BHUTAN GRAND DISCOVERY TOUR 10 Days

Distance: Approx. 170 km
Travel Time: 4.5–5.5 Hours
Route: Bagdogra → Siliguri → Hasimara → Jaigaon → Phuentsholing

Your Bhutan journey begins with a morning pickup from Bagdogra Airport. Drive through the scenic plains of North Bengal towards Jaigaon, the Indian gateway to Bhutan. After completing the immigration and entry formalities at the border, enter Phuentsholing, Bhutan's commercial gateway and your first destination in the country. Depending on arrival time and immigration formalities, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the local surroundings. You may visit Zangto Pelri Lhündrup Choeling, a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of Phuentsholing, and take a leisurely walk around the town. The city offers an interesting blend of Bhutanese and Indian culture. Later, check in to your hotel and relax after the journey. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Major Highlights: Jaigaon–Phuentsholing Border, Immigration Formalities, Zangto Pelri Temple, Local Market.

Distance: Approx. 175 km
Travel Time: 6–7 Hours
Route: Phuentsholing → Gedu → Chukha → Chuzom → Thimphu

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, waterfalls and beautiful Himalayan landscapes. En route, stop at Chukha and enjoy views of the Chukha Valley and surrounding mountains. Continue towards Chuzom, an important road junction where routes from Paro, Phuentsholing and Thimphu meet. As you gradually climb higher, the landscape transforms into pine-covered mountains and peaceful valleys. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take an evening walk around Norzin Lam, explore local handicraft shops or visit the bustling Thimphu Market. Thimphu offers a fascinating combination of traditional Bhutanese architecture and modern urban life while maintaining its peaceful character. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Major Highlights: Chukha Valley, Chuzom, Himalayan Mountain Roads, Thimphu Market, Norzin Lam.

Distance: Approx. 30–40 km local sightseeing
Travel Time: 6–7 Hours sightseeing

After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring the fascinating capital of Bhutan. Begin with the magnificent Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, an important religious landmark where locals can often be seen circumambulating the stupa. Visit Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's unique national animal, followed by the Motithang area. Explore the National Folk Heritage Museum and learn about Bhutan's traditional lifestyle, architecture and culture. You may also visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are preserved. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery and an important administrative and religious centre. If time permits, explore the Centenary Farmers' Market and local handicraft shops. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Major Highlights: Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Takin Preserve, Folk Heritage Museum, Zorig Chusum, Tashichho Dzong, Farmers' Market.

Distance: Approx. 75 km
Travel Time: 3–4 Hours + sightseeing

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The route crosses the spectacular Dochula Pass, situated at approximately 3,100 metres. On a clear day, the pass provides magnificent views of the Himalayan mountain range. Visit the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, beautifully positioned against the mountain backdrop. Continue downhill through forests of rhododendron and pine towards Punakha Valley. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress is one of Bhutan's most beautiful architectural landmarks and holds immense historical and religious importance. Later, visit the nearby Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan's longest traditional suspension bridges, offering beautiful views of the river valley. Depending on time, you may also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a picturesque temple surrounded by rice fields and mountains. Check in to your Punakha hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Major Highlights: Dochula Pass, 108 Chortens, Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Distance: Approx. 160 km round trip
Travel Time: 5–6 Hours driving + sightseeing

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan's most scenic and peaceful destinations. After breakfast, drive through spectacular mountain landscapes towards the valley. Phobjikha is particularly famous as the winter habitat of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate here from Tibet during the colder months. Visit the historic Gangtey Monastery, perched above the valley and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the peaceful Gangtey village and take a short nature walk through the valley. The Gangtey Nature Trail is an excellent opportunity to experience Bhutan's pristine countryside, with forests, meadows and mountain views along the route. The valley's traditional farmhouses and peaceful atmosphere provide an authentic glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. After spending time exploring and photographing the landscape, begin the return journey to Punakha. Arrive at your hotel in the evening and relax. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Major Highlights: Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Village, Gangtey Nature Trail, Black-Necked Crane Habitat.

Distance: Approx. 150 km
Travel Time: 5–6 Hours + sightseeing

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey towards Paro, one of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys. Drive back towards Thimphu and continue onward to Paro. En route, enjoy the changing Himalayan scenery, traditional villages and mountain landscapes. Depending on time, you may make a short stop in Thimphu for shopping or refreshments. Upon reaching Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, believed to date back to the 7th century. Continue with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress overlooking the Paro Valley. Walk across the traditional Nyamai Zampa Bridge and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valley. If time permits, explore Paro's charming main street, where traditional Bhutanese buildings house cafés, handicraft stores and local shops. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

Major Highlights: Thimphu, Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong, Nyamai Zampa Bridge, Paro Town.

Distance: Approx. 20 km driving + trekking
Trek: Approx. 5–6 km round trip
Trek Time: 4–6 Hours

After an early breakfast, prepare for the highlight of your Bhutan journey — the spectacular Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug Monastery). Drive to the trailhead and begin the uphill trek through beautiful pine forests decorated with colourful prayer flags. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Paro Valley and surrounding mountains. After reaching the viewpoint, continue towards the monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff approximately 900 metres above the valley floor. According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated here after arriving on the back of a tigress. Explore the monastery complex, temples and meditation caves while enjoying the extraordinary Himalayan scenery. After completing the visit, descend back to the starting point. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring Paro town. Those who prefer not to undertake the full trek can discuss alternative arrangements locally. Overnight stay in Paro.

Major Highlights: Tiger's Nest Monastery, Taktsang Viewpoint, Pine Forest Trek, Prayer Flags, Paro Valley.

Distance: Approx. 120–140 km round trip
Travel Time: 5–7 Hours + sightseeing

Today, explore the spectacular Haa Valley, one of Bhutan's less-visited and more tranquil destinations. After breakfast, drive towards Chele La Pass, one of the highest motorable mountain passes in Bhutan, reaching an elevation of approximately 3,988 metres. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding valleys. On clear days, the scenery is particularly impressive, with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain wind. Continue towards the peaceful Haa Valley, surrounded by forests and mountains. Visit the valley's traditional villages and explore its distinctive Bhutanese culture and architecture. You may visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, two important temples associated with Haa's religious heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk and photography around the valley before beginning the return journey to Paro. The route provides numerous opportunities for scenic stops and Himalayan photography. Return to Paro by evening and relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Paro.

Major Highlights: Chele La Pass, Himalayan Viewpoints, Haa Valley, Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo, Traditional Villages.

Distance: Approx. 175 km
Travel Time: 5–6 Hours

After breakfast, check out from your Paro hotel and begin the scenic drive back towards Phuentsholing. Retrace the beautiful mountain route through Chukha and Gedu, enjoying one final opportunity to appreciate Bhutan's lush valleys, forests and winding Himalayan roads. Depending on the travel schedule, make suitable photo stops along the way. On reaching Phuentsholing, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is kept relaxed after the long drive. You may explore the local market and pick up Bhutanese handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional products and local snacks. If time permits, revisit Zangto Pelri Lhündrup Choeling or simply enjoy a relaxed evening around the town. This final evening in Bhutan provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey through the country's spectacular landscapes, monasteries, valleys and traditional communities. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day's departure. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Major Highlights: Scenic Himalayan Drive, Chukha, Gedu, Phuentsholing Market, Zangto Pelri Temple.

Distance: Approx. 170 km
Travel Time: 4.5–5.5 Hours
Route: Phuentsholing → Jaigaon → Hasimara → Siliguri → Bagdogra

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and complete the necessary exit formalities before crossing from Bhutan into India through the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border. Continue your drive through Hasimara and Siliguri towards Bagdogra Airport. Depending on your flight departure time, you may stop for refreshments or lunch along the way. The drive offers a final glimpse of the beautiful landscapes of North Bengal before reaching Bagdogra. Your memorable 10-day Bhutan journey concludes upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport. We recommend keeping sufficient buffer time between your scheduled arrival at Bagdogra and your flight departure, as road conditions and border formalities can affect travel time. Your driver will assist with the transfer and ensure a comfortable drop at the airport. Tour concludes with wonderful memories of Bhutan — its monasteries, mountains, valleys, culture and warm hospitality.

Major Highlights: Phuentsholing–Jaigaon Border, Hasimara, Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport.