This itinerary comprehensively explores some of Bhutan’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions. An 8-day Bhutan tour itinerary from India immerses travellers in the best of Bhutan’s culture, landscapes, and heritage sites. Begin in Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s border town, before heading to Thimphu, where you’ll explore historic dzongs, the National Memorial Chorten, and traditional crafts markets. Journey to Punakha, known for its majestic Punakha Dzong and scenic river rafting. Continue to Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes and tranquil monasteries. End in Paro, with a breathtaking hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visits to iconic sites like Paro Dzong and the National Museum. This tour offers a balanced blend of nature, history, and Bhutanese spirituality.

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Hotels

How to Travel to Bhutan from India?

8-Day Bhutan Tour Itinerary from India. Travelling to Bhutan from West Bengal is relatively easy, as the two regions share a border. Here’s a guide on how to travel to Bhutan from West Bengal:

Travelling By Road:

Via Phuentsholing: The most common route to Bhutan from West Bengal is through the town of Phuentsholing, which is on the India-Bhutan border.
From West Bengal (e.g., Siliguri, Bagdogra, or Jaigaon), you can take a car, taxi, or bus to Jaigaon, India, which is right at the border with Phuentsholing, Bhutan.
Once at Phuentsholing, you will need to complete immigration formalities to enter Bhutan.
Approximate Distances:
- Bagdogra to Phuentsholing: 160 km (about 4-5 hours by road).
- Siliguri to Phuentsholing: 150 km (about 4 hours by road).
You can either self-drive (with proper permits) or hire a taxi for the journey. Buses also operate between Siliguri and Phuentsholing.

Travelling By Air:

The nearest airport in West Bengal is Bagdogra Airport (IXB).
From Bagdogra, you can fly to Paro International Airport in Bhutan, the only international airport in the country.
Direct flights from Bagdogra to Paro are available via airlines like Drukair only.
The flight from Bagdogra to Paro takes about 30-45 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Travelling By Train:

The nearest railway station to Bhutan is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is a major hub in West Bengal.
From NJP, you can take a taxi or bus to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing (about 4-5 hours by road).

Visa & Permit requirements for 8 Days Bhutan tour Itinerary from India:

Indian nationals don’t need a visa to enter Bhutan but do require an Entry Permit, which can be obtained at the Phuentsholing border or in advance online. Permits can be arranged at the airport for Paro arrivals.
SDF: All Indian nationals need to pay INR 1200 as a sustainable development fee per person per night to obtain a permit to visit Bhutan.

Best Route to Travel Bhutan:

The most popular and convenient way for travellers from West Bengal is to either drive or take a bus to Phuentsholing for entry by road or fly directly from Bagdogra to Paro if you prefer air travel.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1 Arrival Bagdugra and drive to Phuntsholing | Distance 152.8km | Driving Time 3hrs 38mins | Altitude 293M.
Day 2 Phuentsholing to Thimphu after Permit Procession | Distance 145.5KM | Driving Time 4hrs | Altitude 2300M
Day 3 Thimphu City Tour | Altitude 2300M
Day 4 Thimphu to Punakha Tour | Distance 72.8km | Driving Time 2hrs | Altitude 1200M
Day 5 Punakha to Phobjikha | Distance 78.6km | Driving Time 2hrs 21mins | Altitude 3000M
Day 6 Phobjikha to Paro | Distance 171km | Driving Time 4hrs 40mins | Altitude 2300M
Day 7 Paro Tiger Nest Temple | Hiking time 4hrs | Altitude 3120M
Day 8 Paro to Bagdugra and Drop | Distance 296km | Driving Time 7hrs 46mins | Altitude 136M on the plains

Documents Required For the Indian Guest

Valid Passport or Vote card for adults.
Birth certificate for Child below 12 years accompanied by Parents.
Recent Passport size Photograph

Similar Sights to Visit Bhutan

NOTE: This Tour price is only valid for Indian nationals.

8 Days Bhutan Tour Highlight from India

Visit stunning dzongs and monasteries.
Explore diverse wildlife in Phobjikha Valley.
Enjoy scenic drives through picturesque valleys and mountain passes.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of plains from Bagdugra to Jaigoan
Visit the Teesta Bridge

Day 1 :

Arrival Bagdugra and drive to Phuentsholing | Distance 152.8km | Driving Time 3hrs 38mins | Altitude 293m

Our team will receive you from Bagdogra Airport and drop you till Phuntsholing. on the way guest can have lunch at Fulbari restaurant before reaching Phunthsoling. Upon arrival at Phuntsholing, the entry point to Bhutan process permit. Our team will welcome you and ensure a smooth transition into this enchanting journey. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 :

Phuentsholing to Thimphu after Permit Procession | Distance 145.5KM | Driving Time 4hrs | Altitude 2300M

Embark on a comfortable drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital. Witness the scenic beauty as we make our way to the heart of the nation. Lunch at Gedu. Drive further to Thimphu via Chukha Dam and scenic waterfall. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 :

Thimphu City Tour | Altitude 2300M

Discover Thimphu's cultural treasures. Visit iconic sites like Tashichho Dzong, the Buddha Statue, and more. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese heritage. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4 :

Thimphu to Punakha Tour | Distance 72.8km | Driving Time 2hrs | Altitude 1200M

Travel to Punakha, a serene valley nestled amidst hills. En route, pause at the majestic Dochula Pass and explore Punakha Dzong's historical charm. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5 :

Punakha to Phobjikha | Distance 78.6km | Driving Time 2hrs 21mins | Altitude 3000M

After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin LegpaiDhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter.Overnight in hotel.

Day 6 :

Phobjikha to Paro | Distance 171km | Driving Time 4hrs 40mins | Altitude 2300M

After breakfast drive to Paro, drive to the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins but restored again recently. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt.Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Day 7 :

Paro Tiger Nest Temple | Hiking time 4hrs | Altitude 3120M

After breakfast, we drive to Satsam Chorten and take a two-hour horse ride through pine forests to the viewpoint of the iconic Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. We stop at a café for refreshments before continuing the short walk to the monastery, which clings to a cliff 900 meters above the valley. Built in 1684, it's said to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava, who, legend says, arrived on a flying tiger. After lunch, we visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong and explore the Paro Rimpung Dzong, followed by a short walk across a traditional bridge. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 :

Paro to Bagdugra and Drop | Distance 296km | Driving Time 7hrs 46mins | Altitude 136M on the plains

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra and its always better to start early if you have flights. The driving time will depend upon Traffic before reaching to Bagdugra. During season time Traffic is heavy. Our Indian counterpart will drive you to Bagdugra airport and see you off.

8 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary from India