--- title: "Bhutan Road Trip: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro" description: "A 7-day road trip from Bagdogra into Bhutan: Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Paro and the hike to Tiger's Nest." url: "https://www.goweekender.in/escapes/bhutan-road-trip-thimphu-punakha-paro" --- # Bhutan Road Trip: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro A 7-day road trip from Bagdogra into Bhutan: Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Paro and the hike to Tiger's Nest. - Destination: Thimphu, Bhutan - Departs from: Siliguri - Duration: 7D/6N (7 days, 6 nights) - Price: from ₹32,499 - Categories: Culture, Heights, Nature, Adventure - Booking: in the GoWeekender app (iOS and Android), run by a verified host ## Upcoming departures - 14–20 Nov 2026: ₹32,499 - 21–27 Nov 2026: ₹32,499 - 5–11 Dec 2026: ₹32,499 - 23–29 Dec 2026: ₹38,999 - 29 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027: ₹38,999 ## About this trip A seven-day road trip into Bhutan from Bagdogra. The trip crosses the border at Phuentsholing, the gateway town opposite Jaigaon, then climbs through forests, waterfalls and villages to Thimphu, the capital without a single traffic light, with a stop at Chuzom where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. From Thimphu, a day excursion crosses Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens to Punakha, for the 17th-century Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers and a walk over one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges. Back in Thimphu, visit the giant Buddha Dordenma and the Simply Bhutan museum before driving to Paro by way of Tachogang Lhakhang and the airport viewpoint. In Paro, hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff nearly 900 m above the valley, then see the National Museum at Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. The last full day is the drive back through Phuentsholing to Siliguri, and the trip ends after breakfast on Day 7. You stay six nights in hotels, one in Phuentsholing, two in Thimphu, two in Paro and one in Siliguri, with six breakfasts and six dinners, a private vehicle with a driver throughout, and help with the Bhutan entry permit and border formalities. Flights, lunches, monument entrance fees and optional activities such as rafting and a hot stone bath are extra. ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra & Drive to Phuentsholing Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and set off on the scenic drive of about 150 km to Phuentsholing, the gateway to the Kingdom of Bhutan. At the border town, opposite the Indian town of Jaigaon, complete the immigration formalities and check in to your hotel. Phuentsholing is Bhutan's main commercial hub and busiest entry point, a lively mix of Bhutanese tradition and trade that makes a fitting introduction to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, with dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Phuentsholing, at about 300 m. - 2:00 PM Pick-up at Bagdogra Airport: Meet the team at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and board your private vehicle. Flights to Bagdogra are not included. - 2:30 PM Drive to Phuentsholing: A scenic drive of about 150 km to the Indo-Bhutan border. - 6:30 PM Cross into Bhutan at Phuentsholing: Complete the entry formalities at the border with help from the team. Carry your original Voter ID or passport. - 7:30 PM Check in to your hotel: Check in at your hotel in Phuentsholing and spend the evening at leisure. - 8:30 PM Dinner at the hotel (included): Dinner at your hotel in Phuentsholing. - 10:00 PM Overnight stay in Phuentsholing: Overnight at your hotel in Phuentsholing, at about 300 m. ### Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu After breakfast, set off on the drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Leaving the border town behind, the road winds through broadleaf forests, waterfalls, villages and rolling hills and climbs into the cool temperate highlands. Stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where portraits of the King and Queen welcome travellers, and take short breaks for tea, photos and mountain views. If time permits on arrival, walk through Thimphu's streets, handicraft shops and local markets in the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu, at about 2,400 m. - 7:30 AM Breakfast at the hotel: Breakfast at your hotel in Phuentsholing. - 8:30 AM Drive to Thimphu: A scenic mountain drive past forests, waterfalls and villages, with short stops for tea and photos. - 12:30 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch at a stop along the way, at your own expense. - 1:30 PM Chuzom confluence: Where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet, with portraits of the King and Queen welcoming travellers. - 3:30 PM Check in at Thimphu: Arrive in Thimphu and check in to your hotel, at about 2,400 m. - 5:00 PM Evening walk in Thimphu: If time permits, stroll the streets, handicraft shops and local markets of the capital without traffic lights. - 8:00 PM Dinner at the hotel (included): Dinner at your hotel in Thimphu. - 10:00 PM Overnight stay in Thimphu: Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. ### Day 3: Punakha Excursion via Dochula Pass After breakfast, head out on a day excursion to Punakha over Dochula Pass, known for its sweeping Himalayan views and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens; on clear winter days the snow-capped peaks are in full view. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Once the winter capital, it is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan's Chief Abbot. Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, over the Pho Chhu. White-water rafting on the Pho Chhu is available at extra cost. Return to Thimphu for dinner and the night. - 7:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel: Breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu. - 8:00 AM Drive towards Punakha: Leave Thimphu for the day excursion over Dochula Pass. - 9:00 AM Dochula Pass & the 108 chortens: Himalayan panoramas and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, most striking on clear winter days. - 11:30 AM Punakha Dzong: The 1637 fortress-monastery where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu meet, winter residence of Bhutan's Chief Abbot. - 1:00 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch in Punakha at your own expense. - 2:00 PM Punakha Suspension Bridge: Walk one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges over the Pho Chhu, with views of the valley and villages. - 3:00 PM White-water rafting (optional): Rafting on the Pho Chhu at extra cost, roughly ₹2,000 per person. - 4:30 PM Return to Thimphu: Drive back to Thimphu. Dinner at the hotel is included. Overnight in Thimphu. ### Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing & Drive to Paro After breakfast, explore Thimphu, Bhutan's cultural, religious and administrative capital. Visit Buddha Dordenma, the giant statue overlooking the valley from Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, and Simply Bhutan, a museum with interactive exhibits on traditional dress, archery, folk culture and customs. Later, drive to Paro with stops at Tachogang Lhakhang, a historic temple beside the Paro River reached by a traditional iron bridge (subject to time), and the Paro Airport Viewpoint over Bhutan's only international airport. Check in, dinner and overnight in Paro, at about 2,200 m. - 7:30 AM Breakfast & check-out: Breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu, then check out. - 8:30 AM Buddha Dordenma: The giant Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, with panoramic views over Thimphu. - 10:30 AM Simply Bhutan Museum: Interactive exhibits on traditional attire, archery, folk culture and local customs. - 12:30 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch in Thimphu at your own expense. - 1:30 PM Drive to Paro: Leave Thimphu for Paro, with stops along the way. - 2:30 PM Tachogang Lhakhang: A historic temple beside the Paro River, reached by a traditional iron bridge (subject to time). - 3:30 PM Paro Airport Viewpoint: Views over Bhutan's only international airport, set among the mountains. - 5:00 PM Check in, dinner & overnight in Paro: Check in at your hotel in Paro, at about 2,200 m. Dinner is included. ### Day 5: Tiger's Nest Hike & Paro Sightseeing After breakfast, explore the Paro Valley. Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan's most iconic monastery, perched on a cliff nearly 900 m above the valley, for breathtaking views and a memorable spiritual experience. Visit Ta Dzong, a 17th-century watchtower that is now the National Museum, with its collection of historical artefacts, traditional art and heritage, and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels" overlooking the valley. A traditional hot stone bath is available at extra cost. Dinner and overnight in Paro. - 7:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel: Breakfast at your hotel in Paro. - 8:00 AM Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) hike: Hike up to the monastery perched on a cliff nearly 900 m above the Paro Valley. - 1:00 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch in Paro at your own expense. - 2:30 PM Ta Dzong (National Museum): A 17th-century watchtower turned museum of historical artefacts, traditional art and heritage. - 3:45 PM Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): The "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels", a fine example of traditional architecture above the valley. - 5:00 PM Hot stone bath (optional): A traditional hot stone bath at extra cost, roughly ₹1,500 per person. - 8:00 PM Dinner & overnight in Paro: Dinner at the hotel is included. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. ### Day 6: Paro to Siliguri via Phuentsholing After breakfast, check out and begin the long drive from Paro back through Bhutan's valleys and mountain landscapes to Phuentsholing. Complete the Bhutan exit formalities at the border and cross into India, then continue to Siliguri, arriving by evening. Check in, unwind after the day's drive, and enjoy dinner and the night at your hotel in Siliguri. - 7:00 AM Breakfast & check-out: Breakfast at your hotel in Paro, then check out. - 8:00 AM Drive to Phuentsholing: A scenic drive back through Bhutan's valleys and mountain landscapes. - 1:00 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch along the way at your own expense. - 3:00 PM Bhutan exit formalities: Complete exit immigration at Phuentsholing and cross the border into India. - 3:30 PM Drive to Siliguri: Continue to Siliguri, arriving by evening. - 7:00 PM Check in at Siliguri: Check in at your hotel and unwind after the day's drive. - 8:30 PM Dinner at the hotel (included): Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Siliguri. ### Day 7: Departure from Bagdogra Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel in Siliguri. Head to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) for your flight home as per your schedule; the airport transfer is on your own unless booked separately. The tour ends here, with memories of Bhutan's monasteries, Himalayan landscapes and warm hospitality. - 8:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel: The last of the six breakfasts included in the package. - 9:00 AM Morning at leisure: Relax before check-out. - 11:00 AM Hotel check-out: Check out as per the hotel's policy. No stay is included tonight. - 12:00 PM Lunch (self-sponsored): Lunch at a place of your choice before heading to the airport. - 1:00 PM Transfer to Bagdogra Airport: Head to the airport as per your flight schedule. This transfer is on your own unless booked separately. ## What's included - Roadside stops at viewpoints, waterfalls and scenic spots as per the itinerary - Pick-up from Bagdogra Airport on Day 1 - 6 nights in hotels: 1 in Phuentsholing, 2 in Thimphu, 2 in Paro, 1 in Siliguri - 24x7 travel assistance and first aid during the tour - 12 meals: 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners - Shopping recommendations and local experience tips - Assistance with immigration and border formalities at Phuentsholing - Government taxes and service charges, except GST and TCS - Private vehicle with an experienced driver for all transfers and sightseeing - Parking, tolls, fuel and driver allowances - Bhutan entry permit assistance and documentation support - Tour coordinator or representative assistance during the journey ## Not included - Optional activities: rafting, cycling, motorbiking, horse riding, cultural programmes, hot stone bath - Lunches, beverages and personal consumption - Single room supplement or room upgrades - TCS @ 5% - Flights to and from Bagdogra - Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and phone calls - GST @ 5% - Tips for the guide and driver - Any services not mentioned in the inclusions - Entrance fees for monuments and attractions (about ₹6,000 per person in total) - Travel insurance - Transfer from Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport on Day 7, unless booked separately ## FAQs ### Are flights and the Bhutan permit included? Flights are not included. The trip starts with the pick-up at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) on Day 1 and ends after check-out from the hotel in Siliguri on Day 7; the transfer back to Bagdogra Airport is on your own unless booked separately. Help with the Bhutan entry permit and the immigration formalities at Phuentsholing is included. ### Which ID documents do I need to enter Bhutan? Indian adults need either an original Voter ID card or a passport valid for at least six months. A PVC Voter ID card printed from a downloaded copy is not accepted, and Aadhaar is not valid for entry. Travellers under 18 need a passport or a birth certificate written in English. Carry the original document with you. ### Which meals are included? Six breakfasts and six dinners at the hotels: dinner on Day 1, breakfast and dinner from Day 2 to Day 6, and breakfast on Day 7. Lunches are at your own expense and usually cost around ₹200-300 per person. ### What extra costs should I budget for? Monument entrance fees come to about ₹6,000 per person in total, rafting on the Pho Chhu about ₹2,000 and a hot stone bath about ₹1,500, plus lunches. These are approximate. Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan, so there is no need to exchange money, but ATMs are not always reliable and few places take cards, so carry enough cash. ### How are rooms shared? The base price is for triple sharing, and rooms are allotted to travellers of the same gender. Couples, or anyone who prefers a double room, can choose Double Sharing for ₹2,999 more per person. For visits to dzongs and temples, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.