Bhutan – Discover a Magical Himalayan Kingdom

Upcoming fixed departure: Nov 26 – Dec 3

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive at Phuentsholing- 4 hrs from Bagdogra airport.
Day 2 Drive to Thimphu
Day 3 Thimphu local
Day 4 Dochu La & Punakha
Day 5 Drive to Paro; Paro Dzong
Day 6 Takstang Monastery Hike
Day 7 Drive to Phuentsholing
Day 8 Airport/ station drop off

Day 1 Arrival in Bagdogra & drive onto Phuentsholing, a picturesque border town (4 hrs). We will drive through the Dooars and tea estates at Hashimara. At Phuentsholing, we will stay overnight. Overnight: Hotel at Phuentsholing

Day 2 After completing entry formalities, we will drive to Thimphu the capital city ( 6-7 hours), through beautiful scenery. In the late afternoon we will go for a walk exploring this interesting capital city with its single traffic roundabout. . We will see the National memorial chorten, built to honor the memory of the third king of Bhutan, and the focal point of worship for Thimphu residents. Overnight: Thimphu | Hotel: Destiny

Day 3 In the morning, after completing permit formalities we will go to the impressive Thimphu Dzong, sitting on the banks of the Wang-chu river, with the king’s palace on the opposite bankWe will then visit the Insitute for handicrafts where you can see students practicing local crafts such as Tangkha painting and weaving. We will also check out the local market and the fantastic Changlimithang stadium where crowds gather to watch archery and football matches. If it is a weekend, check out the weekend market for produce ( include varieties of cheeses), as well as objects such as masks and tangkhas. Overnight: Thimphu | Hotel: Destiny

Day 4 We drive from Thimphu to Punakha (2 ½ hrs) over the Dochu-la pass with some fantastic views of the Himalayas. Stop at the Dochu-la pass at the site of the 108 chortens, built in the memory of the ULFA militants who were killed by the Bhutanese army and do a short hike into the rhododendron forest. On the way also stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kunley, the much beloved and notorious lama. We will visit the Punakha Dzong, picturesquely situated at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight: Wangdi/ Kingaling Hotel

Day 5 Drive to Paro ( 3 hrs). Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Paro Dzong and the museum. Evening walk along the peaceful main street lined with shops full of souveniers. Overnight: Paro / Valley View Hotel

Day 6 Drive to the trail-head for Taktsang, or Tiger’s nest monastery. A hike/ horse-ride will take you to the monastery ( 3-4 hours) clinging to a cliff-side, a remarkable place which also gives you a chance for those picture-postcard photos you’ve been wanting. In the afternoon after lunch we go onto the Drugyel Dzong, a ruined Dzong that has a ghostly air – it was used as a place to defend Bhutan against invading Tibetans. Overnight: Paro / Valley View Hotel

Day 7 Drive from Paro to Bagdogra retracing your route ( 6 hrs). Overnight at Phuentsholing.

Day 8 Departure from Bagdogra ( airport drop-off can be arranged by Gypsyfeet on request, cost to be borne by you).