Bhutan Classic Tour
Our recommended Bhutan route for Indian travellers, adding Phobjikha Valley to the classic Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Tiger's Nest circuit.
The Bhutan Classic Tour is the strongest first-time Bhutan plan for Indian travellers because it adds Phobjikha Valley without making the route feel rushed. You still get the essential arc of Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Tiger's Nest, but the journey gains a quieter valley day in Gangtey / Phobjikha. This route works well for couples, families, photographers and small private groups who want a calm Bhutan experience with better pacing than a checklist tour. Hotel options are matched from the Bhutan short list across Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and Paro. All hotels are subject to availability.
- Duration
- 8 Days | 7 Nights
- Location
- Bagdogra, Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Paro, Phuentsholing, Bagdogra / NJP
- Difficulty
- Easy to Moderate
- Season
- Year-round cultural journeys · winter dates available, subject to route and weather
- Group
- Private journey for Indian travellers
Journey highlights
- Recommended Bhutan itinerary for Indian travellers.
- Includes Phobjikha Valley / Gangtey for a slower and more scenic journey.
- Tiger's Nest hike with Paro sightseeing kept as a dedicated day.
- Private SUV-style road journey with hotel category matched to your comfort level.
- Best balance of culture, landscapes and manageable duration.
Full itinerary
Bagdogra to Phuentsholing
Meet your driver at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and cross the Dooars foothills toward Phuentsholing. After check-in, keep the evening free to rest and organise your Bhutan entry documents. Pickup timing follows your confirmed flight or train arrival.
Stay: Phuentsholing - Explorer: Pendenling Hotel / Amothu View; Signature: Khamsum Hotel / Hotel Zsideoi; Luxury: limited in this border town, best available Signature stay used.
Meals: Dinner as per final plan
Phuentsholing to Thimphu
Complete the entry formalities in Phuentsholing before starting the mountain drive to Thimphu. The road leaves the warm foothills for forested ridges and small settlements, with comfort breaks arranged along the way. This is primarily a transfer day, so sightseeing waits until you have settled in. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening, with a short neighbourhood walk if you feel rested.
Stay: Thimphu - Explorer: Hotel Druk / Hotel HTC / Tara Phendeling View; Signature: City Heritage / Daralha / Tashichhoedling; Luxury: Pemako / Terma Linca.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Thimphu to Punakha
Leave Thimphu for Dochula Pass and pause among its 108 chortens before descending into the Punakha Valley. Take time for photographs at the pass when visibility allows. In Punakha, the dzong and riverside setting introduce Bhutan's former capital, with visits arranged around access and arrival time. Check into your valley stay by evening and enjoy a slower finish after the mountain drive, without a crowded list of additional stops.
Stay: Punakha - Explorer: Punatsangchhu Cottages / RKPO Green Resort; Signature: Dhensa Boutique Resort; Luxury: Pemako Punakha.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Travel into the hills around Gangtey and Phobjikha, where forest roads open into a broad valley of meadows and scattered farmhouses. Visit Gangtey Monastery if the arrival time and access allow, then take a short walk to get familiar with the valley. The afternoon leaves room for photographs and a warm break before check-in. Spend the evening at your stay, with dinner and time to rest in the cooler mountain setting.
Stay: Phobjikha - Explorer: Tashi Farm House / Khewang Farm House / Dewachen Hotel; Signature: Gangtey Lodge; Luxury: limited in-valley, best available Signature stay used.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Phobjikha to Paro
Enjoy a final morning in Phobjikha before setting out toward Paro. The westward journey crosses forested hills and changing valleys, so most of the day belongs to the road. Your driver arranges breaks and photo stops around the journey rather than adding a busy sightseeing programme. On reaching Paro, check into your hotel and rest. The evening gives you time to prepare for the hike or cultural activities planned for tomorrow.
Stay: Paro - Explorer: Hotel Tashiling / Padma Gayul Resort / Tenzinling Resort; Signature: Jonju Boutique / Golden Pheasant / River Front; Luxury: COMO Uma Paro / Amankora / Six Senses.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Tiger's Nest Hike and Paro Sightseeing
Start early for Paro Taktsang, known as Tiger's Nest, and follow the forest trail toward the cliffside monastery. Walk at a comfortable pace, allowing time for the climb, viewpoints and steps near the monastery. After returning to the trailhead, take a break before any further Paro sightseeing; shorter visits depend on your energy and the remaining time. Finish the evening at your hotel or around the town, with dinner and time to rest.
Stay: Paro - Explorer: Hotel Tashiling / Padma Gayul Resort / Tenzinling Resort; Signature: Jonju Boutique / Golden Pheasant / River Front; Luxury: COMO Uma Paro / Amankora / Six Senses.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Paro to Phuentsholing
Check out in Paro and follow the mountain road down toward Phuentsholing. The journey passes through changing forest and foothill scenery, with rest stops arranged around the day's road conditions. Reach the border town for your final overnight and settle into the hotel before the onward transfer. Keep the evening easy, allowing time to organise luggage and travel documents. This stop provides a buffer between the Bhutan drive and your departure from Bagdogra or NJP.
Stay: Phuentsholing - Explorer: Pendenling Hotel / Amothu View; Signature: Khamsum Hotel / Hotel Zsideoi; Luxury: limited in this border town, best available Signature stay used.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner as per final plan
Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Drop
Complete the exit formalities in Phuentsholing, then transfer to your confirmed drop-off at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station. The team plans departure around your onward journey, with time allowed for the border process and road conditions. Keep your travel documents and tickets accessible.
Stay: Departure
Meals: Breakfast as per final plan
Pricing and planning
₹42,999
- Private SUV - 2 pax.: ₹65,999. Per person before 5% GST. Estimated payable with GST: ₹69,299 pp. Includes private SUV, driver, breakfast/dinner and permit support as per final plan.
- Private SUV - 3 pax.: ₹50,999. Per person before 5% GST. Estimated payable with GST: ₹53,549 pp. Includes private SUV, driver, breakfast/dinner and permit support as per final plan.
- Private SUV - 4 pax.: ₹42,999. Per person before 5% GST. Estimated payable with GST: ₹45,149 pp. Includes private SUV, driver, breakfast/dinner and permit support as per final plan.
- Six Senses / Amankora level.: USD 1,650. From ₹1,95,000 is an indicative starting reference only. Final luxury quote is verified against live lodge availability, room category and season before payment.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle for the itinerary route as per final quote.
- Driver and local coordination support.
- Bhutan permit assistance for Indian travellers where applicable.
- Accommodation in selected Explorer / Signature hotel or homestay category, subject to availability.
- Breakfast and dinner where included in the final hotel plan.
- Route planning, timing guidance and Himalayan Locals WhatsApp support.
Exclusions
- Flights, train tickets or personal travel to Bagdogra / NJP unless quoted.
- Lunches, beverages, personal expenses and optional activities.
- Bhutan site entry tickets unless clearly included. Typical current counter rates: Tiger's Nest approx. Nu/INR 1,000 per person; major dzongs, museums and monasteries approx. Nu/INR 300-500 per person, payable as actuals.
- Extra guide fees, trail costs or local charges unless clearly included.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses or evacuation.
- Weather, road, permit, hotel or vehicle cost changes after quotation confirmation.
- GST or applicable taxes as per final invoice.
Questions before you book
Why choose the Bhutan Classic Tour?
It adds Phobjikha Valley to the essential Bhutan circuit without becoming too long or rushed.
Is this a fixed departure?
No. Bhutan trips are private journeys on request so hotel category, dates and permits can be handled properly.
Can this be upgraded to luxury?
Yes. Luxury hotels such as Pemako, COMO Uma Paro, Amankora and Six Senses can be requested subject to availability.