8 Days Bhutan Tour with Punakha Stay

Day 1: Drive to Phuntsoling, Bhutan

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri or NJP Railway Station. Our driver will receive you and the tour starts with a drive to Phuntsoling, the small little town at India - Bhutan Border on the Bhutan side. Our guide will meet you at the border and have a small welcome ceremony at the hotel. Check-in to a hotel and relax. Evening is free for taking a stroll in Phuntsoling (Bhutan) or Jaigoan (India), the border towns.

Day 2: Drive to Thimphu

After having breakfast, checkout from the hotel. Our host will help you in completing the immigration formalities. After getting the initial vibes of being in another country, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is located at 145 km from Phuntsoling, and the distance can be covered in 4-5 hours. On the way, we will visit Gedu Town and Wangkha Waterfall. In the evening, spend some time at leisure at Thimphu. Check-in to a hotel and relax. If you are interested in nightlife of Thimphu, you can experience it today.

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernisation. The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of religion, customs, national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance, literature and the media.

Day 3: Explore Thimphu

Today, we will visit the town of Thimphu. We will start the group tour today by visiting Buddha Point (also called Buddha Dordenma) which is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th Century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Later we will go to Simply Bhutan Museum which is a live museum which will showcase and demonstrate typical Bhutanese culture and traditions, including a glimpse of festivals and folk dances. We will also visit Takin Reserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Hear the mythical story behind the creation of this animal from your guide while visiting. We will also go for a short but picturesque Wangdi Tse Hike (offbeat hike) to enjoy the panoramic view of entire Thimphu Valley.

Evening will be at leisure to stroll remaining town of Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Punakha

Today, we will checkout of hotel. Later, we will drive to Dochula Pass. Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Later we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and Longest Suspension Bridge. Later, we checkin to a hotel and relax.

Day 5: Punakha - Paro

Today, we will checkout of hotel and drive to Paro. We will visit National Museum of Bhutan. Later, we checkin to a hotel and relax.

Day 6: Trek to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger's Nest Monastery

After early breakfast from the hotel, drive to north of Paro for most exciting point of the interest of Bhutan tour: Taktsang Lhakhang. This is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site and is the highlight of this group tour to Bhutan.

The name Taktsang translates to The Tiger's Nest. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it. You could do a meditation session in the inner temple for few hours as well.

Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

OR

Spend the whole day in Paro Sightseeing. Visit Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Airport View and later return to hotel

Day 7: Paro - Phuntsoling

Today, we start very early in the morning. Later drive back to the border town of Phuntsoling. Checkin to a hotel and relax.

Day 8: Phuntsoling - Bagdogra / NJP

Checkout and drive all the way to Bagdogra airport. Book your return flights / train after 12 pm.

This concludes the tour to the beautiful and the happiest country, Bhutan.