Our Bhutan Highlights package captures the essentials of the Dragon Kingdom in seven overland days. Entering via Phuentsholing, you explore the capital Thimphu, cross the Dochula pass, and spend two nights in the Paro valley with its dzongs, National Museum, and the cliff-hanging Tiger’s Nest. A focused route through Bhutan’s best-loved sights.
OVERVIEW & TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Thimphu: The Capital
Bhutan’s capital blends tradition with gentle modernity — the King’s Memorial Chorten, the giant Buddha Dordenma, the National Library, and the Takin Preservation Centre for Bhutan’s national animal.
Dochula & Paro
The scenic Dochula pass, draped in prayer flags, opens Himalayan views before you reach Paro — a valley of dzongs and monasteries, crowned by the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery high on its cliff.
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, where our representative assists you. Evening free. Overnight in Phuentsholing.
Day 2 — Phuentsholing to Thimphu
After border formalities, drive up to Thimphu, stopping at the Kharbandi Gonpa monastery with 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 Paro via Dochula
After breakfast, drive to the Dochula pass (3,080 m) for its chortens, prayer flags and eastern-Himalaya views, then continue to Paro. Visit the historic Rinpung (Paro) Dzong and the Ta Dzong National Museum. Overnight in Paro.
Day 5 — 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 6 — Paro to Phuentsholing
After breakfast, drive back to the Phuentsholing/Jaigaon border, where our escort assists with exit formalities. Overnight in Phuentsholing.
Day 7 — Departure from Phuentsholing
After breakfast, transfer to NJP railway station or Bagdogra (IXB) airport for your onward journey. Your Bhutan Highlights tour concludes.
Includes :
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels on twin/double sharing (6 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 Highlights package is ideal for travellers wanting Thimphu and Paro in a compact overland trip. It covers 6 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.
