About This Tour
Overview
Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan overland from India on this 7-night circuit of western Bhutan. Arrive at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station and drive to the border town of Phuentsholing, gateway to the Dragon Kingdom. After the route-permit formalities, climb through the spectacular mountain highway via Chukha — endless hairpin bends and daring stretches carved into the rock — to the capital, Thimphu, the world's only city without a traffic light. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library and Handicraft Centre, the Indigenous Medicine Hospital and Painting School, a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong, the national animal at Takin Zoo and the National Memorial Chorten. Cross the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) past the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens with views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak, and descend to the lowlands of Punakha to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Continue to Paro, stopping at Lamperi's Royal Botanical Park — then the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the base of the cliff-hugging Tiger's Nest. Sightseeing in Paro takes in the Paro Dzong, the round Ta Dzong National Museum with its world-famous stamp collection, and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Return to Phuentsholing via Kharbandi Gompa before the final transfer to Bagdogra.
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Tour Type
Culture · Monasteries · Overland
Region
Western Bhutan · Overland from India
High Point
Dochula Pass · 10,000 ft
Key Attractions
Dochula · Punakha Dzong · Tiger's Nest
Languages
Dzongkha, Hindi, English
Top Experiences
Highlights
The Mountain Highway
From Phuentsholing to Thimphu via Chukha — a journey of almost unbelievable beauty through endless turns, hairpin bends and daring stretches carved into the mountain rock
Dochula Pass
10,000 ft above the western valleys — 108 Druk Wangyal chortens in a sea of prayer flags, and views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak at 24,000 ft
Punakha Dzong
The majestic dzong built in 1637 at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — where the dual system of government was born and the first king was enthroned in 1907
Paro — Museums & Temples
The round Ta Dzong National Museum — one of Asia's best natural-history museums with the world-famous stamp collection — and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang
Tiger's Nest Viewpoint
Drive to the base of the legendary Taktsang monastery for the iconic cliff-side view, after the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong — Bhutan's victory fortress
Thimphu — Living Capital
No traffic lights, just an eloquent traffic policeman — Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Medicine Hospital, Painting School, Takin Zoo and the Memorial Chorten
Visual Journey
Bhutan at a Glance
What's Covered
Includes / Excludes
✓ Included
- Accommodation in twin sharing at 3★/4★ Bhutanese-standard hotels as per the package
- Meals as per the chosen plan
- All airport transfers & private sightseeing transport within Bhutan (non-AC, as per group size)
- One English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), internal permits & internal taxes
- Complimentary 1 litre mineral water per person per day
✕ Excluded
- Airfare / train fare to and from Bagdogra / NJP
- Personal travel insurance
- Entry fees to museums & monuments; laundry, tipping, personal shopping, telephone calls
- Expenses of a personal nature — medical, beverages, extra meals, etc.
- Anything not specified under 'Included'
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day01
Bagdogra / NJP → Phuentsholing
156 km · 5 hrs · Border town
Transfer · Overnight Phuentsholing
- Meeting & assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station
- Drive to Phuentsholing — approximately 156 kms / 5 hours — the gateway town on the Bhutan–India border
- Check in at the hotel; evening at leisure; overnight
Day02
Phuentsholing → Thimphu
179 km · 5–6 hrs · Via Chukha
Drive · Overnight Thimphu
- Morning formalities for the route permit, then transfer to the capital city, Thimphu
- The journey is of almost unbelievable beauty — endless turns, hairpin bends and daring stretches carved into the mountain rock, via Chukha
- Check in at the hotel; afternoon at leisure
- Evening — spend time at Clock Tower Square; overnight
Day03
Thimphu Sightseeing
Folk Museum · Takin · Memorial Chorten
Sightseeing · Overnight Thimphu
- The world's only capital without a traffic light — a white-gloved traffic policeman directs with elaborate, theatrical hand gestures
- Folk Heritage Museum, National Library and the Handicraft Centre for traditional arts
- The Indigenous Medicine Hospital and the Painting School; from the road point, a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong
- Drive uphill to Takin Zoo — the national animal of Bhutan
- Afternoon — National Memorial Chorten, the stupa dedicated to the third king, with its statue of the Buddha
- Evening walk from Clock Tower Square into the main city; overnight
Day04
Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
77 km · 3 hrs · 10,000 ft pass
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Punakha
- Drive to the lowlands of Punakha crossing the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) — the first great mountain pass of western Bhutan
- The 108 Druk Wangyal chortens crown the pass amid colourful prayer flags; walk three rounds, offer prayers and capture the panorama
- On clear days, Gangkar Punsum — the highest unclimbed peak in the world at 24,000 ft — rises to the north
- Descend through Thinleygang village; at Lobesa turn left into the Punakha valley and check in
- Afternoon visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — where the dual system of government was introduced and the first king was enthroned in 1907
- Evening at leisure; overnight
Day05
Punakha → Paro
145 km · 4 hrs · Via Lamperi
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Paro
- Morning drive to Paro; stop at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes
- If you are lucky you could see red pandas and different species of birds — and take photos close to the natural lake; a short documentary about the park is also shown
- Proceed to Paro via Semtokha and check in at the hotel
- Afternoon visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive to the base of Tiger's Nest for the iconic cliff-side view
- Evening at leisure; overnight
Day06
Paro Sightseeing
Paro Dzong · Ta Dzong · Kyichu Lhakhang
Sightseeing · Overnight Paro
- Morning visit to Paro Dzong and the National Museum housed in the round fortress of Ta Dzong — one of Asia's best natural-history museums, with a fine collection of natural and historic artefacts
- Kyichu Lhakhang — the 7th-century monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan
- Afternoon at leisure; evening visit the town for shopping; overnight
Day07
Paro → Phuentsholing
172 km · 5–6 hrs · Via Kharbandi
Drive · Overnight Phuentsholing
- Morning transfer to Phuentsholing
- Before reaching Phuentsholing, stop and visit Kharbandi Gompa — a peaceful monastery above the town with views over the Indian plains
- Check in at the hotel; evening at leisure; overnight
Day08
Departure
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport
Departure · End of Services
- Morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your onward destination
- End of services — thank you for travelling with Vedanta Holidays.
Where You'll Stay
Hotels
Phuentsholing
3★ Bhutanese-standard hotel (best available in the border town) — 2 nights
Thimphu
3★/4★ Bhutanese-standard hotel — 2 nights
Punakha
3★/4★ riverside resort — 1 night
Paro
3★/4★ valley hotel — 2 nights
Hotels are not fixed — we will arrange and confirm stays according to your trip and budget, in 3★ or 4★ Bhutanese-standard category. (Note: 4★ hotels are not available in Phuentsholing, so the best available property is used there.)
Contact us for details
Good to Know
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
March to May and September to November offer the clearest skies and the best mountain views. Winter (Dec–Feb) brings crisp, clear days across the valleys, while July–August is the monsoon season. This overland circuit works year-round with appropriate clothing.
What documents do Indian nationals need?
Indian nationals aged 18 and above need a valid Indian passport or Voters ID card. Those below 18 need a valid passport or an original birth certificate. Documents are required for the Bhutanese entry permit and route permits processed at Phuentsholing.
Can we climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery?
Day 5 drives to the base of Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) for the famous cliff-side view. The full climb to the monastery itself is a steep 2–3 hour hike — if you wish to include it, speak to your guide for pre-arrangement and the itinerary can be amended.
Is the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) included?
Yes — the Government Sustainable Development Fee, internal permits and internal taxes are included, along with an English-speaking guide, airport transfers and sightseeing transport for the full circuit.
What should we pack for the mountain drives?
Layered clothing — Dochula Pass reaches 10,000 ft and evenings are cool in all seasons. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light rain gear and warm layers for the winter months. The mountain highway involves long drives with many bends.
Can we extend this tour?
Absolutely — popular extensions include the Gangtey Valley and its black-necked cranes, the Haa Valley, or combining Bhutan with Darjeeling / Sikkim. Share your extra nights and we will tailor the itinerary for you.
Full Route
Tour Map