Bhutan with Phobjikha and a New Year Cultural Evening

Meet your Tempo or SUV transfer vehicle at Bagdogra Airport around noon and begin the scenic drive through the Dooars plains and Hashimara toward the Bhutan border. Reach Phuentsholing, where your team assists with initial entry permit procedures. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, complete your border immigration formalities and begin the winding mountain drive towards Thimphu. Along the way, visit Kharbandi or Rinchending Gompa for sweeping views over the southern plains and pause at the Chuzom river confluence. Arrive in Thimphu by late afternoon, check in, and spend the evening exploring local markets and cafes at your own pace. Dinner is served at your hotel, where you stay overnight in Thimphu.

Start the day with breakfast before visiting the giant Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley and the Simply Bhutan living museum. Next, drive towards Phobjikha Valley, stopping en route at Dochula Pass to take in views of the 108 Druk Wangyal memorial chortens and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Arrive in serene Phobjikha, the winter home of the black-necked cranes. Check in to your hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight in Phobjikha.

Begin with breakfast before heading to the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery on a ridge above the valley. Afterwards, set out on the drive toward Punakha, with Punakha Dzong planned for tomorrow. Stop to walk across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple, where visitors can choose whether to step inside the shrine room. Walk across the long Punakha Suspension Bridge spanning the Po Chu river before checking in to your Punakha hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong set at the junction of the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers. Stop for lunch en route at your own cost, then continue the drive to Paro. Check in to your hotel and browse the Paro Market and local craft shops or relax in town. This festive New Year evening features local snacks, Christmas cake, a traditional cultural show, and an outdoor bonfire if weather permits. Dinner is provided at your hotel, where you spend the first of two nights in Paro.

Dedicate the day to breakfast and the rewarding moderate hike through pine forests to the cliffside Paro Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest Monastery. Take time to take in the dramatic views and sacred shrines. Dress respectfully with covered shoulders and knees. In the evening, an optional traditional hot stone bath is available at extra cost. Return to your Paro hotel for dinner and your second overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast before departing on the long drive back down to the plains. Both sides of the border are crossed as you complete your exit formalities at Phuentsholing and re-enter India. Continue through the tea country to the city of Siliguri. Check in to your hotel for dinner and your final overnight stay of the trip.

Eat breakfast at your hotel and check out by standard morning departure time. The holiday concludes here in Siliguri. Onward airport drop-offs to Bagdogra Airport are not included and should be arranged separately to match your flight schedule.