AEIB-01 Bhutan Expedition to the Dragon Kingdom India and Bhutan 9N-10D
Expert Rating : Asia Escapes
This itinerary is ideal for those who wish to experience the complete geographical transition : from the plains of India to the peaks of Bhutan . This itinerary allows you to explore the Bhutan region by land , entering through India and avoiding the more expensive flights to Bhutan, making it more economical and comprehensive .
Day 01. Arrival in Delhi
Arrival: You will be met at the international airport, assisted, and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Delhi.
Day 02. Delhi-Bagdogra (Flight)-Phuentsholing (Border)
Breakfast and transfer: 2-hour flight to Bagdogra. Border crossing: Road trip to Phuentsholing, the border town between India and Bhutan. Culture: Optional visit to Zangtho Pelri , a temple representing the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche.
Accommodation: Phuentsholing (300 m).
Day 03. Phuentsholing-Thimphu (155 km / 5 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for Thimphu. We will visit Kharbandi Gompa: a monastery surrounded by tropical gardens overlooking the plains of Bengal. Scenic Route: Ascent through the foothills of the Himalayas to the capital. Memorial Chorten: Visit to Thimphu’s most iconic monument, where worshippers perform the sacred circumambulation. Local Life: Stroll through Ka Ja Throm , the vibrant market district that blends modernity with agricultural tradition.
Overnight in Thimphu (2,320 m).
Day 04. Thimphu: Spirituality and Crafts
Breakfast and visit to Buddha Point: Visit the Dordenma Buddha (51.5 m) and its 125,000 golden Buddhas. Gentle Walk (1.5 hrs): Trail through pine forests to Changangkha Lhakhang Temple . Zilukha Convent: Interact with the nuns at the only convent in the capital. Education and Art: Visit the School of Arts and Crafts ( Zorig Chusum ) and the Folk Heritage Museum. Trashichhoedzong: End of the day at the majestic “fortress of glorious religion.”
Day 05. Thimphu-Dochula Pass-Punakha (75 km / 2.5 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for Pinaksha, crossing the Dochu La Pass (3,088 m): Panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 Chortens ( Druk Wangyal ). Punakha Dzong: Visit to Bhutan’s most beautiful palace, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Chimi Lhakhang: Hike through rice paddies to the famous “Temple of Fertility.”
Overnight in Punakha (1,300 m).
Day 06. Punakha-Paro (125 km / 4 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for Paro. We will visit Paro Valley: A scenic journey into one of the most fertile and sacred valleys in the Kingdom. Ta Dzong: Visit to the National Museum located in an old watchtower. Rinpung Dzong: Exploration of the “jewel pile fortress” and its murals depicting Buddhist tradition.
Overnight in Paro (2,280 m).
Day 07. The Great Milestone: The Tiger's Nest
Breakfast and a visit to Taktshang: A 5-hour hike (round trip) to the monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. It is the most sacred site in Bhutan. Kyichu Lhakhang: A visit to one of the oldest temples in the region (7th century).
Overnight in Paro
Day 08. Paro-Phuentsholing (150 km / 4.5 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for the border to spend the last night in Bhutanese territory.
Accommodation: Phuentsholing.
Day 09. Phuentsholing-Bagdogra-Delhi (Flight)
Breakfast and departure to Bagdora airport to take flight to Delhi, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Delhi.
Day 10. Delhi-International Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Prices include
- Accommodation in the suggested hotels
- 7 nights in Bhutan full board
- 2 nights in India (Delhi) with breakfast
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotel (some lunches at restaurants in the city or at the hotel during visits/long journeys)
- All transfers and visits according to the itinerary
- Flights Delhi/Baghdogra/Delhi in economy class
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- Sustainable Development Rate and Taxes
- Tickets (according to the itinerary)
- Bhutan visa (US$ 40 per person)
Prices do not include
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Insurance of any type / medical expenses
- Beverages (alcoholic / non-alcoholic)
- Expenses of a personal nature (such as tips, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees, etc.)
- Airfare and Airport Taxes
- Transfers IXB – P/ling and P/ling – Ixb (transfers on the Indian side not included, our services will begin and end only in P/ling)
Vehicle Used: 02 Passengers: 4×4 SUV (Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe / Kia Sorento / Sportage / Seltos) 03 – 04 Passengers: Toyota Hiace Bus / Hyundai H1 05 – 06 Passengers: Toyota Hiace Bus
Location | Highlights | Expert Details |
Dochula Pass | 108 Chortens | The most iconic photo spot; on clear days it offers the best view of the snow giants. |
Punakha | Punakha Dzong | Architecturally, it is the crown jewel of Bhutan. Its riverside location is unsurpassed. |
Arrest | Tiger’s Nest | It is not just a temple, it is the most important physical and spiritual achievement of the journey. |
Thimphu | Buddha Dordenma | The scale of the statue and the peace that permeates Buddha Point are the perfect summary of Bhutanese faith. |
Opening Hours and Closing Days of Monuments in Bhutan
- Ka Ja Thorm – Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 8 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
- Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
- Folk Heritage Museum – Thimphu: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4:30 pm Saturdays, 10:30 am – 1 pm Sundays, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Closed on National Holidays
- Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School)-Thimphu: Monday – Friday, 2 pm – 4 pm Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and winter Holidays (20 December – 10 March)
- Folk Heritage Museum – Thimphu: Closed on National Holidays & Sunday. Saturday timing: 10.30 am to 1 pm
- Punakha Dzong – Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm (summer) & 11 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm (winter)
- Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum) : Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm (summer) & 9 am – 4 pm (winter) Closed on National Holidays
- Rinpung Dzong – Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm (summer), 8 am – 4:30 pm (winter)
- Taktshang Lhakhang (Tigers Nest) – Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm
Hotels or similar in India / Bhutan |
Delhi : Hotel lA / Ashok Country Resort |
Phuntsholling : Tashi Namgay Grand / Hotel Druk https://drukhotels.com/phuntsholing / Hotel Ga Me Ga www.bhutangamega.com OR Similar |
Thimphu : The Seva Hotel (Deluxe Room) www.thesevahotelbhutan.com / Access Suite (Deluxe Room) www.accesssuitesthimphu.com |
Punakha : Lobesa Boutique Hotel (Standard Room) https://www.wangchukhotel.com/wangchuk-resort-punakha/ |
Paro : Hotel Kaachi Grand (Sky Deck Room) www.kaachigrand.com / Jagathang Village Inn (Deluxe Room) www.jagathangvillageinn.com |
