Bhutan

TRAVEL ITINERARY – 14 NIGHTS

Day 01:

Flight from your country to Delhi; arrival in Delhi on the morning of
Day 02: Transfer to the hotel, breakfast, and rest. In the afternoon, sightseeing in Old Delhi: Jama Masjid Mosque and Chandni Chowk.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: – Delhi – Bagdogra – Drive to Phuntsholing, Bhutan (4–5 hours)

Arrival in Bagdogra and transfer to Jaigaon (India) or Phuntsholing (Bhutan). The 4–5-hour drive crosses the Indian plains, passing tea gardens, street markets, and small towns until the Jaigaon/Phuntsholing border. Arrival in Bhutan. Phuntsholing lies 155 km from Siliguri/Bagdogra (West Bengal) and borders the Indian town of Jaigaon. Cross-border trade contributes to a thriving local economy.

After Indian exit stamps are completed at the border post, Bhutan is only 200 meters away. Upon arrival, our guide will handle immigration formalities, followed by check-in at the hotel in Phuntsholing. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the lively markets along the Indo-Bhutan border before returning to the hotel.

Day 04:  – Phuntsholing – Thimphu (5 hours)

Today we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route we visit Kharbandi Gonpa, Milarepa Lhakhang, and Chasilakha Temple.

This road is the country’s main transport route, serving as the primary trade link for fuel and goods imported from India and exports of Bhutanese agricultural products and minerals. The route passes through lush forests, roadside markets, settlements, and villages before arriving in Thimphu in the afternoon. Thimphu is a fascinating blend of tradition and modern life with around 100,000 inhabitants. The city consists of only three main streets and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the afternoon, we visit Buddha Dordena, home to the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, and the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the 3rd King of Bhutan and world peace. Depending on time and interest, additional visits or a short hike can be arranged before returning to the city.

Day 05:  – Thimphu

All the sites listed below are within 2 km, ensuring a relaxed day while using time efficiently.

• Sangaygang viewpoint – 10-minute drive
  • Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s endangered national animal
  • National Memorial Chorten – the city’s most prominent landmark
  • Institute for Zorig Chusum (Mon–Fri) – school of traditional arts and crafts
  • Kaja Throm Farmers Market – insight into Bhutanese food culture
  • Textile Academy & Museum – deep understanding of traditional weaving
  • Tashichhodzong – impressive fortress monastery, seat of the King and government

Evening at leisure in the town.

Note: Various short hikes (1–3 hours) are available. Your guide will recommend options based on the day’s condition and your interests

Day 06:  – Thimphu – Punakha (2 hours)

In the morning, we begin our scenic drive over Dochula Pass (3050 m) with panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas (weather permitting). We admire the 108 stupas built in honor of the King and for world peace. We continue to the fertile Lobesa Valley and onward to Punakha, Bhutan’s medieval capital. If in season, we stop at local fruit stalls in Lobesa. In the afternoon, we cross a traditional footbridge to Punakha Dzong, the “Fortress of Great Bliss.”Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the monastic body. We also visit the nearby suspension bridge across the Pho Chhu and enjoy a refreshing walk along the river valley before returning to the hotel.

Day 07:  – Punakha – Gangtey (2 hours)

We pass Wangduephodrang Dzong, an impressive fortress from 1638. The drive continues toward Pele-La Pass (3300 m), and shortly before the pass, we turn into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. After arrival, we visit Gangtey Gompa, a 16th-century monastery. The valley is considered one of the most scenic in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, we walk the Gangtey Nature Trail to the Black-Necked Crane Sanctuary, where the endangered birds migrate in winter.
We also visit the Crane Information Center and later explore local villages to experience rural Bhutanese life.

Day 08:  – Gangtey – Bumthang (5 hours)

Today we continue to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan.We cross Pele-La Pass again and drive through meadows, valleys, and small settlements. En route we pass Chendeji Stupa, built in the 15th century in Nepalese style. There will be many stops for landscape photography, waterfalls, and long-exposure shots. Lunch stop in Trongsa, then continue 2 more hours to the Bumthang Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the Himalayas.”The region consists of four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura (2600–4000 m elevation). In the afternoon, visit the “Swiss Farm” for cheese and local wheat beer.

Day 09:  – Bumthang

Today we visit the most sacred sites of the region:

• Kurjey
  • Tamshing
  • Jambay
  • Jakar Dzong

Short walks connect some of these temples. There are many opportunities for portraits of farmers, monks, handicrafts, and landscapes.

Lunch at a farmhouse with local specialties.In the afternoon, visit Kharchu Monastery for evening prayers, followed by a stroll through town.

 Day 10: – Bumthang

After breakfast, we drive 2 hours into the remote Tang Valley. Stops include:
• Meebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – sacred site where treasures were retrieved by Tertön Pema Lingpa
• Nunnery in Tang Valley (Pema Thechok Choling Shedra)
• Tak Rimochen (Tiger Stripe Temple) – rare murals

Continue to Ugyencholing Manor/Museum, offering deep insight into Bhutan’s medieval aristocratic society.
Lunch in nature, then return to Bumthang.

Day 11:  – Bumthang – Lobesa (Wangduephodrang) (6–7 hours)

Return drive over Yotong La and Pele La passes to Lobesa. Several stops for markets, photography, and panoramic views along the way.

Day 12:  – Lobesa – Paro (3 hours)

Before driving to Paro, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kinley—famous for fertility blessings.

We stop at the Royal Botanical Park and, depending on weather, again at Dochula Pass. After arrival in Paro early afternoon, we visit:

• Ta Dzong (National Museum)
  • Paro Rinpung Dzong
  • Walk across the old wooden bridge

Rest of the afternoon free in Paro town.

Day 13:  – Paro – Day Excursion to Haa Valley.

After breakfast, drive over Chele-La Pass (3800 m) to Haa Valley, with views of Mt. Jumolhari (7314 m).
Haa Valley opened to tourism only in 2002 and has preserved its traditional charm. After lunch with local specialties, we visit:
• Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
• Junedra Gompa (20-minute hike)

Return to Paro (1.5 hours). Evening visit to a local brewery or free time.

Day 14:  – Paro – Tiger’s Nest

After breakfast, hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang, 2950 m) – 2–3 hours ascent, 1 hour descent. The monastery sits 900 m above the valley floor. Bhutan’s spiritual patron is said to have arrived here on the back of a tigress. Lunch at the viewpoint café. Evening free in Paro.

Day 15:  – Paro – New Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport. Check-in 2 hours before departure – we will try to secure the best window seats with views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour in Delhi, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 16:  – Delhi Back Home

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport for the return flight to Back home.