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Bhutan Adventure: December 20‑31, 2025

Viewed by 73 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Border Crossing

Morning: Depart Bagdogra early by shared taxi to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, then catch the 08:00 am train to New Cooch Behar. Enjoy the scenic plains of West Bengal en route to the border.

Afternoon: Cross into Bhutan at the Phuentsholing‑Jaigaon border. After immigration, settle into a comfortable guesthouse and stroll through the lively Phuentsholing Market for local snacks.

Evening: Relax with a traditional Bhutanese dinner and brief orientation session about Bhutan’s culture and travel etiquette.

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Day 2: Phuentsholing → Thimphu

Morning: Visit the historic Phuentsholing Fort and the nearby Zangdopelri Monastery before departing.

Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic 6‑hour drive to the capital, passing the spectacular Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and Himalayan panorama.

Evening: Arrive in Thimphu, check into a boutique hotel, and explore the vibrant weekend market.

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Day 3: Thimphu Exploration

Morning: Tour the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government, and the nearby National Memorial Chorten.

Afternoon: Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue on the hills, then wander the Folk Heritage Museum for insights into Bhutanese life.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant featuring organic farm‑to‑table cuisine and enjoy a traditional folk dance performance.

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Day 4: Thimphu → Punakha

Morning: Drive to Punakha via the dramatic Dochula Pass for sunrise photography.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, perched at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers, and visit the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.

Evening: Relax in the serene riverside setting and enjoy a quiet dinner at your lodge.

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Day 5: Punakha → Paro

Morning: Depart early for Paro, crossing the spectacular Dochula Pass again for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Arrive in Paro and check into a traditional farmhouse. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in an old watchtower.

Evening: Stroll through Paro town, sample local cheese and yak butter tea, and rest for the next day’s trek.

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Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Trek (Taktsang Monastery)

Morning: Begin the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), ascending through pine forests and cliffside pathways.

Afternoon: Reach the monastery perched dramatically on a cliff; explore its sacred chambers and enjoy breathtaking valley views.

Evening: Return to Paro for a soothing hot‑stone bath and a hearty dinner at the farmhouse.

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Day 7: Paro → Trongsa

Morning: Depart Paro and travel eastward, crossing the winding mountain roads of central Bhutan.

Afternoon: Arrive in Trongsa and visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan offering sweeping valley vistas.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural talk on Bhutan’s royal lineage and spend the night at a local guesthouse.

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Day 8: Trongsa → Bumthang

Morning: Drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of Bhutan, passing through lush valleys and terraced farms.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient Jambay Lhakhang and the beautiful Kurjey Lhakhang, both dating back to the 7th century.

Evening: Savor a traditional Bumthang feast featuring pork with red rice and local honey.

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Day 9: Bumthang Valley Exploration

Morning: Visit the serene Jakar Dzong overlooking the valley and the vibrant Ura Valley for its rhododendron blossoms.

Afternoon: Discover the mystical Tamshing Lhakhang and the tranquil Mebar Tsho (Lake) for a peaceful boat ride.

Evening: Attend a local folk music session and rest at the guesthouse.

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Day 10: Bumthang → Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Morning: Travel to the stunning Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black‑necked crane.

Afternoon: Explore the serene Gangtey Monastery and take a gentle walk around the lake to spot wildlife.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner under the stars and listen to the soft sounds of the valley.

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Day 11: Gangtey → Paro (Departure Preparation)

Morning: Return to Paro, stopping at the scenic Chele La Pass for panoramic Himalayan views.

Afternoon: Spend leisure time shopping for Bhutanese handicrafts in Paro town and revisiting any favorite sites.

Evening: Pack and enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese dishes.

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Day 12: Paro → Bagdogra (Return)

Morning: Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to Kolkata, then a short drive back to Bagdogra.

Afternoon: Arrive in Bagdogra, concluding the magical Bhutanese journey.

Evening: Reflect on unforgettable memories and share photos with friends and family.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Phuentsholing Market – 2 hrs – $5
  • Phuentsholing Fort – 1 hr – $3
  • Dochula Pass – 1.5 hrs – $2
  • Tashichho Dzong – 2 hrs – $5
  • National Memorial Chorten – 1 hr – $2
  • Buddha Dordenma – 1.5 hrs – $4
  • Folk Heritage Museum – 1 hr – $3
  • Punakha Dzong – 2 hrs – $5
  • Chimi Lhakhang – 1 hr – $2
  • National Museum of Bhutan – 1.5 hrs – $4
  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – 4 hrs (hike) – $10
  • Trongsa Dzong – 2 hrs – $5
  • Jambay Lhakhang – 1 hr – $3
  • Kurjey Lhakhang – 1 hr – $3
  • Jakar Dzong – 1.5 hrs – $4
  • Ura Valley – 2 hrs – $5
  • Tamshing Lhakhang – 1 hr – $3
  • Mebar Tsho (Lake) – 1 hr – $2
  • Gangtey Monastery – 1.5 hrs – $4
  • Phobjikha Valley (crane spotting) – 2 hrs – $5
  • Chele La Pass – 1 hr – $2
  • Paro Market & Souvenirs – 2 hrs – $10
  • Total Estimated Cost: $100

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Bumthang for a sunrise trek to the Jambay Lhakhang summit or explore the remote Haa Valley in western Bhutan. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Phobjikha Valley and allocate those two days to a relaxed stay in Thimphu, allowing more time for cultural immersion and shopping.

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