About This Tour
Overview
Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan overland on this unhurried 8-night circuit of western Bhutan. Arrive at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station and drive to Phuentsholing, the border gate between Bhutan and Jaigaon, West Bengal. After immigration formalities, climb the scenic mountain road to the capital, Thimphu — the world's only city without a traffic light — where civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business people and monks share an intriguing blend of tradition and modernity. Explore the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Zoo, a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong, the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Cross the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) past the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens — stopping at Hongtsho village for local apples and Lamperi's Royal Botanical Park for red pandas — and descend to the old capital of Punakha for the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) and the famous suspension bridge. A day excursion crosses Wangduephodrang to the wide open Gangtey Valley — winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet each November. Continue to Paro via Semtokha and the Babesa express highway, then discover the Ta Dzong National Museum, the Paro Penlop Heritage Farmhouse, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the base of the cliff-hanging Tiger's Nest. Return to Phuentsholing with memories of Bhutan, then on to Bagdogra.
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Tour Type
Culture · Monasteries · Overland
Region
Western Bhutan · Overland from India
High Point
Dochula Pass · 10,000 ft
Key Attractions
Dochula · Punakha · Gangtey · Tiger's Nest
Languages
Dzongkha, Hindi, English
Top Experiences
Highlights
Thimphu — Living Capital
The world's only capital without traffic lights — the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Zoo's national animal, Trashichho Dzong's glimpse, Folk Heritage Museum and the handicraft bazaar on Norzin Lam
Dochula Pass
10,000 ft above the western valleys — 108 Druk Wangyal chortens in a sea of prayer flags, fresh apples at Hongtsho, and views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak
Punakha Dzong & Bridge
The majestic dzong built in 1637 at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — and a stroll across the famous suspension bridge that spans the river below
Gangtey Valley Cranes
The wide, glacial Phobjikha valley below the yellow-roofed Gangtey monastery — winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that fly from Tibet each November
Paro — Museums & Farmhouse
The round Ta Dzong National Museum's famous stamp collection, the Paro Penlop Heritage Farmhouse, and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang — one of the oldest temples in Bhutan
Tiger's Nest Viewpoint
Drive past the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong to the base of the legendary Taktsang monastery — the cliff-hanging icon of Paro and the memory of a lifetime
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 gate
Transfer · Overnight Phuentsholing
- Meeting & assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station
- Drive to Phuentsholing — approximately 156 kms / 5 hours — the border gate between Bhutan and Jaigaon, West Bengal
- Check in at the hotel; day at leisure; overnight
Day02
Phuentsholing → Thimphu
150 km · 5 hrs · Scenic mountain drive
Drive · Overnight Thimphu
- Morning: complete all immigration formalities, then transfer to the capital city, Thimphu — approximately 150 kms / 5 hours
- The drive is scenic as you pass through the mountains of western Bhutan
- Check in at the hotel; relax or take a walk to the main town, Norzin Lam; overnight
Day03
Thimphu — Capital City
Memorial Chorten · Takin · Folk Museum
Sightseeing · Overnight Thimphu
- The world's only capital without a traffic light — a white-gloved traffic policeman directs with elaborate, theatrical hand gestures
- National Memorial Chorten — the stupa dedicated to the third king, with its statue of the Buddha
- Takin Zoo to meet the national animal, then a downhill stop for a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong
- National Library and the Folk Heritage Museum — a vivid window on the farmers' livelihood
- Afternoon: a short walk to the Handicraft Bazaar for traditional arts, then leisure or a walk to the main city from Clock Tower Square for shopping
Day04
Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
77 km · 2 hrs 45 min · 10,000 ft pass
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Punakha
- A leisurely drive to the old capital of the Punakha valley, touching the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft), with a stop at Hongtsho village
- Stop at the immigration checkpoint to stamp your permit — local stalls nearby sell fresh, juicy apples in plastic bags; try some
- 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
- Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for an hour — red pandas, birds and a natural lake; a documentary is also shown
- Descend through Thinleygang village; at Lobesa turn left into the Punakha valley
- Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu; your last stop of the day is the famous Suspension Bridge
- Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Day05
Punakha → Gangtey Valley — Day Excursion
72 km · 2.5 hrs · Crane valley
Excursion · Overnight Punakha
- Drive to the beautiful Gangtey valley via the ridge-top Wangduephodrang Dzong (4,430 ft) — gateway to central and eastern Bhutan
- Legend says the protective deity Mahakala appeared to the Zhabdrung with a prophecy, and the dzong was built in 1638 where the ravens flew off in four directions
- The wide open Gangtey valley is the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), which migrate from Tibet around mid-November and fly back across the Himalaya in spring
- Explore the small Gangtey village dominated by the yellow-roofed Gangtey monastery
- Late noon return to Punakha; overnight at the hotel
Day06
Punakha → Paro
145 km · 4 hrs · Via Semtokha & Chunzom
Drive · Overnight Paro
- Morning drive to Paro on the same road via Semtokha, joining the Babesa Express Highway
- Upon reaching the Chunzom check post, stop at the bridge, stretch your legs and walk across
- Proceed to Paro and check in at the hotel; rest of the day at leisure; overnight
Day07
Paro Sightseeing
Ta Dzong · Farmhouse · Kyichu · Tiger's Nest
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
- The Paro Penlop Heritage Farmhouse and Kyichu Lhakhang — the 7th-century monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan
- Afternoon: the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and a drive to the base of Tiger's Nest for the iconic cliff-side monastery view
- Evening at leisure — visit the town for shopping; overnight
- Note: If you wish to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery itself, the itinerary can be amended — speak to your guide for pre-arrangement.
Day08
Paro → Phuentsholing
140 km · 5 hrs · Return to the border
Drive · Overnight Phuentsholing
- After breakfast, transfer to Phuentsholing — approximately 140 kms / 5 hours
- Check in at the hotel; day at leisure; overnight
Day09
Departure
Transfer to IXB / NJP
Departure · End of Services
- Morning transfer to Bagdogra (IXB) / NJP with good memories of Bhutan
- 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 — 2 nights
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. For the black-necked cranes of Gangtey, the prime window is November to early spring when they winter in the valley. Winter (Dec–Feb) brings crisp, clear days across the circuit.
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 7 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 an overnight in Gangtey (ideal for the crane festival), the Haa Valley, the Phobjikha valley, or combining Bhutan with Darjeeling / Sikkim. Share your extra nights and we will tailor the itinerary for you.
Full Route
Tour Map