral water, soft and hard drinks, and rafting
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicles not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any costs arising due to natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, payable on the spot)
- Any increase in taxes or fuel prices leading to an increase in costs for surface transportation and land arrangements that may come into effect prior to departure
- Anything not included in the inclusions
- Documents required for Bhutan immigration include a Voter ID or Passport (Passport must have a validity of 8 months or more).
- Children below 18 years can carry a school ID or Aadhar Card along with a birth certificate.
- Hotels are very strict with their child policy. Please carry proof of age to present if requested by the hotel.
- A valid photo ID proof for all guests staying at the hotel is mandatory.
- For an extra adult in the room, we will provide an extra bed (wherever possible); however, most hotels only provide an extra mattress or roll-out bed. Many hotels do not have provisions for an extra bed.
- The hotels mentioned above will be confirmed based on room availability. Otherwise, a similar category hotel will be provided. All rooms are base category.
- Cancellation Policy
- Minimum cancellation fee is Rs. 2000 per person.
- 25% cancellation fee for cancellations made between 30-20 days before tour departure.
- 50% cancellation fee for cancellations made between 20-10 days before tour departure.
- 75% cancellation fee for cancellations made between 10-5 days before tour departure.
- 100% cancellation fee for cancellations made on the same day or in case of no-show.
- Please note: Regardless of the above-mentioned cancellation slabs, a minimum service charge of 10% will apply for cancellations made after the booking is confirmed.
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Bhutan Explorer: 7 Nights, Ancient Monasteries, Scenic Valleys and Culture
Phuntsholing(2N) → Thimphu(2N) → Punakha(1N) → Paro(2N)
STAY 3✭ hotels
$ 429
$ 460
6% off
/person