Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a small, landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas in South Asia. Bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west, Bhutan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique approach to national development.
Known locally as “Druk Yul”, meaning “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan is a deeply spiritual nation where Vajrayana Buddhism shapes its identity and way of life. The country is famous for its commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH)—a development philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of its people over economic growth alone.
Bhutan is one of the few remaining monarchies in the world. It transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 2008, and the King of Bhutan, currently King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, plays a vital symbolic and leadership role.
The nation is noted for its lush landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to dense forests, and has a strong focus on environmental conservation. In fact, Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world.
Bhutan’s capital is Thimphu, and its official language is Dzongkha. The country remains culturally preserved and relatively isolated from global influences, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern governance.
Tour Plan
Day 02: Phuentsholing to Thimphu
Start the scenic journey towards Thimphu. The feeling of exhausted and crowded in Phuentsholing comes to the end after half an hour drive uphill, you will start feeling fresh and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nature. The journey will pass through some of the most beautiful broad leaves forest to temperate alpine zone, villages, towns, water fall, hills and mountains until we reach Thimphu, creating the history for you. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at Chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan.
Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world’s only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Punakha day excursion: Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Day 04: Thimphu to Paro
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. After our breakfast, retrace the drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. En route stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, it is a paradise for nature lover. The visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which has deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and also the wildcat. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport.
Day 05: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism.
Day 06: Paro to Phuentsholing
After the breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing is also good for buying inexpensive Bhutanese souvenirs and agro products for your relatives back home. Prepare yourself to exit from Bhutan. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Kharbandi/Rinchending Gompa (based on your interest)- Monastery is built by Royal Grandmother in 1967. It is located on a picturesque hill overlooking the whole Phuentsholing town and beyond Toorsa River far into distant till the sight disappears into a mountain.
Day 07: End of the Tour
Departure from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport.
