Bhutan Himalayan Gateway

Begin your journey with an early morning flight from Kochi to either Bagdogra (West Bengal) or Guwahati (Assam), depending on flight availability and your preference. Upon arrival, meet our representative who will assist you with the transfer to Phuentsholing (approximately 4 hours from Bagdogra or 3 hours from Guwahati), the bustling border town between India and Bhutan. After completing immigration formalities at the Bhutan border checkpoint (our representative will assist with all necessary paperwork), continue your drive to Thimphu (approximately 5 hours), Bhutan's capital city. The journey offers spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills, verdant valleys, and traditional villages. En route, stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers, where you can see three different styles of stupas representing Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepali architecture. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive tour of Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a massive 51.5-meter bronze Buddha statue offering panoramic views of the Thimphu valley. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, where locals circumambulate throughout the day, a testament to Bhutan's living Buddhist traditions. Visit the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu, frequented by parents seeking blessings for their newborns. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Folk Heritage Museum to understand traditional Bhutanese rural life, followed by a visit to the Traditional Paper Factory to witness the ancient craft of handmade paper production. Later, observe Bhutan's national animal at the Takin Preserve. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress housing government offices, the throne room, and various ministries. End your day with some free time to browse handicraft shops and the local market, where you can purchase authentic Bhutanese souvenirs. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Paro (approximately 1.5 hours). En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) where, on clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Visit the 108 memorial chortens known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" that adorn the pass, built by the Queen Mother for the well-being of the kingdom. Continue to Paro and check into your hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), housed in a former watchtower and home to a fascinating collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including ancient thangka paintings, weapons, and household items. Proceed to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), an imposing fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro valley featuring impressive architecture and artwork. Walk down to the traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zampa) built in the traditional Bhutanese cantilever style. Later, explore Paro town with its traditional Bhutanese buildings and quaint shops. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional Bhutanese music and masked dances, followed by dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Today features the highlight of any trip to Bhutan – a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast, drive to the base of the trail. The monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley and is where Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have meditated for three months after arriving on the back of a tigress. The round-trip hike takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on your pace. There's a cafeteria halfway up where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy magnificent views of the monastery. After descending, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Later, experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional, at additional cost), a therapeutic treatment using river stones heated in fire and placed in water infused with medicinal herbs – perfect for relaxing after the hike. Enjoy a special farewell dinner featuring Bhutanese specialties at a local farmhouse, where you'll receive a traditional Bhutanese white scarf (Khadar) as a token of goodwill. Overnight in Paro.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Phuentsholing (approximately 4-5 hours). After completing exit formalities at the Bhutan border, cross back into India. Continue to either Bagdogra or Guwahati airport (depending on your arrival point) for your evening flight back to Kochi. End of services with memories of the magical kingdom of Bhutan to cherish forever.