Bhutan with Punakha — Straight to Thimphu

Reach the capital on day one, and add the warm valley of Punakha

Rated 4.7 out of 5

About This Tour

This version does not stop at the border. You land at Bagdogra, clear immigration at Phuentsholing and carry straight on to Thimphu the same day, which buys you a full extra day higher up.

That day goes to Punakha, over the Dochula Pass with its hundred and eight chortens and, on a clear morning, the eastern Himalaya laid out behind them. Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu is the finest building in the country. Paro and the Tiger’s Nest follow.

Route: Thimphu 2N · Paro 2N · Phuentsholing 1N
Duration: 5 nights and 6 days
Starts and ends: Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day by day, here is exactly how Bhutan with Punakha — Straight to Thimphu unfolds — 5 nights and 6 days, starting and ending at Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri.

Day 1, Pickup from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport
On arrival at (IXB) Bagdogra Airport, (500Ft / 150 m) / NJP Railway Station – you will be greeted by our official and transfer to Thimphu post immigration formalities at Phuenstholing (India -Bhutan border, approx 310km / 7-8hrs drive). Thimphu lies at an elevation of 2300m, a beautiful valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu Chhu River and has a total area of about 1,809 sq. kms. Check In. Evening at your own leisure. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Be sure to sink your teeth into momo kopi, steam dumplings filled with finely chopped cabbage, onions, cheese and butter. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 2, Ex thimphu – Punakha / Wangdue via Dochula Pass
After breakfast day excursion to Punakha/Wangdue (One-way approximately 70 kms / 2hrs) Enroot visit Simtokha Dzong proceed to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en-route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. In Wangdue Have your lunch and in afternoon drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong (Optional and entry fees on direct payment basis), which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Also visit the Punakha Suspension bridge. The second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, its perche cover the Mo – chhu and Po Chhu river and is about 160-180meters in length –its one of the oldest bridge in the world that connects Punakha Dzong to the rest of the valley. Evening back to Thimphu. Back to Thimphu. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 3, Thimphu City Tour – Transfer to Paro
After breakfast go for Thimphu City Tour Covering -Art & Craft school,National Institute of Traditional Medicine, National library, Buddha Dordenma statue, Bhutan Simply Museum, Folk and Heritage Museum,Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Post Lunch transfer to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Day 4, Ex Paro – Chele La Pass
After Breakfast proceed to visit Chelela Pass. Chele-la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. Back to resort / hotel – Evening at your own leisure- Overnight at Paro. OR EX PARO. Tiger’sNest HIKE Post breakfastdrive 12kms north of Paro to visit Taktsang: or “Tiger’s Nest” is one of the most famous places to visit in Bhutan and one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which you need to hike it by your own & it will take approx 2-3hrs one way). Back to hotel/resort. Leisure. Overnight at Paro.
Day 5, Paro Sightseeing – Transfer to Phuentsholing
Early breakfast check-out Paro Local sightseeing covering some on way sightseeing. Every turn on the way comes with surprise and scenic view of the mountain and nature. Visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Also visit the Paro airport viewpoint, Reach Paro & Paro local sightseeing – covering DungtseLhankhang, Nya-mey Zam, UgyenPelri Palace –Transfer to Phuentsholing -Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 6, Phuentsholing to NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport Drop
After breakfast, the road turns homeward. You will be dropped at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport - Service ends, and the tour concludes with memories that stay with you long after.

Price on Request

/ per person

*Rates are quoted against your travel dates, hotel category and group size. Write to us or send the enquiry form and we will come back with a full costing the same day.