The world’s happiest country is a backpacker’s dream. The Offbeat Bhutan road trip starts off at Bagdogra and goes all the way to Paro and Thimphu in Bhutan, including a hike to Tiger monastery, and a day trip to an offbeat town, Haa valley. This is a 9-day backpacker road trip like no other.
Bagdogra Airport aka. Siliguri
Bagdogra Aiport
The complete offbeat Bhutan road trip, as we call it at tlow, which starts & ends at Bagdogra airport. Unlike the 7 & 8 day trips, this one takes you all the way to the remote Haa Valley, which only a handful have ever heard of, and even fewer who have travelled there.
Our 9-day offbeat Bhutan Road trip attracts mostly seasoned backpackers who are looking to experience a complete bundle in a nutshell. Most are solo travellers who make up nearly 75% of the bookings. Followed by young couples looking for a rugged holiday in the Himalayas.
– Arrive at Bagdogra airport or Jalpaiguri Railway staion by 12:00-13:00 Hours
– Hop into an vehicle and drive to Jaigaon/Phuenthsoling. (164km = 5 hours)
– Reach Jaigaon/Phuenthsoling and check into our Hotel
– Rest of the evening at leisure.
– Post breakfast and after immigration leave for the capital city of Thimphu. (165km = 5 hours)
– Enjoy the view of Chukha Dam.and stopover for photo session at Chukha Waterfalls
– Reach Thimphu by tea time and check into our guest house.
– Spend the rest of the day exploring the town on foot.
– Another day in Thimphu.
– Post breakfast, visit the Bronze Buddha statue; Buddha Dordenma , The National Memorial Chorten & Takin reserve (national animal of Bhutan), Bhutan Textile Museum.
– After lunch, visit the Museum and the Tashi Chho Dzong and the clock tower
– Rest of the evening at leisure.
– Post Breakfast leave for for Punakha. (85km = 3 hours) via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.).
– Reach Punakha by noon.
– Check into our Hotel
– Visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of Fertility built in the 15th century, Punakha Dzong, and Suspension Bridge.
– Rest of the evening at leisure.
– Post breakfast, leave for Paro. (166km = 4 hours)
– Reach Paro by noon and check into our Hotel
– Visit National Museum of Bhutan, Ta Dzong- once upon a time was a watchtower, Rinpung Dzong-known as Paro Dzong , Kyichu Lhakhang -pilgrimage place as it is part of 108 temples which was built by the king .
– Post breakfast, leave in the morning for Haa Valley (65 km= 2.5 hours) via Chelela Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motorable road in Bhutan
– Explore Haa valley
– Return back to the Hotel in Paro by 19:00 HRS.
– Rest of the evening at leisure.
– Post Breakfast, freshen up and leave for Tiger monastery in Paro.
– Reach the base camp and start the 5 km hike.
– Return back to the Hotel post the Hike
– Rest of the evening at leisure.
– Last day in Bhutan.
– Post breakfast, check out from Hotel; do some necesarry shopping and then leave for Phuentsholing. (160km = 4 hours)
– Reach Phuentsholing by noon.
– Check into our guesthouse for the night.
– Rest of the day at leisure.
– Have early Breakfast.
– Leave by 7:30 HRS to Bagdogra.
– Reach Bagdogra airport by 11:30 HRS.
