Bhutan Ex-Bagdogra - Perfect Weekend Getaway 2026 - GoXimbo

Q: Are meals really included?

Yes! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary: Included: All main meals at restaurants or hotels Not included: Snacks, drinks between meals, alcoholic beverages (except traditional welcome drinks) Dietary needs: Inform in advance for vegetarian/Jain/allergies

Accomodation
3 star hotel in twin/DBL sharing basis
Meeting Point
Phuentsholing Terminal
Arrival City
Siliguri
Transportation
Pvt. SUV
Guide
Local Guide
Maximum Altitude
3980
Language
English and Hindi
Meals
Indian Nationals – Breakfast & Dinner | Other Nationals – Full Board (All Meals Included)

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Trip Overview

This compact 5-day journey is designed for Indian travelers seeking Bhutan’s iconic experiences in a short timeframe. Perfect for long weekends or first-time visitors who want to taste the essence of Bhutanese culture without an extensive time commitment. The itinerary balances must-see landmarks with authentic cultural immersion, ensuring you experience the spiritual depth of Tiger’s Nest, the artistic heritage of Thimphu, and the serene border town charm of Phuntsholing.

Trip Rhythm: After acclimatizing in Phuntsholing, you’ll journey through Bhutan’s capital for cultural deep-dives, then culminate with the spiritual highlight at Tiger’s Nest. Each day builds upon the last, creating a crescendo of experiences that leave you enriched but not exhausted.

5-Day Itinerary Highlights:

Tiger's Nest Trek
2 Dzongs (Thimphu, Paro)
Buddha Dordenma
Traditional arts workshop
Cultural dress photo
Local market immersion
Hot stone bath (optional)

Day 01 :

BAGDOGRA → PHUNTSHOLING (170 km, 4-5 hours)

Morning/Afternoon:

Pick-up from Bagdogra Airport/NJP Station
Scenic drive through Siliguri-Jalpaiguri plains
Cross India-Bhutan border at Jaigaon-Phuntsholing Gate

Evening Arrival in Phuntsholing:

Check into hotel (Budget/Standard: Hotel Druk, Hotel Sinchula)
Complete permit formalities (Indian nationals - very simple process)
Evening stroll: Phuntsholing Market, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang (beautiful temple resembling Guru Rinpoche's heavenly abode)
Hands-on Experience: Visit local market, interact with border traders, try Bhutanese tea at local cafe

Overnight: Phuntsholing
Meals: Dinner
Highlight: First glimpse of Bhutanese culture, border town energy

Day 02 :

PHUNTSHOLING → THIMPHU (180 km, 5-6 hours)

Morning:

Breakfast and checkout
Drive to Thimphu via scenic mountain roads
Stop at Gedu for refreshments and mountain views
Photo stop at Chuzom (confluence of Thimphu & Paro rivers)

Afternoon in Thimphu:

Lunch at local restaurant
Check into hotel (Standard: Hotel Woeser or Hotel Druk; Deluxe: Le Méridien Thimphu, Ariya Hotel)
Visit Buddha Dordenma - 169 ft golden statue with panoramic valley views (sunset timing ideal)

Evening:

Explore Thimphu Market/Main Street
Try Bhutanese street food - momos, shaphaley (beef/veg patties)
Visit Clock Tower Square (evening life)
Hands-on Experience: Traditional archery viewing or try your hand if time permits

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Buddha Dordenma sunset, capital city vibes

Day 03 :

THIMPHU FULL DAY EXPLORATION

Morning:

Visit Tashichho Dzong (fortress-monastery & government secretariat) - open 5-6 PM on weekdays, all day weekends
Memorial Chorten - join locals in morning prayers, prostrations (beautiful spiritual experience)
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) - Watch students master 13 traditional arts
Hands-on Experience: 1-hour traditional painting workshop or thangka painting basics

Lunch: Traditional Bhutanese meal at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

Afternoon:

Simply Bhutan Museum - Interactive living museum with traditional house, games, dress photo opportunity
Photo in Traditional Dress: Gho for men, Kira for women (provided at museum or arrange separately)
Textile Museum - Understand intricate weaving techniques
Weekend Market (Sat-Sun) or Craft Bazaar (weekdays)

Evening:

Optional: Traditional hot stone bath (Dotsho) at hotel or spa - deeply relaxing
Free time for shopping: handicrafts, incense, prayer flags, traditional textiles

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Arts immersion, traditional dress photos, local life interaction

Day 04 :

THIMPHU → PARO (55 km, 1.5 hours) + TIGER'S NEST TREK

Early Morning:

Drive to Paro after breakfast
Check into hotel (Standard: Tashi Namgay Resort, Hotel Olathang; Deluxe: Naksel Boutique Hotel, Le Méridien Paro)

Morning to Afternoon:

TAKTSANG MONASTERY (TIGER'S NEST) TREK
- Trek start: 9 AM recommended
- Distance: 6 km round trip (900m elevation gain)
- Duration: 4-5 hours including temple visit
- Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for reasonably fit individuals)
- Halfway point: Cafeteria with spectacular views (perfect photo spot)
- Optional: Horses available till cafeteria (additional cost ~Nu 700-1000)

Trek Highlights:

Sacred monastery clinging to cliff face at 3,120m
Founded by Guru Rinpoche in 8th century
Spiritual energy and breathtaking views
Every Bhutanese aspires to visit once in lifetime

Late Afternoon:

Return to base, light refreshment
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century temple - one of Bhutan's oldest)
Hands-on Experience: Offer butter lamps, circumambulate temple with locals

Evening:

Leisure at hotel
Optional: Traditional Bhutanese cultural show & dinner

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Tiger's Nest - the ultimate Bhutan experience!

Day 05 :

PARO → PHUNTSHOLING → BAGDOGRA

Morning:

Breakfast and checkout
Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) - fortress-monastery overlooking valley
Walk across traditional cantilever bridge
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) - if time permits

Midday:

Drive back to Phuntsholing (180 km, 5-6 hours)
Lunch en route at scenic spot

Late Afternoon:

Quick refresh at Phuntsholing hotel (day-use if needed)
Final shopping: Bhutanese whisky, incense, handicrafts at duty-free market

Evening:

Drop at Bagdogra Airport/NJP Station (170 km, 4-5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Tour

FAQ

Expand all

Is 5 days enough to see Bhutan properly?

Yes! This itinerary covers the three most important destinations (Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Paro) and includes the crown jewel – Tiger’s Nest Monastery. While you won’t see everything, you’ll experience Bhutan’s essence: spiritual sites, cultural workshops, and the iconic trek. Perfect for first-timers or weekend travelers.

Can elderly people or children manage this itinerary?

Mostly yes. The main challenge is Tiger’s Nest trek (4-5 hours, moderate difficulty).
Options:

Elderly: Horses available till cafeteria (halfway point), or stay at cafeteria while others complete trek
Children: Kids 8+ usually manage well with breaks; horses available
Alternative: We can arrange visit to Dzongdrakha Temple (mini Tiger’s Nest, easier) instead

What if we can't complete Tiger's Nest trek?

No pressure! Options include:

Trek to cafeteria only (still spectacular views)
Hire horse till cafeteria (₹700-1000)
Substitute with other Paro attractions (Dzongdrakha Temple, longer dzong visit, village walks)
Your guide will assess and suggest alternatives on the day

Is this trip too rushed?

It’s well-paced for 5 days. You’ll have:

Full days in each destination (not just passing through)
Key experiences without overwhelming schedules
Evenings for leisure and rest
Buffer time built into drives However, if you prefer more relaxed pace, consider 6 or 7-day itineraries.

Can we add Punakha in 5 days?

Not recommended. Adding Punakha would mean:

Very long driving days (exhausting)
Rushed visits without proper immersion
Less time at each location Better to choose the 6-day itinerary which properly includes Punakha.

What's the total driving time?

Approximately 16-18 hours total over 5 days:

Day 1: 4-5 hours (Bagdogra to Phuntsholing)
Day 2: 5-6 hours (Phuntsholing to Thimphu)
Day 4: 1.5 hours (Thimphu to Paro)
Day 5: 9-10 hours (Paro to Bagdogra) All drives are scenic with photo stops.

What if weather is bad on Tiger's Nest day?

Your guide monitors weather. Options:

Reschedule Tiger’s Nest for Day 5 morning (start very early)
Trek in light rain (we provide ponchos, still beautiful)
If heavy rain/unsafe conditions: substitute with other Paro attractions and cultural experiences
Weather is generally favorable in peak season (Sept-Nov, March-May)

Are meals really included?

Yes! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary:

Included: All main meals at restaurants or hotels
Not included: Snacks, drinks between meals, alcoholic beverages (except traditional welcome drinks)
Dietary needs: Inform in advance for vegetarian/Jain/allergies

Can we skip Phuntsholing night halt?

Not recommended. Here’s why:

Direct Bagdogra to Thimphu (10-11 hours drive) is exhausting on Day 1
Need time for permit processing at Phuntsholing
Phuntsholing overnight allows acclimatization and gradual entry However, if absolutely needed, we can arrange overnight on return journey instead (Day 4 night in Phuntsholing, depart Day 5).