Bhutan 8N / 9D

The flight or train into Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station offers fascinating views of the entire Himalayan region on a clear day. Our representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to Phuentsholing.

Check in to the hotel, then stroll around the marketplaces and main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing / Jaigaon (altitude 293 m).

After breakfast, complete the immigration permit formalities.

Begin the fascinating journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan — scenic mountains and waterfalls, Gedu town, Chukha Dam and Chuzom Bridge.

On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu (altitude 2,334 m).

After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) for sweeping views of the Thimphu valley and to offer prayers to the largest Buddha statue in the country.

Visit the King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by devotees spinning prayer wheels. Built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

See the Takin — Bhutan's national animal — which looks like a cross between a cow and a goat.

An interactive demo-display of traditional Bhutanese culture — welcome butter tea, rice wine tasting and traditional dance performances.

Visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) beside the Wang Chhu river, host of the 3-day Thimphu Tsechu festival, and Changangkha Lhakhang — probably the oldest surviving temple in Thimphu.

Browse the government-run Handicrafts Emporium for hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, and jewellery.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass (3,088 m / 10,130 ft) — known for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Visit the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.

Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge and visit Chimi Lhakhang, famously known as the temple of fertility.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (altitude 1,242 m).

After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Goempa monastery. In winter, the valley is home to the migrating black-necked cranes.

Drive back to Punakha for an overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong — originally a watchtower, now home to the National Museum with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) — a key cultural and historical site, known for its architectural beauty and as a hub of religious and administrative activities.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (altitude 2,200 m).

After breakfast, embark on the iconic excursion to Taktsang Monastery — perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. Legend says Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery.

Explore Paro's local market and visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Kyerchu Temple) — one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, in the Lango Gewog of Paro Dzongkhag.

Stop at the Paro Airport viewpoint — set in the Paro valley surrounded by towering mountains, it's one of the most visually stunning approaches in aviation.

Drive to Phuentsholing / Jaigaon. Evening stroll around the marketplaces and main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing / Jaigaon.

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station for your onward destination. Tashi Delek!