Our Bhutan Explorer package is the most complete overland journey into the Last Shangri-La. Entering via the Phuentsholing border from Bagdogra, this 8-day route takes in the capital Thimphu, the spectacular Dochula pass, the riverside Punakha Dzong, and the valley of Paro with its iconic Tiger’s Nest. Eight days across the heart of the Dragon Kingdom.

OVERVIEW & TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Thimphu: The Capital

Bhutan’s capital blends ancient tradition with gentle modernity — the King’s Memorial Chorten, the giant Buddha Dordenma, the National Library, and the Takin Preservation Centre for Bhutan’s curious national animal.

Punakha: Valley of Dzongs

Reached across the 3,080 m Dochula pass, the balmy Punakha valley holds one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses — the Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers — and the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang.

Paro: Tiger’s Nest

The Paro valley is home to the National Museum in the Ta Dzong watchtower, the majestic Rinpung Dzong, and Bhutan’s most famous sight — the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery perched on a cliff, reached by a scenic hike.

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Arrival at NJP/IXB & transfer to Phuentsholing

Meet and greet on arrival at NJP railway station or Bagdogra (IXB) airport, then transfer to the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border town. Our representative assists you on arrival. Evening free. Overnight in Phuentsholing.

Day 2 — Phuentsholing to Thimphu

After border formalities, drive up into the hills to Thimphu, stopping at the Kharbandi Gonpa monastery and enjoying views over the Indian plains and the Toorsa river. Pass Bhutan’s first hydro-power project and the Chuzom confluence en route. Lunch is served on the way. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 — Thimphu Sightseeing

Tour Thimphu — the King’s Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King; the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue at Buddha Point; the National Library with its vast collection of Bhutanese scripts; Coronation Park; and the Takin Preservation Centre, home to Bhutan’s national animal. In the evening, stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4 — Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha (approx. 75 km / 3 hrs) across the 3,080 m Dochula pass, marked by chortens and prayer flags with sweeping eastern-Himalaya views. Visit the riverside Punakha Dzong (1637) and take the gentle walk through rice fields to the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5 — Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro (approx. 125 km / 4 hrs), descending from Dochula and following the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu valleys. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, then in Paro visit the Ta Dzong National Museum and the historic Rinpung Dzong with its fine Buddhist wall paintings. Overnight in Paro.

Day 6 — Paro — Tiger’s Nest or Chele La

Choose between two experiences today. Option 1 — the hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery, clinging to a cliff high above the valley: around 2½ hours up to the viewpoint cafeteria, with the option to continue closer, and about 1½ hours back down, followed by lunch and time in Paro Bazaar. Option 2 — a drive to the Chele La pass (3,988 m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, prized for its prayer-flag ridge, Himalayan flowers and mountain views, returning to Paro in the evening. Overnight in Paro.

Day 7 — Paro to Phuentsholing

After breakfast, drive back down to the Phuentsholing/Jaigaon border, where our escort assists with exit formalities. Overnight in Phuentsholing.

Day 8 — Departure from Phuentsholing

After breakfast, transfer to NJP railway station or Bagdogra (IXB) airport for your onward journey. Your Bhutan Explorer adventure concludes.

Includes :

• Accommodation in 3-star hotels on twin/double sharing (7 nights)
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Hindi-speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle
• Bhutan entry permit processing and approval
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person per night
• Pickup and drop at Bagdogra (IXB) Airport / NJP railway station
• All applicable taxes

Excludes :

• Airfare and flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Entry and museum fees at monuments and dzongs
• Lunch
• Single-room supplement
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, etc.)
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What’s Included

The Bhutan Explorer package suits travellers who want the full overland Bhutan experience across Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. It covers 7 nights of 3-star half-board accommodation, a Hindi-speaking guide throughout, private transport, permit processing, and the Sustainable Development Fee. Contact us for a personalised quote tailored to your dates, hotel category and group size. Discover why travellers have trusted Cosima Holidays for 27 years, and see our guide to booking domestic flights in India.

Important Notes:
Rooms are on twin/double-sharing basis in indicative 3-star hotels; similar-category properties may be substituted. The overland route enters Bhutan via the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border, so permit formalities are handled on arrival. The Paro day offers a choice between the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) hike and the Chele La pass excursion. Rates are valid 01 Jul–30 Sep 2026. This is a price-on-request package — contact us for a personalised quote.