9 Nights EX- Bagdogra

Quick Tour Snapshot

Tour Highlights

• Paro street walk with an experienced local guide.
• Guided heritage tour of Paro.
• Archery show experience in Paro (subject to availability).
• Thimphu street walk with guide.
• Private luxury vehicle for the entire tour.

• Guided heritage and monastery tour of Punakha Valley.
• Traditional farmhouse visit in Punakha.
• Photography break at Dochu La Pass (approx. 30 minutes).
• Private, exclusive tour experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Bagdogra & Transfer to Phuentsholing

• Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, your gateway to the Eastern Himalayas.
• Enjoy a scenic road journey to Phuentsholing, passing lush tea gardens and picturesque countryside.
• Visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, a peaceful temple adorned with intricate Bhutanese artwork.
• Explore the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, a unique conservation site for rare gharials and crocodiles.
• Relax at the Torsa River Viewpoint and enjoy a serene sunset over the Bhutan hills.
• Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Day 2
Phuentsholing to Thimphu

• Complete the necessary immigration formalities to officially enter Bhutan.
• Drive to Thimphu through winding mountain roads and verdant valleys.
• Pause at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, adorned with colorful prayer flags.
• Take a photo break at Wangkha Waterfall, a beautiful roadside waterfall surrounded by greenery.
• Explore Thimphu city, where traditional dzongs stand beside modern cafés and markets.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu in a boutique hotel or cozy lodge.

Day 3
Thimphu Sightseeing

• Visit the National Textile Museum to discover Bhutan’s centuries-old weaving traditions.
• Head to the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue for sweeping views of Thimphu Valley.
• Offer prayers at the Memorial Chorten, a spiritual landmark dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King.
• Explore Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest temples, popular for blessings and valley views.
• Meet Bhutan’s national animal at the Takin Preserve and learn about local wildlife conservation.
• Experience local life at the lively Thimphu Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend).
• Visit the Traditional Archery Ground at Changlimithang to watch Bhutan’s national sport.
• Optional: Shop for handwoven scarves, thangkas and wooden masks at the Craft Bazaar & Handicraft Emporium.
• Evening at leisure – stroll around Clock Tower Square or relax at a cozy café.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La Pass

• Drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass (approx. 10,000 ft), adorned with 108 chortens.
• Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.
• Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest, offering dramatic valley views.
• Enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley.
• Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery for panoramic valley views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Optionally enjoy a riverside picnic or nature walk along the Mo Chhu riverbanks.
• Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for stunning vistas over the Punakha Valley.
• Take an evening stroll through Punakha town to experience local life and small cafés.
• Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 5
Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

• Drive from Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), passing forests, villages and mountain views.
• Take a short break in Wangdue town to see the Wangduephodrang Dzong and local life.
• Arrive in Gangtey and check into your hotel or lodge surrounded by serene meadows and pine-clad slopes.
• Visit Gangtey Goempa, a beautiful 17th-century monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley.
• Stop at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about these endangered migratory birds (seasonal).
• Enjoy an evening leisure walk through nearby villages, interact with locals and soak in the calm valley atmosphere.
• Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 6
Gangtey Sightseeing & Nature Experiences

• Start the day with the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail, walking through pine forests, meadows and farmhouses.
• Visit a local farmhouse to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality and rural lifestyle.
• Explore the floor of the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley home to yaks and (seasonally) black-necked cranes.
• Visit Khewang Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple with historic architecture and spiritual significance.
• Enjoy lunch at a local café or lodge overlooking the valley.
• Optional afternoon activities: horseback riding, bird watching (seasonal), or visiting local schools and artisans.
• Return to your lodge, relax by the fireplace or opt for a traditional hot stone bath (subject to availability).
• Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 7
Gangtey to Paro

• Journey to Paro, a scenic valley town often regarded as Bhutan’s cultural heart.
• Stroll along Paro’s main street, lined with traditional Bhutanese architecture and handicraft shops.
• Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), a former watchtower showcasing thangkas, textiles and relics.
• Explore Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” with its ornate woodwork and murals.
• Walk across the traditional Nyamai Zampa Bridge, a charming wooden bridge ideal for photography.
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its serene, spiritual aura.
• Explore local markets (if visiting on market days) and interact with farmers and artisans.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 8
Paro Sightseeing – Tiger’s Nest Hike or Haa Valley Excursion

• Option 1 – Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest):
• One of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, dramatically perched on a cliff about 10,000 ft above Paro Valley.
• Follow a scenic trail through pine forests decorated with prayer flags and enjoy sweeping valley views.
• Pause at the mid-way cafeteria to enjoy tea while admiring the monastery from a distance.
• Option 2 – Haa Valley & Chele La Pass (if hiking is not preferred)
• Enjoy a scenic drive to the tranquil and untouched Haa Valley.
• Stroll through Haa’s quaint villages and visit temples like Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).
• Continue to Chele La Pass (approx. 3,988 m / 13,084 ft), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes.
• Admire panoramic Himalayan views and, on clear days, the sacred Mount Jomolhari.
• Spend peaceful moments amidst prayer flags, crisp mountain air and endless vistas.
• Return to Paro by evening and unwind at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 9
Paro to Phuentsholing

• Drive back to Phuentsholing, retracing scenic mountain roads, valleys and waterfalls.
• Enjoy final glimpses of Bhutan’s landscapes as you descend from the highlands.
• In the evening, explore the Phuentsholing local market for handicrafts, textiles and organic products.
• Experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality and local snacks one last time.
• Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Day 10
Departure – Phuentsholing to Bagdogra

• Transfer from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight.
• Bid farewell to Bhutan, carrying cherished memories from the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Inclusions

• Arrival assistance and warm welcome at Bagdogra Airport.
• Accommodation in comfortable twin-sharing rooms as per the selected hotels in the itinerary.
• Vehicle at disposal as per the official tour schedule.
• Guided sightseeing and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Daily buffet breakfast and dinner at hotels.
• Professional English-speaking guide in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
• Bhutan E-Permit charges included.
• Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night included.
• Complimentary mineral water provided throughout the trip.

Exclusions

• Entry fees for monuments, museums and other attractions.
• All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers.
• Optional outdoor activities like cycling, river rafting, motorbiking, horse riding, cultural programs and sports.
• Any service or activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions will be at an additional cost.
• Applicable GST @ 5%.