Bhutan Tour from India

Arrival at Bagdugra Airport West Bengal India. Since you really want to hit the road after long flights and get excited, it’s always better to start early as the traffic at Siliguri can be time-consuming. Indian Border town of Jaigoan is about 3 hours journey from Bagdugra airport. By the time you reach Bhutan border it will be evening. Exiting Siliguri you drive through pleasant forest on the road to sevoke till you reach coronation bridge, 20km away. Crossing it you turn left towards Binaguri which is 77Km further.

Around 43 Km further to Hasimara and 2Km after the torsa river bridge, turn left on to the slightly rough surfaced road that joins the road to Jaigoan(18Km ahead). The over all smooth road surface and light traffic allows you to make good time and you can at immigration office to exit your Indian Visa and eneter Bhutan. Today we stay at Hotel Trashi Namgay Grand.

Your Bhutan Travel Itinerary requires a permit to enter Thimphu if you are a national from India, Maldives, or Bangladesh which will be taken care of by our guide. If you are a national from another country we can proceed with our journey as your visa is already stamped upon arrival at Jaigoan. You can also check how you can apply for Bhutan Visa if you are a national from another Country.

The next 36Km from Phuntsholing climbs to a cool 2012m. At Gedu, 8Km further, you will be impressed to note that the striking building complex you pass is no important government office but that of Tala Hydro Electric project.

For the next 36- 40Km, the valley you pass through is almost perpetually shrouded in a fine mist, lending it to a mysterious quality. 70Km towards Thimphu you come across Chudzom another checking point and the view of the first Dzong in Bhutan called Dobji Dzong across the road.

Chudzom marks the confluence of the Paro chu and Wangchu. Opposite you, at the confluence are three protecting Chorten each built-in three different styless. From left to right, these are Nepalese, Tivetba, and Bhutanese. From Chudzom it takes about 45 minutes drive towards Paro. Upon reaching Paro, check into Hotel and Relax.

Your day starts with a visit to the weekend market. Paro is a stunningly beautiful valley that extends all the way from mighty Jomoilhari on the Tibetan border in the North right down to the confluence at Chudzom. A side valley leads to the high pass tremola (5000m), which was once a major trade link with Tibet but also the route followed by marauding Tibetan armies.

Paro valley is truly enchanting- a patchwork of lush green rice fields with a clear crystalline river flowing graciously through them. The countryside is dotted with elegant farmhouse which we will be visiting in the evening and traditional Homes.

Our days start with an arduous walk to Tiger Nest Temple. Ascending the 3000ft cliff to reach the most spectacularly located gompa in all of Bhutan. 15 minutes drive from your hotel we reach the base camp where the hike starts. The park is decorated with prayer flags and small shop owners selling souvenirs and walking sticks. You also see many horse owners ready to take you if you prefer pony ride till halfway through the trial. It is continuous and fairly steep climb up to the meadow where tea house is located- but beyond this point the trail ascends very steeply till you reach a fantastic vantage point above the monastery. And if you think that is rude then you are completely wrong. You have to complete 400 steps, cross a narrow gorge and ascend another three hundred before you reach the base of the monastery clinging to a vertiginous hill face. The return journey involves the same steps and knee-jerking descent.

Note: Remember to carry sunscreen, water, and hat as the sun beats down relentlessly once you are out of the tree cover.

The first 100m or so is deceptively easy and you walk through pines, catching occasional glimpses of the fascinating monastery and struggling past a collection of dedicated ‘mani’ stones- but after crossing a pretty meadow the real climb begins and sharp switchbacks bring you up to a ridge. It takes around an hour if you are walking and a little less on horseback- to reach a flat section with bright prayer flags flapping in the breeze. From here a path veers off, leading to a restaurant nearby.

This is where you can take a welcome break for drinks and snacks or even a buffet lunch that our guide will gladly organize for you. You will be greeted by a glossy-brown sheer cliff with the monastery impossibly positioned at its very edge a most memorable and awesome sight. As you walk through you will pass a shallow meditation cave with many tsa tsa (small conical offering) spread over its floor. After arriving at the vantage point you descent the 400 steps that follow the natural curve of the rock face, down to a small bridge spanning the gorge.

According to the legend Guru Padmasambhava came to Taktsang in the 8th century flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress ( a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He meditated for 3 months in a cave here and went back to Tibet. The cave was named Pelphug and later when he died in Nepal his body was miraculously transported here by the deity Dorje Legpa and sealed in a Chorten located in a room on the left as you climb up the first flight of stairs. Many saints meditated here including Tibetan Yogin Machig, Lobdoenma, and popular Iron chain master Thangtong Gyalpo.

After lunch way down takes very less time and if time permits we will visit Dungtsho Lhakhang and Drugyel Dzong.

Paro to Thimphu is just a 1-hour smooth drive beside Paro River. You have to backtrack to Chuzom, compared to Paro the valley along the wangchu is arid and has mainly scrub as vegetation.

The countryside from Chuzom to Thimphu is less forested than what you have been seeing so far except for two sections where it widens into gentle slopes, terraced rice fields, and lovely strands of conifer trees. Around 12 KM BEFORE THIMPHU, you hit the first express highway a glorious four-lane blacktop that allows you to enter the capital in style. On the way visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest in the Kingdom. The Dzong is located on a small hill overlooking the valley. Its 16th-century fortress was built to withstand the attack from five groups of lamas from Tibet in 1634.

Visit Changangkha temples, a very important temple in Thimphu for locals as all newborn child is named here. The temple dates back to the 15th century. 15 minutes drive from the temple you will reach the Takin preservation center. The center has Takin the national animal of Bhutan. There are also 30 minutes of a refreshing hike from the center to Motithang open-air Gym. In the evening walk the street of Thimphu.

Today we drive to Punakha the older capital of Bhutan. The weather in Punakha is warmer than in Thimphu and Paro. You might consider AC if your Bhutan Travel itinerary falls in late spring. About 22Km towards Punakha and takes about 45 minutes as the roads have many twists and turns. The route take you past Simtokha dzong and upon reaching Dochula Pass 3100m you will be greeted by mighty Himalayan ranges and 108 small stupa which was built in 2004 to commerate the victory.

Beside the magnificient chortens in an amazing settings you will be able to spot some of the great unclimbed Himalayn Peaks starting on the left with Masangang (7165m), which dominates the region of Laya. The next is Tsendagang (7100m) and the following peaks are Terigang (7300m) Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, the Table mountain Zingaphugang (all 7100m). Spend sometime here for some time with a hot cup of coffee from Dochula cafe.

From this lofty spot, 15km you visit Lamperi Botanical Park.Further drive is a downhill drive of 38Km till you reach Lobesa where you turn off to Punakha. On the way visit, Chimi Lhakhang built-in 1499 located on a small hilltop overlooking Lobesa valley.

Punakha Dzong is 12 Km away from Lobesa. The Dzong starddles the confluence of two rivers and resembles a giant battleship. Its full name is ‘Punthang Dechen Phodrang’ extremely impressive fortress was built as far back as 1637. It is the second mighty Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang namgyel. After the tour evening at Hotel.

Due to twist and turn of the road it takes 2 hours to reach Gasa Hot Spring. The drive takes you through thick forest and routes also lies in Jigme Dorji National park area. Damji is a small village with about 500 people where you will take a rest for some time and further drive to Hot Spring. The Gasa Dzong is 1-hour uphill hike from Hots Spring. Enjoy the remaining day at Hot Spring. It’s always better to include Gasa Hot Spring in your Bhutan Travel Itinerary. Benefits of Gasa Hot Spring.

Heals aching body.
Heal’s skin problem.

Early morning hike to Gasa dzong. It is 2 hours uphill walk from Gasa Hotspring. The Dzong plays the vital role in ancient days.

We begin our journey to Gangtey valley from Gasa Hot Spring to Black Necked Crane breeding center. The drive takes about 4.5 hours from Gasa to Gangtye valley. It is dramatic due to the range of scenic beauty that unfolds along its routes. the drive takes you from 1342m to 3354m to a pass under 3354m. The only historical place here is Gangtey Goenpa. Its 8th-century temples and first of its Kind who taught Nyinmapas Bhudhism. Walk around the sights and enjoy the natural beauty of Phobjikha valley. The Phobjikha valley is lush green and extensively cultivates potatoes which are the regions primary cash crops and an important export to India. This expansive peaceful pastoral environment here makes it an ideal place to chill out for few days – there are no intruding of TV in hotels. Over night at Hotel.

Gangtey Valley Excursion. The Bhutan Tour itinerary aslo covers the best of hiking trail in western Bhutan. One of the beautiful trail that one can choose to hike is Gangtye Goenpa Trail that starts from the Gangtey temple towards your hotel. It takes about 1 hour through swampy land and streams flowing the place. Walk around the village of Gangtye and grab opportunity to converse with locals. Over night at Hotel.

Gangtey to Trongsa is about 4 hours drive. It is the eastern Bhutan palace of the Royals. Drive to Pelela Pass. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with a view of Jichu Drake Mountain, Kang Bum, and other peaks of Bhutan. In summer hill slopes are alive with vibrant blooms of pink, white and red rhododendrons and you may even encounter some yaks and odd barking deer or Red panda. Upon reaching Trongsa visit Trongsa Dzong and Museum. Overnight at Hotel.

Drive to Bumthang the cultural hub of the country.

The District is cultural capital of Bhutan. Explore temples and valleys. Visit Tharpaling Monastery and Choedrak Goenpa. A rough 9Km track allows you to drive up to Tharpaling (3600m). The monastery was constructed in 1352 by longchen Rabjampa who was an eminent philosopher of the Dzogchen sect. There are two temples with the one on the upper floor having been restored by King Ugyen Wangchuk. This contains some exqusite paintings of Zhabdrung, Longchen Rabjampa, Amitava heavne and Guru Rinpochhe in his rareley depicted form of Guru Dewa.

After having breakfast drive for leisure shopping at the handicraft emporium run by NGO. Located in a charming traditional building by the river, this emporium promotes the drafts of the region. For the next stop, you will find closed Wangdicholing Palace built-in 1857 by the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel., It was the first palace not designed to be a fortress as well. In the afternoon visit burning lake where the local believes that there are many treasures hidden inside the lake. Over night at Hotel.

This Bhutan Travel Journey is one of the most scenics and includes a short stop at Ura valley. We start leisurely and the journey does not include any sightseeing and serves as a transit point en route to Trashigang. The route takes you past the turn-off to Tang valley, climbing up to the lofty Shelthang La(11500ft/3506m) that is 37Km out of Jakar Bumthang. If you are lucky , just before you get to the pass you will be rewarded with a view of the famed ‘Table Mountains’ and Mt. Gangkar Punsum(25735ft/7541m) which lies in a northwesterly direction. Driving down you reach Ura valley (10168ft/3100m) is on the right and you can easily spot the golden Temple at one end.

Ura valley is touted as a success story of what progressive development can achieve. In thirty years they have graduated from subsistence farming to prosperous region. From Ura, you drive 35Km through conifers and rhododendrons to the high point of the day Thrumshingla (12000ft/3659m) which is usually wreathed in swirling vaporous mist. You will have your lunch at Sengor (2957m).

A quick stop around 8Km before naming is a ‘must do’.This is the best place where impressive Namling Dra waterfall as it explodes off the side of the mountain and crashes down into the gorge. Upon reaching Mongar check into Hotel and relax.

We start early since we plan to take the diversion to Drametse monastery. The drive is around 200Km and will take most of the day to negotiate. It s70Km drive from Mongar to the point where you turn off for Drametse and initially passing through cornfields, you enter into the deep vibrant fern-lined forest of Rhododendrons, blue pine, and exotic orchids. The journey takes you through Korila Pass( 7800ft/2378m). The pass is marked by gaily fluttering prayer flags and mani all. On the way, you come across Striking Sherichu Waterfall and a village of the same name.

After some time you reach Dremetse monastery which is the most important temple of the east and houses a body of around 60 gomchens. The gompa dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by the great-granddaughter of Pema Lingpa. Visitors are allowed to enter the temple dedicated to the five sisters’ long life.

After lunch drive to trashigang. On the way visit Chazam where the great ‘Iron Bridge Builder’ from Tibet Thangthong Gyalpo built the Bridge. On the way visit, Gom Kora is set in an undulating meadow along the river bank and was established in the 7th century.

Visit Bumdelling. Drive to Bumdelling. It takes about 3 hours and covers the distance of 80Km from Trashigang to Bumdelling national Park. Enjoy walking around the villages and over night at Camp.

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the north-western part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km of buffer zone encompassing parts of Trashi Yangtse, Lhuentshe, and Mongar district. It shares international borders with the Tibetan region of China in the north and India in the northeast. Explore Bumdelling village and popular for Black Necked Crane and Snow leopard. Over night at Camp.

Drive to Trashigang and walk around the town. Visit Trashigang dzong. Over night at Hotel.

Today we drive to Pemagatshel. There is no good hotels in Pemagastshel and therefore we will stay at Farm House in Yurung. The farm house is owned by the locals there and in the evening small cultural performance by Local people from aorund. Tourist hardly visit Pemagatshel distrcit as there isnot much to see but Pemagatshel have beautifull scenic pace and loving people. Over night at Farm House.

A village tour in Pemagatshel, Bhutan offers a unique opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here’s what you can expect:

Scenic Beauty: Pemagatshel is located in the eastern part of Bhutan and is known for its picturesque landscapes. You can expect to see lush green valleys, terraced fields, and stunning mountain views.
Traditional Bhutanese Architecture: The villages in Pemagatshel feature traditional Bhutanese architecture, with houses made of rammed earth or wood, intricately carved wooden windows, and colorful paintings. You can explore the villages and get a glimpse of the local way of life.
Interaction with Locals: One of the highlights of a village tour is the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals. You can learn about their daily activities, farming techniques, and traditional crafts. Engaging with the villagers will give you insights into their customs, traditions, and values.
Cultural Experiences: Bhutan is known for its vibrant culture, and Pemagatshel is no exception. You may witness traditional dances, music performances, and participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with any festivities. This will provide a deeper understanding of Bhutanese traditions and rituals.
Farming and Agriculture: Pemagatshel is primarily an agricultural region, and you can witness the traditional farming practices. You might have the opportunity to participate in farming activities, such as harvesting crops, plowing fields with yaks or oxen, or making traditional Bhutanese cheese.
Nature Walks and Hikes: Pemagatshel is surrounded by natural beauty, offering opportunities for nature walks and short hikes. You can explore the nearby forests, visit waterfalls, and enjoy the serene environment.

Drive to Samdrupjongkhar. Walk around the town. Over night at Hotel

Your Bhutan travel from Indian ends here. Today we start early and drive you to Guwahati airport. If you have extended tour in India our team will receive you at the border and take you for the tour.