Bhutan Backpacking Trip
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- Difficulty - Easy
- For 18+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April) May October
Bhutan: A blessing and an example for the world.
With scattered dzongs, fortresses and monasteries, all waving flags and thundering bolts of valley's roar, Bhutan or the Dragon Land dazzles with unshakable cultural ethos, sounds of greens, and shades of the Himalayas. Where growth is measured in Gross National Happiness, where landscapes switch dramatically, where spirituality is the basic to lifestyle, where the environment comes first, and where people always smile – for a tourist, it is like finding a home.
“The Land of the Thunder Dragon” – as it is rightly called, Bhutan is a little Himalayan hamlet. And you shall feel the vibes of happiness all around you – as soon as you enter Bhutan. With lofty Himalayan mountains, gusty rivulets crossing the valleys, the aroma of Momos and Datshi in the air, prayer flags, and massive Dzongs – a trip to Bhutan can never fail to mesmerise visitors.
This seven-day Bhutan Backpacking trip through the towns and countryside of Bhutan will let you see the country’s diverse sides, visit the numerous old forts and hike up to one of the highest monasteries in the world. Whether you love photography, want to embark on an exciting new trek or are drawn towards places that boast rich cultural diversity, the beauty of Bhutan is bound to mesmerise you with a perfect blend of scenic landscapes, majestic monasteries, and terrific trek locales.
Know that Indians don’t need a Visa to explore Bhutan. It’s just a travel permit that is required. This is the best budget backpacking trip to Bhutan you can ever wish for, and we promise to unveil the hidden gems of the land for you. If this creates ripples for the traveller in you, check out the itinerary for Bhutan Trip and book your next slot at the earliest.
Note: If you are a group of 5 or more, we offer customised trips on your preferred dates. For more details, contact us!
Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Bagdogra – Transfer to Phuentsholing
Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu – Drive to the Capital City
Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjikha via Dochula Pass – Cultural Immersion
Day 4: Explore Gangtey – Transfer to Punakha via Chimi Lhakhang
Day 5: Visit Punakha Dzong – Transfer to Paro
Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 7: Paro to Siliguri – Return Journey
Day 8: Departure from Siliguri – Transfer to Bagdogra Airport
Who should attend?
Day 1 - Day 1: Bagdogra Pickup, transfer to Phuentsholing and night stay.
Distance: 160 km
Driving Time: 04 hrs
Hey backpacker,
Welcome to the Bhutan Backpacking Tour. Embrace yourself; you will experience the best of Bhutan in these seven days. You know, when you leave your home, you might feel a bit uneasy because of a foreign feeling; don't let it stop you. Just sip some water and get going. Since you are coming with us, we will fill all gaps that might occur otherwise. Leave space in your backpack for incredible upcoming memories.
On the first day, we will pick you up at Bagdogra and transfer to Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan, on the southern border of Bhutan. We think of this town as the gateway to travel to heaven because every traveller stops here to enter this beautiful country. The clean air, greenery and mountain tops are the first glimpses of your travel destination. You will also get acquainted with your fellow travellers on the way.
Know that Indians don’t need any Visa to explore Bhutan; it’s just a travel permit that is required. We begin by completing all immigration formalities and baggage checks.
Later we will check into the stay and spend our night here.
Day 2 - Traveling from Phuentsholing to Thimphu for a night stay.
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Distance: 180 km
Driving Time: 06 hrs
- After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
- Enjoy picturesque views of forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages en route.
- Stop at the Chuzom Bridge for a photo opportunity at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, accompanied by welcoming portraits of the Bhutanese King and Queen.
- On arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel.
- If time permits, explore the capital city – known as the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
Overnight Stay: Thimphu
Day 3 - Thimphu to Phobjikha via Dochula Pass – Cultural Insights
- Post breakfast, check out and visit Simply Bhutan, an interactive museum that offers an immersive experience of Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, and traditions.
- Proceed to Phobjikha Valley via Dochula Pass (3,100 meters).
- Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range while sipping on a hot beverage at the café.
- Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who perished in Operation All Clear (2003).
- Arrive in Phobjikha and check in to your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Phobjikha Valley
Day 4 - Phobjikha to Punakha – Monasteries and Suspension Bridges
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
- After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the serene Gangtey Monastery, an important seat of the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
- Continue your journey to Punakha.
- En route, take a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the "Divine Madman."
- End your day with a visit to the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding valley.
Overnight Stay: Punakha
Day 5 - Punakha to Paro – Exploring the Valley
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
- After breakfast, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong (Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang), located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Explore the historical and administrative importance of the dzong, known for its intricate architecture.
- Later, depart for Paro and check in to your hotel upon arrival.
- Enjoy a relaxed evening in the peaceful town of Paro.
Overnight Stay: Paro
Day 6 - Paro Sightseeing – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
After an early breakfast, drive to the base point for the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a 900-meter cliff above the Paro Valley.
Begin your moderate trek through pine forests and reach one of Bhutan’s most sacred and spiritually uplifting sites.
Spend time meditating, exploring the monastery, and absorbing the tranquil energy.
Return to Paro by late afternoon and relax for the evening.
Overnight Stay: Paro
Day 7 - Paro to Siliguri – Return Journey
Post breakfast, begin your return drive to Siliguri, retracing your route through Phuentsholing and crossing back into India.
Arrive in Siliguri by evening and check in to your hotel.
Use the rest of the day to rest or explore the local area.
Day 8 - Departure – Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport
- After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Bagdogra Airport (own transfer) as per your flight schedule.
- Depart with cherished memories, cultural insights, and a sense of inner peace from the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
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!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
All Ground Transfers:
Travel from Siliguri to Siliguri in a shared, comfortable cab, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey throughout Bhutan.Bhutan Entry Permits:
Inclusive of 7-day Bhutan Entry Permit and all necessary Inner Line Permits for smooth access to restricted areas.Accommodation (7 Nights):
- 1 Night in Phuentsholing (Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
- 1 Night in Thimphu (Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
- 2 Nights in Paro (Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
- 1 Night in Phobjikha (Homestay/Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
- 1 Night in Punakha (Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
- 1 Night in Siliguri (Hotel – Twin/Triple Sharing)
Meals (Total: 12 Meals):
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Day 3: Breakfast & Dinner
- Day 4: Breakfast & Dinner
- Day 5: Breakfast & Dinner
- Day 6: Breakfast & Dinner
- Day 7: Breakfast & Dinner
- Day 8: Breakfast
Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee):
₹1,200 per night per person – included in the package cost.Trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest):
Guided hike to one of Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred sites.Local English-Speaking Guide:
Knowledgeable Bhutanese guide to enhance your cultural understanding and local interactions.Trip Captain (Plan The Unplanned):
Dedicated and experienced trip leader from Siliguri to Siliguri to ensure safety, coordination, and fun!Driver Charges and Road Expenses:
All applicable tolls, driver allowances, parking charges, and road taxes are covered.Medical Support:
Basic medical kit and first aid assistance available throughout the trip.
Exclusions
- 5% GST applicable on the package cost
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, shopping, camera fees, etc.)
- Entry tickets to monuments and sightseeing spots
- Airport pickup and drop
- Costs due to flight delays or rescheduling
- Expenses from natural calamities (landslides, roadblocks, etc.)
- Charges due to changes in Bhutan-India travel policies
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Things to carry
We request you to kindly carry the following. It’s better to be prepared rather than not prepared.
- A Rucksack to stuff your clothes and all the necessities
- Passport and Passport size photos ( Validity of 6 months )
- Tupperware Water bottle, avoid the use of plastic disposable water bottle
- A small daypack to carry your trek essentials
- Hiking shoes and Floaters
- Warm Layers, socks, gloves, woolen caps, thermals
- Undergarments as required
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen, Suncap, and Sunglasses
- Toiletry kit
- Medical kit with your basic medicines
- Dry bags to stuff used clothes or wet clothes
- Biodegradable waste bags to not litter around
- Snacks, dry fruits
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Silver Fir Multicuisine location Restaurant
HOW TO REACH
Policy and more
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans may change. Please refer to our cancellation policy below:
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|
| 31 Days or More | Booking amount is non-refundable. Balance amount will be issued as a credit note. |
| 30 to 16 Days | 50% of the total tour cost will be charged. Remaining amount will be given as credit note. |
| 15 Days or Less | 100% of the tour cost will be charged. No refund applicable. |
Additional Terms:
✈️ Flight Cancellations: Actual airline cancellation charges will be applicable in case flights are included.
🚫 Non-Refundable Services: No refunds will be provided for any non-refundable services included in the tour package.
📌 Fixed Policy: Cancellation terms are non-negotiable.
💸 GST: 5% GST will be applicable on the total cancellation amount.
📅 Peak Season Notice: Cancellation fees may vary during special events, festivals, or high-demand travel dates. Please confirm the exact cancellation terms with your travel consultant at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes
Chimi Lhakhang Disclaimer: The temple features explicit fertility symbols and artwork. Families traveling with children may choose to skip this visit if uncomfortable.
Departure Time: Group departs for Phuentsholing by 12:00 PM from the pick-up point. Please ensure your flight to Bagdogra arrives well in advance.
Age Limit: Group departures are open to travelers aged 16 to 42 years due to the active nature of the itinerary. Customized trips are available for those outside this age range.
Triple Sharing Policy: In triple-sharing rooms, an extra mattress will be provided for the third occupant.
Itinerary Flexibility: Itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, road status, and participant fitness. Adjustments may be made for the safety and comfort of the group.
Pick-Up Location:
Silver Fir Multicuisine Restaurant
Google Maps LocationYour trip is operated in collaboration with WanderOn, with seamless logistics and local guidance managed by their experienced team.
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