8 Days Bhutan Tour – Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Tiger’s Nest & Phobjikha Valley
Overview & Highlights
Overview
Explore the enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage of Bhutan on this 8-day journey. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and nature, the highlights include:
- Trek to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched 900m above Paro Valley
- Discover Thimphu’s cultural landmarks including Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and local museums
- Explore Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and scenic valleys
- Visit Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Village, home to Black-Necked Cranes and pristine landscapes
- Experience Paro’s historic fortresses and Bhutanese architecture
- Scenic drives through Himalayan foothills and traditional Bhutanese villages
- Opportunities for photography, nature walks, cultural experiences, and optional river rafting
This package offers a complete Bhutanese experience, blending cultural exploration, adventure trekking, and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 8 Days Bhutan Tour – Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Tiger’s Nest & Phobjikha Valley
- Duration: 3 hrs 45 mins (152.9 km)
- On arrival at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, meet our representative who will transfer you to Jaigaon, the last border town of India in West Bengal.
- After crossing into Bhutan, complete immigration formalities at the Bhutan Immigration Office.
- Check in to your hotel in Phuentsholing.
- If time permits, explore the evening market and visit Zangtopelri Lhakhang.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Phuentsholing
Day 2 – Phuentsholing to Thimphu (Capital City of Bhutan)
- Duration: 3 hrs 46 mins (145.6 km)
- After breakfast, meet your Bhutanese guide for a trip briefing and visa/permit formalities (approx. 30 mins).
- Before departing for Thimphu, enjoy a short city tour of Phuentsholing.
- En route, visit Kharbandi Monastery and take in scenic views of Gedu, Melaraypa Lhakhang, Dam Viewpoint, and the waterfall near Chuzom.
- Arrive in Thimphu and check into your hotel.
- Overnight Stay: Thimphu
- Travel Tip: For nightlife enthusiasts, Thimphu offers vibrant spots like Mojo Park and Space 34 with live music, dance, and a chance to mingle with locals.
Day 3 – Thimphu Full-Day Sightseeing
- Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Bhutan’s capital:
– Memorial Chorten – Built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan.
– Buddha Dordenma – Giant statue of Lord Buddha with panoramic views.
– Mini Zoo – Home to the rare Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.
– Sangaygang View Point – Panoramic city views and BBS tower visit.
– Handicraft Emporium – Traditional clothes, jewelry, and crafts.
– Paper Factory – Learn ancient Bhutanese paper-making techniques.
– Wang Chu River & Clock Tower Square – Heart of Thimphu city.
– Thimphu Vegetable Market – Fresh produce & local flavors.
– Simply Bhutan Museum – Try archery, dress in traditional attire, taste local rice wine (Arra).
– National Library – Ancient texts and rare manuscripts.
– Tashichho Dzong (Evening) – Seat of Bhutan’s government and a stunning fortress. - Overnight Stay: Thimphu
Day 4 – Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
- After breakfast, head towards Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital.
– Visit Simtokha Dzong – Built in 1631, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
– Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050 m) – Known for its 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan vistas. - Arrive in Punakha, check into your hotel, and enjoy lunch.
- Post-lunch sightseeing:
– Punakha Dzong – 17th-century fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
– Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Hilltop stupa with breathtaking views. - Optional: Punakha River Rafting (extra cost).
- Overnight Stay: Punakha
Day 5 – Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Village Excursion
- After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley at 3,000m famous for Black-Necked Cranes.
- Enjoy short nature walks, photography, and birdwatching in one of Bhutan’s most pristine valleys.
- Continue to Gangtey:
– Gangtey Goempa – 17th-century monastery with valley views.
– Kumbhu Lhakhang – Temple dedicated to Bon deity Sipey Gyalpo.
– Wangmo Carpet Factory – Women-led weaving center, perfect for souvenirs. - Return to Punakha via Wangdue to visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong (built in 1638).
- Overnight Stay: Punakha
Day 6 – Paro & Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Trek)
- After breakfast, drive to Paro and check into your hotel.
- Begin your 4–5 hour trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900m above the Paro Valley.
- If time allows, explore Paro Fortress, Paro Dzong, and Rinpung Dzong.
- Overnight Stay: Paro
Day 7 – Paro to Siliguri via Phuentsholing (Airport Viewpoint Stop)
- After breakfast, visit the Paro Airport Viewpoint, one of the world’s most challenging airports to land at, surrounded by 18,000 ft peaks.
- Drive via Phuentsholing to Siliguri.
- Check into your hotel, relax, and unwind.
- Overnight Stay: Siliguri
Day 8 – Departure
- After breakfast, check out and proceed on your own to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station for your onward journey.
- Note: Guests are advised to book flights after 12 PM for a smooth transfer.
Inclusions
- Airport/railway transfers in India and Bhutan (Bagdogra/NJP ↔ Phuentsholing ↔ Thimphu/Paro)
- 7 nights’ accommodation on twin-sharing basis with breakfast
- Bhutanese guide services throughout the Bhutan portion
- Trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro
- Sightseeing in Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Paro
- All internal transfers in Bhutan by private vehicle
- Bhutan entry permits and fees
- Applicable taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal and incidental expenses
- Optional activities such as Punakha river rafting
- Travel insurance
- International airfare to/from India or Bhutan
- Visa fees for Bhutan (if applicable for non-Indian nationals)
Other Info
Must Carry:
- Passport / Government-issued ID
- Personal medicines
- Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, UV-protection sunglasses
Clothing & Gear:
- Comfortable trekking clothes and layered clothing for mountain climates
- Warm jacket, gloves, and hat for high-altitude areas
- Rain jacket or poncho (seasonal)
- Rucksack or daypack
- Water bottle / hydration gear
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking shoes for Tiger’s Nest trek and nature walks
- Flip-flops or sandals
Other Essentials:
- LED torchlight
- Basic first-aid items
Starting from
40,999 per person