Bhutan Road Trip Itinerary 2025: 6 Days & 5 Nights from Bagdogra with Return via Phuentsholing

Day 1: Arrival & Drive

Bagdogra to Phuentsholing, India to Bhutan on June 1, 2025

10:30AM

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, nearest gateway to Bhutan.
INR0, 0h30m

11:00AM

Drive to Phuentsholing

Drive through lush Dooars region and tea gardens towards Phuentsholing, approx. 4-5 hrs.
INR0, 4h30m

4:30PM

Visit Bhutan Gate

Iconic entrance marking Bhutan border; great photo opportunity and cultural experience.
INR0, 0h30m

5:00PM

Explore Local Market

Stroll through Phuentsholing market to experience local crafts and snacks.
INR0, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Norbuling Phuentsholing

Enjoy Bhutanese cuisine specialties like Ema Datshi in a traditional setting; open until 9 PM.
INR700, 1h
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Day 2: Permits & Sightseeing

Phuentsholing to Thimphu, Bhutan on June 2, 2025

7:00AM

Immigration & Permit Process

Early morning process at Phuentsholing for Bhutan entry permits; counters open at 7 AM.
INR0, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Thimphu

Scenic 6-7 hours drive through river valleys and mountain roads to Thimphu.
INR0, 6h30m

3:00PM

Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue

Massive golden Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu; open until 6 PM.
BTN100, 1h

4:30PM

Explore Memorial Chorten

Peaceful stupa with intricate artwork; ideal for a brief cultural visit.
BTN50, 0h45m

5:30PM

Visit Tashichho Dzong

Historic fortress and government seat, open to visitors if time permits; closes by 6 PM.
BTN150, 0h45m

7:00PM

Dinner at Ambient Café

Try local and continental dishes in an artistic café open till 9 PM.
BTN250, 1h
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Day 3: Mountain Pass & Dzong Visit

Thimphu to Punakha, Bhutan on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Dochula Pass

2.5-hour drive to Dochula Pass featuring 108 chortens and Himalayan panorama.
BTN0, 2h30m

10:30AM

Stop at Dochula Pass

Enjoy breathtaking views and photographs; small tea house available for refreshments.
BTN20, 0h45m

11:30AM

Continue Drive to Punakha

Short drive to Punakha valley through scenic landscapes.
BTN0, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Mountain Café

Savor traditional Bhutanese food like red rice and buckwheat pancakes; open 11 AM-3 PM.
BTN200, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Punakha Dzong

Admire Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress by the river, featuring historic art and architecture; open until 5 PM.
BTN150, 1h

3:30PM

Walk Suspension Bridge

Experience a stroll over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan with stunning views of the river.
BTN0, 0h30m

4:15PM

Short Hike to Chimi Lhakhang

Visit the Fertility Temple, a peaceful spot with cultural significance; open until sunset.
BTN50, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Lobesa Farmhouse Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table Bhutanese specialties in a cozy setting open till 8:30 PM.
BTN300, 1h
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Day 4: Dzong & Temple Tour

Punakha to Paro, Bhutan on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Paro

4-5 hour scenic drive returning westwards to Paro valley.
BTN0, 4h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Popular for Bhutanese traditional dishes and momos; open till 3 PM.
BTN250, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Rinpung Dzong

Grand fortress with rich history, Buddhist art, and administrative center; open till 5 PM.
BTN150, 1h

3:45PM

Explore Kyichu Lhakhang

One of Bhutan’s oldest and holiest temples, famous for serene surroundings; open till 6 PM.
BTN50, 0h45m

4:45PM

Stroll Paro Town

Discover local handicrafts, souvenirs, and art galleries in Paro’s small but lively town center.
BTN0, 1h

6:00PM

Optional Hot Stone Bath

Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath for relaxation; available at select hotels with advance booking.
BTN400, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Zamling Bistro

Cozy restaurant offering excellent Bhutanese and continental dishes; closes by 9 PM.
BTN300, 1h
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Day 5: Tiger's Nest Hike & Transfer

Paro to Phuentsholing, Bhutan on June 5, 2025

6:00AM

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Early start for the 4-6 hour hike to Bhutan’s most iconic cliffside monastery, enjoying spiritual atmosphere and scenic Himalayan views.
BTN300, 5h30m

12:00PM

Lunch in Paro

Light lunch in Paro town with local snacks and tea before departure.
BTN150, 1h

1:00PM

Drive to Phuentsholing

Long 5-6 hours drive back through mountain roads to Phuentsholing for overnight stay.
BTN0, 6h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Norbuling

Relaxed dinner after a long day with Bhutanese comfort food serving till 9 PM.
BTN350, 1h
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Day 6: Departure

Phuentsholing to Bagdogra, Bhutan to India on June 6, 2025

8:00AM

Drive to Bagdogra Airport

After breakfast, a 4-5 hour drive to Bagdogra Airport for departure flight.
INR0, 4h30m
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