7 Nights EX-PARO

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 enter Bhutan.
• Drive to Thimphu through scenic mountain roads and verdant valleys.
• Stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers lined 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 alongside modern cafés and markets.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu at a boutique hotel or cozy lodge.

Day 3
Thimphu Sightseeing

• Visit the National Textile Museum and discover Bhutan’s rich weaving traditions and royal garments.
• Admire the majestic Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley.
• Offer prayers at the Memorial Chorten, a revered landmark dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King.
• Explore Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest temples, popular for newborn 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 your visit falls on a weekend).
• Visit the Traditional Archery Ground at Changlimithang to witness Bhutan’s national sport in action.
• Optional: Shop for authentic souvenirs at the Craft Bazaar & Handicraft Emporium.
• Evening at leisure – stroll around Clock Tower Square or relax at a local café.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La Pass

• Drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (approx. 10,000 ft), adorned with 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days.
• Visit the stunning 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 spectacular valley views.
• Enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley.
• Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery for serene views and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
• Optionally enjoy a riverside picnic or nature walk along the Mo Chhu riverbanks.
• Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for a rewarding panoramic view of Punakha Valley.
• Stroll through Punakha town in the evening to experience local life.
• Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 5
Punakha to Paro

• Journey to Paro, a scenic valley town known as Bhutan’s cultural heart.
• En route, stop again at Chimi Lhakhang if not covered earlier, for blessings and a pleasant village walk.
• Explore Paro town – traditional architecture, handicraft boutiques and cozy cafés.
• Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), showcasing thangkas, textiles, weapons and historical relics.
• Discover Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” with its exquisite murals and courtyards.
• Walk along the traditional Nyamai Zampa Bridge, a beautiful spot for photos, especially at sunset.
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its peaceful spiritual aura.
• Explore local markets (if visiting on market days) and interact with farmers and artisans.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 6
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, with breathtaking valley views.
• Take a break at the mid-way cafeteria, enjoying 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 serene 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, with panoramic Himalayan views.
• Spend quiet moments amidst prayer flags, crisp mountain air and wide-open vistas.
• Return to Paro by evening and unwind at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7
Paro to Phuentsholing

• Drive back to Phuentsholing, retracing the scenic mountain roads and valleys.
• Enjoy your 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 warm hospitality and flavors of local snacks before departure.
• Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Day 8
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%.