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Bhutan

The Last Shangri-La — Kingdom of Happiness

Best Time: Mar–May, Sep–Nov 6–8 Days Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) Visa Required (licensed tour operator)

Why Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country and measures its success in Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. This tiny Himalayan kingdom has preserved its ancient Buddhist culture, pristine forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes with extraordinary care. From the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery clinging to a cliff face to the fertile Paro and Punakha valleys, Bhutan offers a deeply spiritual and visually stunning travel experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. Every visitor must travel with a licensed tour operator, ensuring tourism remains sustainable and the kingdom's unique identity is protected.

Flight Time

~4 hrs from Kolkata

Visa

Visa Required (licensed tour operator)

Language

Dzongkha

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Budget

₹1,20,000–₹2,50,000

Best Time

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Must Visit

Top Places to See in Bhutan

Hand-picked by our travel experts — the experiences that define this destination.

Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Iconic Landmark
Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Bhutan's most sacred monastery, perched dramatically on a 900m cliff face above the Paro Valley. The 2-hour hike to reach it is one of the most rewarding in Asia.
Punakha Dzong
UNESCO Heritage
Punakha Dzong
The most beautiful dzong (fortress-monastery) in Bhutan, built at the confluence of two rivers. Especially stunning during the spring rhododendron season.
Thimphu
Capital City
Thimphu
The world's only capital city without traffic lights. Visit the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, and the vibrant weekend market.
Dochula Pass
Scenic Viewpoint
Dochula Pass
A high mountain pass at 3,100m adorned with 108 memorial chortens and offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days.
Haa Valley
Nature
Haa Valley
One of Bhutan's most remote and pristine valleys, only recently opened to tourists. Lush meadows, ancient temples, and traditional villages.
Paro Valley
Cultural
Paro Valley
Bhutan's most visited valley, home to the international airport, Tiger's Nest, and numerous ancient temples and fortresses.
Bumthang Valley
Spiritual Heartland
Bumthang Valley
Bhutan's spiritual heartland — a cluster of four valleys with ancient temples, monasteries, and the sacred Jambay Lhakhang dating to the 7th century.
Experiences

Things to Do in Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Hike

Trek the iconic 2-hour trail through pine forests to the cliff-hanging Paro Taktsang monastery — Bhutan's most rewarding hike.

Snowman Trek

Attempt one of the world's hardest treks — a 25-day high-altitude journey through remote Bhutanese wilderness.

Rafting on Mo Chhu

Raft the Mo Chhu River near Punakha through scenic valleys and rapids with the Himalayas as a backdrop.

Tsechu Festival

Attend a Tsechu — Bhutan's vibrant masked dance festival held at dzongs across the country, celebrating Guru Rinpoche.

Monastery Meditation

Meditate with monks at a remote monastery and learn about Vajrayana Buddhism from resident lamas.

Traditional Farmhouse Visit

Stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience daily life, local cooking, and archery — the national sport.

Ema Datshi

Bhutan's national dish — a fiery stew of chillies and local cheese that appears at every meal. Surprisingly addictive.

Red Rice & Phaksha Paa

Taste Bhutan's nutty red rice paired with phaksha paa (pork with red chillies) — a hearty Himalayan combination.

Butter Tea & Ara

Sip suja (salted butter tea) — an acquired taste beloved by Bhutanese — and try ara, the local rice wine.

Thimphu Weekend Market

Browse the weekend market for traditional Bhutanese textiles, dried chillies, local cheese, and handmade crafts.

Thangka Paintings

Buy hand-painted thangka religious scrolls from certified artisans — a meaningful piece of Bhutanese Buddhist art.

Bhutanese Textiles

Shop for kira (women's dress) and gho (men's robe) fabric — intricate hand-woven textiles unique to Bhutan.

Itineraries

Sample Itineraries for Bhutan

Day-by-day plans crafted by our experts — fully customisable to your preferences.

01
Day 1: Arrive Paro

Arrive Paro Airport · Rinpung Dzong · Paro town walk · Welcome dinner

02
Day 2: Tiger's Nest

Tiger's Nest hike (4–5 hrs) · Cafeteria viewpoint lunch · Kyichu Lhakhang temple · Paro evening

03
Day 3: Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu · Buddha Dordenma statue · Tashichho Dzong · Weekend market

04
Day 4: Punakha

Dochula Pass 108 chortens · Punakha Dzong · Suspension bridge walk · Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple

05
Day 5: Departure

Morning at leisure · Last Ema Datshi breakfast · Return to Paro · Departure

01
Day 1: Arrive Paro

Arrive, Rinpung Dzong · Paro town · Welcome dinner

02
Day 2: Tiger's Nest

Tiger's Nest hike · Kyichu Lhakhang · Paro valley walk

03
Day 3: Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma · Tashichho Dzong · National Museum · Weekend market

04
Day 4: Punakha

Dochula Pass · Punakha Dzong · Suspension bridge · Chimi Lhakhang

05
Day 5: Punakha Valley

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike · Rafting on Mo Chhu · Village walk · Farmhouse dinner

06
Day 6: Return to Paro

Haa Valley day trip · Traditional archery · Paro market · Farewell dinner

07
Day 7: Departure

Morning meditation · Last temple visit · Departure from Paro

01
Day 1: Paro Arrival

Arrive, Rinpung Dzong · Paro town

02
Day 2: Tiger's Nest

Tiger's Nest hike · Kyichu Lhakhang

03
Day 3: Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma · Tashichho Dzong · National Museum

04
Day 4: Punakha

Dochula Pass · Punakha Dzong · Suspension bridge

05
Day 5: Punakha Activities

Rafting Mo Chhu · Chimi Lhakhang · Village walk

06
Day 6: Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang · Jakar Dzong · Jambay Lhakhang

07
Day 7: Bumthang Temples

Kurjey Lhakhang · Tamshing Monastery · Bumthang brewery

08
Day 8: Haa Valley

Drive to Haa Valley · Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo · Traditional village

09
Day 9: Return Paro

Paro market · Archery demonstration · Farewell dinner

10
Day 10: Departure

Morning meditation · Last temple · Departure

Ready to Go?

Plan Your Bhutan Journey

Our Bhutan specialists will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored entirely to you. Starting from ₹1,20,000–₹2,50,000.

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