Bhutan Backpacking Trip | Community Trip
bhutan
8D/7N
About this experience
Happiness is measured differently by everyone – some find it in their pay check, others in their toys and gizmos.
But those who belong to the tribe at Plan The Unplanned often find joy in taking trips to lands that are magical, with people they might have never met before!
If the idea of ancient fortresses and holy monasteries, stunning landscapes and incredibly happy and welcoming people tickles your interest, Bhutan travel packages might be worth taking a look at.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan has stood high and proud on the happiness index and it will most definitely brush off on you as well. Our 7-day Bhutan backpacking itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore the towns and countryside of this small, but gorgeous country. All you need is your backpack, a travel permit and your sense of wonder and adventure!
Trip Highlights
Travelling abroad can be tricky, especially if you are doing it for the first time. You might be unsure of what to do and what not to do, but when you decide to join the Plan The Unplanned tribe, you have little to worry about. Here is a sneak peek into the Bhutan backpacking trip:
• We will take you from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan
• Take in the clean air and the beautiful scenery as well as the chance to meet up with your fellow travellers
• Our travel begins on day 2, when you take a scenic drive to the capital city of Thimphu
• At Chuzom Bridge, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, you can get some social media ready clicks
• Spend some time exploring the city and creating some memories
• At the Simply Bhutan interactive museum, an immersive experience of all things Bhutan awaits you
• We next take you from Phobjikha Valley via Dochula Pass, where you get to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range
• Pay tribute to the Bhutanese soldiers who perished in Operation All Clear at 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
• As you make your way to Punakha, we make a stop at the serene Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) too
• End the day at the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge with stunning views of the flowing river and surrounding valleys
• The Punakha Dzong standing at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers is where you start the next day and spend some time at
• We then take you to the city of Paro, where you will get to spend a relaxed evening
• Your moderate trek through lush pine forests will take you to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most renowned and revered sites of Bhutan
• Spend the day meditating, exploring and reconnecting with your inner self
• On our final day, we bring you back to India by road and you get the chance to check out everything that Siliguri has to offer
Bhutan is one of those rare countries, which is on its way to modernism, but has managed to maintain its innate charm and rooted ethos. One trip to the Dragon Land might change you forever, as will travelling with Plan The Unplanned!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2
Day 1: Bagdogra Pickup, transfer to Phuentsholing and night stay.
Hey backpacker,
The Bhutan Backpacking Tour! You are about to experience the best of Bhutan in the coming seven days. It is also alright when you are being a little nervous about leaving home, as being a new beginning normally is. But believe us, you will be well taken care of. Take a breath, have a couple of sips of water, and it can start. And make sure that you also leave some space in your backpack not only with souvenirs but also with memories.
A taxi will be used to collect you at Bagdogra Airport and take you to Phuentsholing, the second largest town of Bhutan which is the entry point of this beautiful kingdom in the Himalaya. Being in the very extreme south, Phuentsholing will offer your first glimpse of Bhutan beauty; green spaces, fresh mountain air, a peek of adventure.
On the way, you will encounter your travel companions soon to be friends, and begin sharing news and energy and travelling experiences.
Being an Indian citizen, you will not be required to have a Bhutan visa but a travel permit is essential. We will take you through all the immigration procedures and baggage clearance to ensure the process is very smooth and easy.
We will finish up any formalities and then drop in at our accommodation, get oriented and get a good night sleep in preparation for the adventures.
3
Traveling from Phuentsholing to Thimphu for a night stay.
Hello, adventurer!
A hearty breakfast followed by a drive out of town to Thimphu, the liveliest capital of Bhutan, which is one of the most scenic drives in the country. The road will be gifted to you with a visual feast, thick pine forests, falls tumbling down, river valleys and some cute little towns nestled on the sides of hills, that appear to have come to a standstill in time.
During the journey, we will also make a short stop at Chuzom Bridge where the rivers Thimphu and Paro flow beautifully in a well blended confluence. It seems to be the ideal photo setting: the still waters of the river rolling by and the portraits of the King and Queen of Bhutan stately reigning over. One scene that casually gets you to the understanding of how highly Bhutan values royalty and tradition.
When we drive into Thimphu, we absorb the distinctive atmosphere of the only capital in the world without a traffic light system; you can see how one lonely person performing the duties of the traffic officer does his work with perfect satisfaction of the duties by moving his hands in a graceful manner.
After the check-in to the hotel, you may rest or in case you have free time go outside to get to know the city with its calm streets, markets, and cafes.
Private VehicleHotelBreakfast, Dinner
4
Thimphu to Phobjikha via Dochula Pass – Cultural Insights
Hello there all the way in Thimphu!
Breakfast later we will check out and proceed towards our next destination which will be a deep dive into Bhutanese culture as we visit Simply Bhutan which is an interactive museum that really brings out the beauty of Bhutanese life with its architecture and its dress; the way they eat, the way the eat their architecture, the way they talk and all that so it is a lovely piece of Bhutan in itself. Have a go at the bow and arrow, chew some butter tea, and stroll around reproduced old houses that provide the sensation of rural Bhutanese life.
This is where our scenic drive will start towards serene Phobjika Valley, and it will not be a complete drive without a visit to the special place- Dochula Pass which is located at 3100 meters. Pull a cozy shawl around yourself, have a steaming hot beverage at the local cafe and be amazed at the 360 degrees views of the snow-capped Himalaya Mountains. It is a spectacle that doth still the soul.
We will also visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, erected in memoriam of the Bhutanese troops who died in the course of action in Operation All Clear in 2003; we will see this before we leave the pass. The mountainous background with white stupas in contrast create a beautiful picture of courage and peace.
In the evening we will reach the mystic Phobjikha Valley with its un-spoilt sceneries, and the wintering place of the endangered Black-necked Cranes.
Relax, settle in, and be ready to enjoy one of the most peaceful highland valleys in Bhutan.
5
Phobjikha to Punakha – Monasteries and Suspension Bridges
Good morning to Phobjikha Valley!
We start our day by having a nice visit to the Gangtey Monastery which is a calm and spiritual temple sitting on top of a hill on which the rest of the valley can be seen. It is one of the most beautiful peaceful places of the Nyingma school of Buddhism that provides an access to the traditions of deep monastic culture of Bhutan.
And then we drove on to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, though not without some light-hearted tarrying first.
Along the way, one can have a short hike through the rice fields and quaint villages to get to the so-called Temple of Fertility, Chimi Lhakhang. The temple, which was constructed in memory of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the Divine Madman who had unconventional teachings and sense of humour, this temple has been repurposed as the place of blessings to those couples in need of pregnancy. Be aware of the colourful symbols of phalluses, in this case, they represent luck and protection!
In the evenings, walk over the Punakha Suspension Bridge which is the longest bridge in Bhutan. It is a beautiful way to end your day as it is gently swaying with fluttering prayer flags and has spectacular views of the rivers Pho chhu and Mo chhu.
Private VehicleHotelBreakfast, Dinner
6
Punakha to Paro – Exploring the Valley
Wake up in the Chilly air of Punakha!
Next, we drive to the beautiful countryside of Punakha to visit the most magnificent Punakha Dzong, which is also called Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang or The Palace of Great Happiness. Situated at a cross of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers, this fortress not only happens to be a visual treat but also an administrative, as well as, a history nerve centre of Bhutan. The whitewashed walls, wooden carvings of ornate detail, and the expansive courtyards make the dzong one of the most beautiful architectural spots in Bhutan.
Spend time leisurely strolling through its sacred halls and know more about the stories and ceremonies, which have developed Bhutanese history inside these walls.
Once we have this enriching experience, we will proceed to visit Paro which is a lovely journey through the valleys and the hills Bhutan is so adored about. Once in Paro, we will put ourselves in a hotel.
The rest of the evening, you are free to enjoy and absorb the calm of Paro a small town with its calm streets, made-up structures and stunning views. A nice spot to do some souvenir shopping or maybe just drink some Bhutanese tea in one of the local cafes.
Private VehicleHotelBreakfast, Dinner
7
Paro Sightseeing – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Wake up early - it is the best part of your Bhutan tour.
Following the breakfast that nourishes well, we are going to drive to the origin location of one of the most legendary treks in the world, Tiger Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang). Lying on an unsteady 900-meter cliff, it is a sacred location with a breathtaking view of the beautiful Paro Valley which is believed to have been the place where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.
You will contend in a whispering forest of pine, waving prayer flags, and chirping of birds in the mountains. The path will give you a workout on your legs and send your heart to heaven. Each airstep is a step to the land of spiritual awareness and eternal beauty.
When you finally arrive among the heights, allow the monastery's atmosphere and spectacular vistas from its locations to take your breath away. Take some time to do some meditation or you can just breathe in that fresh air in the mountains. You deserve it.
In the late afternoon, we will fly back to Paro after the descent. You will have the rest of the evening free to relax, have a coffee in one of the cafes, take a walk through town or re-live your amazing ascent.
Private VehicleHotelBreakfast, Dinner
8
Paro to Siliguri – Return Journey
Breakfast is served, after which you have to produce finalist farewells to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Our breathtaking journey back to Siliguri starts and we soon retrace our track to Phuentsholing where we will do the mandatory exit formalities. As we drive across the border and back into India once more you need to take some time to appreciate the calm and the culture and the untimely landscape that Bhutan has presented to you over the course of the week.
However, in the evening, we will reach Siliguri where you will be further taken to your hotel. The remaining time is free in the day- relax, have some rest, or go out of the hotel to take a breather in the local market where you could get souvenirs or some street foods.
Our next destination will not stop here because we have visited Bhutan but we also hope that the experience you have captured will not come to an end until the rest of your lives. Until that time we meet again, go and discover, go and roam.
9
Departure – Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport
It is time to say goodbye after breakfast.
Have breakfast, check out the hotel and take a taxi to the Bagdogra Airport (on your own) as per your flight schedule. As you leave, take on to yourself the memorable moments, rich cultural nuance and silence power of the Himalayas that Bhutan gave to you so generously.
The Land of the Thunder Dragon is no longer on your back, but its peace and calm and knowledge are going to accompany you forever.
See you next time - go the distance, experience everything and never stop wondering.
What's included
Entire travel from Bagdogra Airport to Bagdogra Airport by shared cab
Bhutan entry permit for 6 days, including all Inner Line Permits
6 nights stay on double sharing basis – 2 nights in Phuentsholing, 2 nights in Paro, and 2 nights in Thimphu
Total 12 meals – Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast & Dinner on Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6; Breakfast on Day 7
Driver night charges, toll tax and parking charges
SDF (Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee) – ₹1200 per night per person
Guided trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Local English-speaking guide
Dedicated Team Captain from Bagdogra to Bagdogra
Individual tourist SIM card with 100 minutes of talk time
Medical and first aid support
What's not included
GST (5%) and TCS (2%) are applicable extra
Any food or beverages not mentioned in the inclusions, including alcoholic drinks, mineral water, lunches, meals or refreshments en route
Any additional meals or beverages beyond the mentioned meal plan
Any optional activities, monument entrance fees or Traditional Hot Stone Bath charges
Personal expenses such as tips to drivers, camera/video camera charges, river rafting, laundry, telephone bills, etc.
Expenses arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks, or unforeseen situations (to be borne directly on the spot)
Any service or item not mentioned under inclusions
Costs arising due to changes in Bhutan–India tourism or trade policies
Costs arising due to flight delays or changes in flight timings (we will assist to minimise impact, however liability will not be borne by us)
Entry tickets to monuments are not included
Additional information
Duration:8D/7N
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
Experience Provider
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops?
This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited
They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day!
Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together.
Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
₹32,999per person
Book with ₹9,000
Upcoming Dates
Free cancellation
Reserve now, pay later
Instant confirmation
You won't be charged yet