Our 5-night, 6-day Bhutan trip marked our first adventure after getting married, exploring three cities and stunning spots. We opted for an organized tour with AV Tours, costing us 80,000 INR, but had the flexibility to choose our hotels and customize our itinerary.
Entry with an Indian passport was straightforward, but it’s essential to check specific requirements beforehand. Bhutan imposes tourism taxes based on nationality, so thorough research or opting for a hassle-free tour like ours is advisable. Read on for more details!
There are several ways to enter Bhutan, either by train from India or by air. However, Bhutan’s airport runway is considered one of the most dangerous in the world, leading to limited airlines and expensive plane tickets.
Our journey began at New Alipurduar station in India, where a representative picked us up and drove us to the Indo-Bhutan border (Jaigaon-Phuentsholing). Crossing the border on foot marked an intriguing start to our trip. After completing immigration formalities, we met our Bhutanese driver and embarked on a 6-hour drive to our hotel in Thimphu. Arriving late, we opted for an early night.
After breakfast, we embarked on our exploration of Thimphu, beginning with visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, the Motithang Takin Preserve, the National Library, the painting school, and the Bhutan Textile Museum. For lunch, we savored a variety of dishes such as Ema Datshi, Kewa Datshi, momos, rice, and fresh vegetables at an authentic Bhutanese restaurant.
Afterward, we ventured to Simply Bhutan, a “live” museum offering an interactive glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. In the evening, we explored the Tashichho Dzong and the Clock Tower. Delicious momos and tea were enjoyed for dinner before returning to our hotel for the night.
The next day, we checked out and drove two hours to Punakha, passing through the Dochula Pass at around 3,100 meters. From here, we enjoyed stunning views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas. We also saw the Druk Wangyal Chortens, or the 108 memorial chortens, built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during a military operation in 2003.
After checking into our hotel in Punakha and taking a quick nap, we visited the Punakha Dzong and the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world. Punakha is also a great spot for river rafting, offering stunning views of the picturesque Punakha valley, dotted with quaint villages and the majestic Punakha Dzong anchored between the Mo (female) and Pho (male) Chhu Rivers. Although we didn’t try it, it’s highly recommended!
The next day, we checked out and drove three hours to Paro. In Paro, we visited the National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyal Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. After checking into our hotel, we headed to the airport viewpoint to watch planes land at the world’s most dangerous airport. We called it an early night to save energy for the long day ahead.
The next day, we visited the Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as “The Tiger’s Nest Monastery”, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Perched on a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley, Paro Taktsang Monastery is about 10 km north of Paro town. The trek to the monastery takes 2-3 hours each way, totaling 6-7 hours with breaks. While the trek isn’t particularly difficult, it does require a basic level of fitness. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the monastery. It was incredibly beautiful, and no trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit here.
The next day, we started early and drove back to Jaigaon, on the Indian side of the border. In just 5 hours, we were back in India. Bhutan is a fantastic destination, especially if you’re short on time. It’s a great place to learn about history and religion. Maybe this is your sign to plan a trip to Bhutan!
