Trip at a glance
- Route
- Phuentsholing → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
- Duration
- 6 nights · 7 days
- Best season
- March–May, September–November
- Maximum altitude
- Up to 3,100m at Dochula Pass
- Permits
- Bhutan entry permit + Sustainable Development Fee
- Pace
- Moderate — two long driving days
Day-by-day itinerary
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1Day
Jaigaon to Thimphu
Meet our team at the Bhutan Gate in Jaigaon. Permits are processed at Phuentsholing immigration, then a 5–6 hour drive through the hills to Thimphu at 2,320m. Evening free on Norzin Lam.

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2Day
Thimphu sightseeing
Buddha Dordenma above the valley, the Memorial Chorten early while local worshippers are circling it, the Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong in the late afternoon once government offices close.
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3Day
Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula
An early start to cross Dochula Pass at 3,100m before the cloud comes up, with the 108 chortens and the eastern Himalaya behind them. Down to Punakha at 1,200m, noticeably warmer. Chimi Lhakhang walk through the rice fields in the afternoon.

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4Day
Punakha to Paro
Punakha Dzong in the morning light, then the suspension bridge across the Po Chhu. Drive to Paro in the afternoon, recrossing Dochula. Evening at leisure in Paro town.
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5Day
Tiger's Nest
Leave by 8am for Paro Taktsang. A 4–5 hour return walk with a cafeteria at the halfway point. Afternoon at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country.

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6Day
Paro at your own pace
Rinpung Dzong and the traditional cantilever bridge below it, the National Museum in the old watchtower, and time in Paro town. Optional drive to Chele La at 3,988m for the Haa valley view.
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7Day
Paro to Phuentsholing and the border
Drive back down to Phuentsholing and cross to Jaigaon, where the trip ends. Onward transfers to Bagdogra, Hasimara or New Jalpaiguri arranged on request.
What is included, and what is not
Included in the price
- Bhutan entry permits processed by our staff at Phuentsholing
- Sustainable Development Fee for the full stay
- All accommodation on twin sharing in government-approved hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Private vehicle with driver for the whole circuit
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- All monument and museum entry fees listed in the itinerary
Not included
- Travel to and from Jaigaon
- Lunches, and any meals outside the hotel
- Tiger's Nest pony hire
- Personal expenses, tips and telephone charges
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed under what is included

























