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Starting your journey in the plains of North Bengal we cross small towns, villages, tea gardens and fields to reach Phuntsholing, the border town along Bengal and western Bhutan. Once you enter Bhutan you are in a different place far from the crowded towns and traffic. With sparse population and next to no traffic you immediately feel a sense of tranquility and peace passing through spell-binding rural scenery, from lush green terraced rice-paddies rolling up to high mountain passes with Buddhist prayers fluttering in the wind, to the snow-capped mountains above.
Visit the popular trail seeing the sights and monasteries at Paro, Thimpu and Punakha, hike up the most recognizable image of Bhutan – the Tiger’s nest monastery and drive through some stunning Himalayan vistas. We also cover some of the offbeat trail of Central Bhutan as we cover the beautiful hilltop town of Trongsa and the beautiful Bhumthang Valley.
ITINERARY
Phuntsholing, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa & Bumthang Valley (10n / 11d)
Day 1 – Bagdogra ( Siliguri ) to Phuntsholing : Arrive in Bagdogra and proceed for Phuntsholing, the border town of Bhutan. The border clearly separates two very different peoples and cultures. Jaigaon ( on the Indian side of the border ) is bustling and loud, similar to many other West Bengal centers of commerce while Phuntsholing is uniquely more urban than other Bhutanese towns, having absorbed the neighboring culture, but distinctly far more quiet and orderly. Overnight stay at Phuntsholing.
Day 2 – Phuntsholing to Paro : After breakfast complete the entry formalities and proceed to Paro ( 2300 meters ). As you leave Phuntsholing and go towards Paro you can see the contrast in the culture and landscape. The roads are practically empty and the views just keep getting better. By evening we reach Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Day 3 – Paro to Thimphu : Day to explore the small town of Paro and Tigers nest Monastery. Perched on a cliff upon a hilltop the trek ( one can hire a horse to the top too ) to Tigers Nest takes about 3 hours, one way. The views from the hilltop monastery is beautiful and settings of the Monastery itself is quite stunning. Back to Paro by late afternoon and proceed to Thimpu. Overnight at Thimphu
Day 4 – Thimphu : Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan at an altitude of 2400 meters. Today we explore Thimphu town visiting Dubthob nunnery, School of Arts and Crafts, Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum, Kuensel phodrang – site of the world’s largest sitting Buddha and Thimphu Zoo ( to see the rare Takin , a goat – antilope, which is the national animal of Bhutan ) Evening we visit Thimphu Dzong ( Monastery and Administrative complex ) one of the most important Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight at Thimpu.
Day 5 – Thimphu to Punakha : After breakfast we leave for Punakha. Just out of Thimpu, the road begins a steep, twisty climb to the Dochu La pass at 3,450 meters. We stop on top of Dochu-La pass for the breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, the majestic Gangkar Punsum. The top of the pass is visibly marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and prayer flags, an ideal place for photography. The road down from Dochu La into the Punakha Valley and on to Wangdi Phodrang goes on for some distance, descending 1,700 meters to the valley floor. In Punaka, we’ll visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan located along the banks of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Chimmi Lakhang ( fertility temple ) and the longest suspension bridge in the country, located a few kilometers from the dzong. Overnight at Punakha valley.
Day 6 – Punakha to Trongsa : After breakfast we leave for Trongsa. We start by climbing the winding Pele La pass (3,300 m) and pass through beautiful countryside to reach Trongsa. The small town of Trongsa is known for its Museum and the Trongsa Dzong which is the largest in Bhutan. Overnight at Trongsa.
Day 7 – Trongsa to Jakar : After Breakfast we visit Trongsa dzong, a fortress built in 1648, sprawls down a steep hillside and the Trongsa Museum. Like nearly all towns in Bhutan, Trongsa is dominated by a dzong that dwarfs the surrounding buildings. We cross the Yotong La pass (3,425 m) on our way into the picturesque Bumthang Valley. Overnight at Jakar ( Bumthang Valley )
Day 8 – Jakar : Today we explore Jakkar and Bumtang Valley and visit some of its small scale industries like milk processing, cheese making and micro breweries. Overnight at Jakkar ( Bumthang Valley ).
Day 9 – Jakkar to Thimpu : Early morning we leave from Jakkar for Thimpu. Arrive in Thimpu and overnight at Thimpu.
Day 10 – Thimpu to Siliguri : After breakfast we leave from Thimpu and arrive in Siliguri by evening. Overnight at Siliguri.
Day 11 – Bagdogra : After breakfast drop to airport.End of tour.
THEMESCulture
Nature
Leisure
DESTINATIONSPhuntsholing
Paro
Thimphu
Punakha
Trongsa
Bumthang
HIGHLIGHTS
– Experience scenic Himalayan mountain drives
– Culture and Monastic excursions
– Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
– Stay at a local home stay in picturesque Bhumthang Valley & Paro
– Visit cheese making and beer making factories in Jakkar
– Walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan at Punakha
– Try Ema Datshi (national dish of Bhutan) and other Bhutanese cuisine
COST Spoiler content INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS :
10 Nights stay at home stay / resort / hotel with breakfast, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes, Bhutan entry permits.
EXCLUSIONS :
Other than mentioned, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )
STAY & TRANSPORT
As this is a customised tour, you can choose the accommodation and transport as per your preference . Accommodation types available – Resorts, Cottages, Home stay, Hotel Transport – Private Vehicle ( SUV or Car )
NOTE :
COST MENTIONED IS INDICATIVE.
This is a customized trip. Cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for details
BHUTAN TRIPS
Trail of the Thunder Dragon – 11 Days
Experiencing West & Central Bhutan – 11 Days
Grans Bhutan Experience – 15 Days
Best of Bhutan – 6 Days
