DESTINATION
Bhutan
GRADE
Medium
START/END POINT
Bagdogra / Bagdogra
ACCOMODATION
3 Star Hotel
BEST SEASON
Throughout the year
MAX ALTITUDE
3,400 m at Chele La Pass
Trip Overview
The Bhutan Cultural Tour offers an unforgettable journey through the serene Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where breathtaking landscapes blend beautifully with ancient traditions and spiritual heritage. This 7-day journey begins with your arrival at Bagdogra in India, followed by a scenic drive to Phuentsholing, the gateway town to Bhutan located along the Bhutan–India border. After completing immigration formalities, the adventure continues with a picturesque drive through winding mountain roads toward Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
In Thimphu, travelers will explore several cultural highlights including the impressive Buddha Dordenma, which overlooks the valley, and the cultural attraction Simply Bhutan Museum, offering insight into Bhutan’s rich traditions and lifestyle. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the unique national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve.
The journey then continues to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass, where travelers can admire the famous 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and panoramic Himalayan views. In Punakha, you will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries, and walk across the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge.
The tour then proceeds to the beautiful valley of Paro, home to important cultural landmarks such as Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan. One of the highlights of the tour is the excursion to the iconic Paro Taktsang, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is dramatically perched on a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Alternatively, travelers may enjoy a scenic drive to the high-altitude Chele La Pass, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Haa Valley.
After exploring Bhutan’s cultural and natural treasures, the journey concludes with a return drive to Phuentsholing and onward to Bagdogra Airport for departure. This tour provides a perfect introduction to Bhutan, combining spiritual landmarks, scenic mountain landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences in one memorable Himalayan adventure.
Short Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrival at Bagdogra – Drive to Phuentsholing (Approx. 4 hrs.) |
| Day 2 |
Phuentsholing – Drive to Thimphu (Approx. 5 hrs.) |
| Day 3 |
Thimphu Sightseeing to Punakha (Approx 2 hrs) |
| Day 4 |
Punakha Sightseeing – Drive to Paro (Approx. 3 hrs.) |
| Day 5 |
Paro Excursion – Taktsang Monastery Hike or Chele La Pass Drive |
| Day 6 |
Paro Sightseeing – Drive to Phuentsholing (Approx. 5 hrs.) |
| Day 7 |
Phuentsholing – Drive to Bagdogra (Approx. 4 hrs.) – Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Bagdogra – Drive to Phuentsholing (Approx. 4 hrs.)
Your journey begins with your arrival at Bagdogra Airport in India, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. From there, enjoy a scenic drive to Phuentsholing, the gateway town located on the Bhutan–India border. The drive passes through beautiful landscapes and lively border towns before reaching Phuentsholing. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the journey. The evening is free for leisure, where you may explore nearby markets or simply unwind at the hotel. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 2 Phuentsholing – Drive to Thimphu (Approx. 5 hrs.)
After breakfast, complete the immigration formalities required to enter Bhutan and begin your journey toward Thimphu, the capital city of the country. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads surrounded by lush forests and scenic valleys. Along the way, visit the peaceful Kharbandi Gompa which offers stunning panoramic views of the plains below. You will also stop at the picturesque Chhukha Waterfall for photos. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu Sightseeing to Punakha (Approx 2 hrs)
After breakfast, begin exploring the cultural highlights of Thimphu. Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, an enormous golden Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Continue your visit to Simply Bhutan Museum to experience Bhutanese traditions and lifestyle, and see Bhutan’s unique national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve. Later, drive towards Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and breathtaking Himalayan views. Upon arrival in Punakha, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4 Punakha Sightseeing – Drive to Paro (Approx. 3 hrs.)
After breakfast, begin exploring Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese architecture located at the confluence of two rivers. You will also walk across the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Adventurous travelers may opt for river rafting (optional and at extra cost). Later, drive towards the charming valley of Paro with a scenic stop at Saba River Point for photos. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 5 Paro Excursion – Taktsang Monastery Hike or Chele La Pass Drive
After breakfast, you have the option to hike to the world-famous Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This iconic monastery is dramatically perched on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley and is considered one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. The hike takes around five hours round trip and offers breathtaking views along the way. Alternatively, travelers may choose a scenic drive to the high-altitude Chele La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains and Haa Valley. Later, enjoy leisure time in Paro town or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6 Paro Sightseeing – Drive to Phuentsholing (Approx. 5 hrs.)
After breakfast, explore some of the important landmarks of Paro before beginning your return journey. Visit the historic Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress-monastery known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Continue to the National Museum of Bhutan, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. After sightseeing, begin the scenic drive back to Phuentsholing. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for the night.
Day 7 Phuentsholing – Drive to Bagdogra (Approx. 4 hrs.) – Departure
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the drive back to Bagdogra Airport. Enjoy the final scenic views of the Himalayan foothills as your journey comes to an end. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will assist you with departure formalities and bid you farewell, marking the end of your memorable Bhutan cultural adventure.
Included in this trek package?
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All accommodations on double sharing room basis
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Breakfast and dinner throughout the tour
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Airport pick-up and drop-off from Bagdogra Airport
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Private transportation: SUV (Creta) / HiAce Bus / Coaster Bus for Bhutan part and Swift Dzire / Innova for India part
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Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide
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Online Route Permit to travel in Bhutan (passport or Voter ID required)
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All local taxes and charges
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Mineral drinking water provided daily
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One local SIM card per group
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SDF (Sustainable Development Fee): ₹1,200 per person per night for Indian citizens and $100 USD per person per night for foreigners
Excluded in this trek package?
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Round trip airfare/train fare and airport taxes
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Lunch
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Entry fees to museums and cultural sites
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Tips for guides, drivers, and other staff
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Trekking gear such as sleeping bags and shoes
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Personal expenses: Phone calls, beverages, alcohol, laundry. Donations to monasteries and temples and Souvenirs, shopping etc.
Official Tour Map
09 Days INR 2,95,000/-
INR 39,800 PP
Group Discount Available
**Discounts are solely based on your group size. We do not add anyone to your group.
| No. of Persons | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Pax | INR 39800 |
| 3 - 5 Pax | INR 35700 |
| 6 - 8 Pax | INR 32500 |
| 9 Pax and above | INR 29800 |