Plan an exotic Bhutan 8D tour | Wangdue | Phuentsholing Bhutan

Upon arrival at NJP Railway Station or IXB Airport, you will begin your journey to Phuentsholing, a bustling border town in Southern Bhutan. Known for its commercial vibrancy, Phuentsholing offers a warm introduction to Bhutanese culture. (Distance: 170 kms. / Driving Time: 5 hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 mts.)

After arriving in Phuentsholing, your Bhutanese guide will greet you, marking the start of your Bhutan experience.

Take some time to capture the ornate gate that marks the entrance to Bhutan, a popular photo spot.

Check-in at your hotel in Phuentsholing, and for the rest of the evening, you are free for leisure.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, complete the necessary immigration formalities before starting your drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, situated at an elevation of 7,710 ft. (Distance: 176 kms. / Driving Time: 6 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 mts.)

En route, stop at Kharbandi Goemba, a monastery established in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden. The monastery offers stunning views of Phuentsholing and the surrounding plains.

Continue your drive to Thimphu, where the landscape gradually shifts from plains to foothills and then to the majestic Himalayan slopes.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. The evening is at your disposal for relaxation.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore the highlights of Thimphu.

Visit the Kuensel Phodrang, home to the massive Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Next, see the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in honor of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a popular site for locals to offer prayers.

Explore the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides insight into traditional Bhutanese life and artifacts.

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, and then head to the Motithang Takin Reserve, a wildlife center dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that houses government offices and the central monk body.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Punakha. (Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 mts.)

Stop at Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,100 mts. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas, offering breathtaking views.

Continue your journey to Punakha/Wangdue and upon arrival, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. The temple is reached after a short hike of approximately 30-45 minutes.

Later, visit the Punakha Dzong, an architectural marvel situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers.

Check-in at your hotel, with the evening free for your leisure activities.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Along the way, stop at the Royal Botanical Garden in Lamperi, Bhutan's first botanical park.

Continue your journey, with a brief stop at the Immigration Check Point in Hongtsho Village to return your previously stamped permit.

En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, renowned as the Iron Bridge Builder.

Upon reaching Paro, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now serves as the National Museum, and Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.

Walk down to Nemi Zam Bridge, a traditional covered cantilever bridge that connects Paro town to the Dzong.

Check-in at your hotel, and take the evening to relax.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Upper Paro Valley.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, making it one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

The hike to the monastery is challenging and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. Due to the steep and strenuous nature of the trail, it is not recommended for small children and elderly individuals.

On the return journey, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive back to Phuentsholing. (Distance: 200 kms. / Driving Time: 7 hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 mts.)

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel for your last night in Bhutan.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and you will be driven to NJP Railway Station or IXB Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek! (Distance: 170 kms. / Driving Time: 5 hrs. / Altitude of NJP/IXB: 89 mts.)