Explore Bhutan: Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro with Taktsang in Eight Days Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Phuentsholing

Arrive at the border town of Phuentsholing from Bagdogra or Siliguri and complete Bhutan entry formalities. Evening at leisure.

Stay: Hotel Peling, Phuentsholing (4 star)

Day 2

Phuentsholing to Thimphu

Drive into the mountains to Thimphu, with photo stops at waterfalls and the Kharbandi Gompa viewpoint. Evening free in the capital.

Transfers: Private vehicle | Stay: Le Meridien Thimphu (5 star)

Day 3

Thimphu sightseeing

A full private tour of the capital: Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Simtokha Dzong and the weekend market if it is on.

Activity: Thimphu sightseeing, private basis | Stay: Le Meridien Thimphu (5 star)

Day 4

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La

Cross Dochu La and its 108 chortens, then descend into the warm Punakha valley for the great dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Activity: Dochu La pass, Punakha sightseeing, private basis | Stay: COMO Uma Punakha (5 star)

Day 5

Punakha to Paro

A leisurely drive to Paro, arriving in the afternoon. Walk the main street of the old town and see Rinpung Dzong glowing in the evening light.

Transfers: Private vehicle | Stay: Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa, Paro (4 star)

Day 6

Paro half-day sightseeing

A half-day private tour of Paro: Ta Dzong, the national museum in its old watchtower, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Afternoon at leisure.

Activity: Paro half-day sightseeing, private basis | Stay: Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa, Paro (4 star)

Day 7

Paro to Phuentsholing

Drive back down to the border at Phuentsholing, arriving by evening. Last chance for Bhutanese handicrafts in the market.

Transfers: Private vehicle | Stay: Hotel Peling, Phuentsholing (4 star)

Day 8

Departure via Siliguri

Breakfast and drive across the border to Siliguri or Bagdogra to continue your journey home.

Transfers: Private vehicle to Siliguri

Included

Daily breakfast with lunch or dinner
Return transfers between Phuentsholing and Siliguri/Bagdogra
Private vehicle with driver throughout
English-speaking Bhutanese guide
Thimphu sightseeing tour on a private basis
Punakha sightseeing tour on a private basis
Paro half-day sightseeing on a private basis
Dochu La pass excursion
All current taxes
Photo credits: Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan 01.jpg by Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Gate at the Buddha Dordenma statue complex, Thimphu 01.jpg by Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Dochu La Pass, 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (15818199106).jpg by Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium (CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Punakha Dzong, Bhutan 11.jpg by Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons). Hotel photos from the official hotel websites: Hotel Peling, Phuentsholing, Le Meridien Thimphu, COMO Uma Punakha, Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa, Paro.

Not Included

Travel to and from the Bhutan border
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee
Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Tips for guide and driver
Travel insurance

Packing

Comfortable walking shoes
warm layers for the passes
modest clothing for dzong visits
and sun protection.

Explore Bhutan: Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro with Taktsang in Eight Days

Day by Day