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Bhutan · 8 Nights / 9 Days

Bhutan with Punakha & Phobjikha

Western Bhutan by road with a night in the Phobjikha valley, home of the black-necked cranes in winter.

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Duration8 Nights / 9 Days
StaysPhuentsholing 1N, Thimphu 2N, Punakha 1N, Gangtey 1N, Paro 2N, Phuentsholing 1N
Starts and endsBagdogra / NJP (by road)

Route: Bagdogra → Phuentsholing → Thimphu → Punakha → Phobjikha → Paro → Phuentsholing → Bagdogra

Current note: After the October 2026 glacial flood the Punakha-Gasa road is closed; this itinerary does not go north of Punakha town. We confirm Punakha sightseeing access before booking.

Day-wise itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Bagdogra / NJP to Phuentsholing

    170 km · about 5 hrs

    • Meet and greet, drive to the border town of Phuentsholing

    Overnight: Phuentsholing

  2. Day 2

    Phuentsholing to Thimphu

    176 km · about 6 hrs

    • Immigration permit in the morning
    • Stops at Kharbandi and the Chukha dam viewpoint

    Overnight: Thimphu

  3. Day 3

    Thimphu sightseeing

    • Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten and Folk Heritage Museum
    • Changangkha Monastery and the Takin Preserve

    Overnight: Thimphu

  4. Day 4

    Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula

    77 km · about 3 hrs

    • Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens
    • Short walk to Chimi Lhakhang

    Overnight: Punakha

  5. Day 5

    Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha)

    • Phobjikha valley, winter home of the black-necked crane
    • Gangtey Gompa

    Overnight: Gangtey

  6. Day 6

    Gangtey to Paro

    • Airport viewpoint
    • Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong
    • Museum of Light and Life

    Overnight: Paro

  7. Day 7

    Paro: Tiger's Nest

    • Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery; start early
    • Drukgyel Dzong if time permits

    Overnight: Paro

  8. Day 8

    Paro to Phuentsholing

    141 km · about 5 hrs

    • Drive back to Phuentsholing

    Overnight: Phuentsholing

  9. Day 9

    Phuentsholing to NJP / Bagdogra

    170 km · about 5 hrs

    • Transfer to NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport for departure

Inclusions

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
  • Meals: breakfast at all places
  • Transfers from one place to another
  • Sightseeing in private vehicles
  • Vehicle as per the itinerary
  • All current taxes such as hotel and transport taxes

Exclusions

  • Entrance fees at monuments, parks and temples
  • Meals not mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Any increase in government or state taxes
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Good to know

  • Indian guests need an original passport or Voter ID; the same original document used for the permit must be carried.
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian guests: Rs 1,200 per adult per night; 50% for children 6 to 12; free for children under 6.
  • A route permit is needed beyond Thimphu and Paro (Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang); we arrange it.
  • Dress code at temples: long sleeves and long trousers or skirts; no hats or shorts.
  • Carry enough cash in Indian rupees; cards, UPI and ATMs are unreliable.

Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking; a similar category is provided otherwise. Mountain sightseeing depends on permits, weather and road conditions.