Land of the Thunder Dragon

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Global Adventure

Bhutan

Discover the magic of Bhutan, a land where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Journey through lush green tea plantations and national parks, marvel at the fluttering prayer flags at the mystical Dochula Pass, and embark on an unforgettable hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a dramatic cliff. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, savor unique local delicacies, and embrace the tranquil beauty of this extraordinary Himalayan kingdom.

Adventure Snapshot

Dates

April 17-22, 2025

Arrival Airport

Bagdogra

Accommodation

Boutique Hotels/ Homestays

Duration

6 nights, 7 days

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hand-picked Group Size

Not exceeding 12

Adventure difficulty level

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EXPEDITION BLUEPRINT

Day 01 1
Enroute Phuentsholing
Day 01
Upon arrival, a scenic drive will whisk you from Bagdogra airport to Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s vibrant border town. The drive from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing offers breathtaking views of lush tea plantations and dense forests, marking a scenic and cultural transition into Bhutan’s unique environment. It’s your first glimpse of Bhutan’s tranquil beauty and distinctive charm.

Drive time: 3 – 4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Phuentsholing

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Day 02

After breakfast, we’ll head to the permit office to complete necessary paperwork. Once processed, we’ll depart Phuentsholing by 11 am. The journey to Thimphu offers a stunningly scenic drive through picturesque landscapes. As you ascend, you’ll experience a gradual change in scenery from the subtropical lowlands to the cooler, higher altitudes of Thimphu, with winding roads and stunning mountain vistas.

Drive time: 6 – 7 hours (with lunch and snack stops)

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu

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Day 02 1
Enroute Thimphu
Day 03 1
Buddha Point
Day 03

Start your day at the stunning Golden Buddha Point, where the giant golden statue offers panoramic views of Thimphu. Relax at a cozy café and dive into local delicacies. Visit the local post office for a unique twist—click pictures and design a customized stamp to send personalized postcards to your friends and family!
In the afternoon, we’ll journey to Dochula Pass. Nestled at 10,200 feet above sea level, Dochula Pass offers mesmerizing 360 degree views of Bhutan’s highest peaks and is often enveloped in a mist, creating an otherworldly experience. Learn about the historical importance of this mountain pass. Its peaceful ambiance today contrasts with its tumultuous past.
Later, we’ll make our way to a riverside campsite. Unwind and immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.

Drive time: 2 – 3 hours

Accommodation: [     ] in [     ]

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Day 04

After breakfast, we’ll visit Chimi Lhakhang, an ancient Fertility Temple in Punakha. Phallus symbols are commonly found adorning doorways, hanging from rooftops, or painted on the corners of homes in various sizes and colors throughout Bhutan to ward off evil spirits. Talk about a unique cultural experience! 
Then, we’ll enjoy the scenic journey to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest passes at around 13,000 feet. It is celebrated for its high elevation, stunning vistas, vibrant prayer flags, and its role as a gateway to Bhutan’s rich natural and cultural landscape.We’ll also stop by the Paro river, near a charming hanging rope bridge. The river flows near several important cultural and historical sites, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery which we will be visiting next! Nature and photography lovers, this is your time to click away.

Drive time: 5 – 6 hours (with lunch and snack stops)

Accommodation: [      star] hotel in Paro

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Day 04 1
A village home in Punakha
Day 05 1
Taktsang Tiger’s Nest Monsatery
Day 05

Get ready for the highlight of the trip as we hike up to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery! Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff in the Paro Valley of Bhutan (10,240 ft), Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is an iconic Buddhist site, shrouded in myth and legend. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, flew to this location on the back of a tigress, thus earning the name Tiger’s Nest! 
The well-marked trail to the monastery commences at the mountain’s base and meanders through lush green pine forests and rhododendron bushes. The trail is about 7.2 km round trip, typically taking 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace.
We’ll also dive into Bhutan’s national sport—archery! Get ready for a fun and exciting experience as we test our skills with this traditional pastime.

Trek time: 4 – 6 hours

Trek level: Easy to moderate

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

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Day 06

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore Paro Dzong, a phenomenal monastery and fortress and a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The dzong’s formal name, Rinchen Pung Dzong, means ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The fort was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from invasions. The dzong now houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. 
We’ll make our way back to the lively border town of Phuentsholing. Time to soak in the last of our Bhutanese adventure.

Drive time: 4-5 hours (with lunch and snack stops)

Accommodation: Hotel in Phuentsholing

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Day 06 1
Young monks in school
Day 07 2
Day 07

Once again, it’s time to undertake the scenic journey from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra airport, where we will wrap up our epic adventure and bid adieu!

Drive time: 3 – 4 hours to Bagdogra airport

Meet the captain of your Adventure!

Arun will be your adventure leader in the Land of the Thunder Dragon! A native of God’s own Country, Arun transitioned from an aerospace engineer to a full-time traveler and photographer, passionately showcasing his unique frames through elements of visual harmony. After refusing to settle for the mundane and quitting his corporate career, he biked through some of the most breathtaking trails in India and abroad, made innumerable friends along the way and captured well over 500,000 photographs. He has led over 25 trips.

Arun adores it when people completely indulge in what they genuinely love. Tales and Trails was born from Arun’s profound love for photography and his desire to share the magic of his experiences with others.

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Costs, Inclusions and Exclusions

Expedition Costs
Expedition Cost (Regular) Details
Cost (Regular) ₹[ ] per person (inclusive of [ ]% GST)
Advance Payment ₹[ ] per person required to secure your booking. .
Balance Payment
₹[ ] per person due on or before [ ] 2025.
Expedition Costs
Expedition Cost (Early Bird) Details
Cost (Early Bird) ₹[ ] (inclusive of [ ]% GST) per person, if booked before [ ], 2025
Advance Payment ₹[ ] per person required to secure your booking.
Balance Payment
₹[ ] per person due on or before [ ] 2025.

What’s Included on This Epic Adventure?

What’s Not Included?

More Questions about this Expedition?

Request an invite to join this expedition. Once you receive an invite from us confirming your request, the advance and balance payments in respect of your expedition must be made in the account (or by way of UPI transfer) as specified by us in our email.

Travel Documents for Bhutan: As an Indian citizen, you will need:

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, or a Voter ID card as an alternative identification.
  • Entry Permit: Issued upon arrival at designated entry points (Paro Airport or Phuentsholing), allowing access to popular areas like Thimphu and Paro.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended to have travel insurance covering health and emergencies.

Note: Always check for the latest travel requirements before your trip.

Packing List: Once your spot in our adventure is confirmed, we will share a packing list with you. 

Health and Safety: During our Bhutan adventure, we will embark on multiple hikes. As we explore breathtaking landscapes, a good level of fitness will go a long way! You’ll need to carry your own luggage, though we’ll provide assistance where possible—just keep in mind that offloading isn’t available in most areas.

    • Cancel within 90 days before the Trip: Enjoy a full refund—no questions asked!
    • Cancel within 60 - 90 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 70% refund.
    • Cancel within 30 - 60 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 30% refund.
    • Cancel within 30 - 60 days before the Trip: Unfortunately, no refund will be available.
    Need to Change Plans? You can transfer your spot to a friend if they’re excited to join the trip. Alternatively, you can keep your funds on hold with us for a future adventure. Trip Cancellation or Postponement: If the trip is canceled or postponed at our end, you’ll receive a full refund. If the trip is cut short, you’ll receive a partial refund based on the days missed. Ps. Refunds will be minus any cancellation charges for cars or accommodation or other such services and applicable taxes. Refunds will reach you within 7-10 business days. We aim to make your adventure as smooth as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance!

Your ultimate adventure starts in...

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