31st March to 9th April, 2026 | Mixed Group Excursion

A 10-Day Overland Journey Into the Soul of the Kingdom

Let’s Secure the Best Fare

We recommend the direct flight to Amritsar that lands around 12:30/12:45 in the afternoon. We strongly recommend:

  • Blocking seats early
  • Booking as a group for better pricing
  • Locking this departure at the earliest

The earlier we confirm, the better the fare and the smoother the journey.

  • Experienced English-speaking Bhutanese guide
  • Accomodation in Hotels or homestays on twin sharing
  • All sightseeing & monastery visits as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner
  • One Local Bhutanese Lunch in Punakha by the river
  • Flights
  • Lunch
  • Private Vehicle for entire journey
  • SDF
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional experiences not mentioned
  • Anything not listed under inclusions
  • Tips to the guide
  • 49000 per person on Twin Sharing to be transferred online. Kindly transfer the full amount latest by 1st March to confirm this booking.
  • 4500 per day vehicle charges to be paid in cash at the time of entry
  • 1200 SDF per person per day to be paid in cash at immigration

🌤 WEATHER DURING THE JOURNEY

Central & Eastern Bhutan in April

April is spring in Bhutan, one of the most balanced and visually rewarding months to travel this route.

Because this expedition moves across elevations from river valleys to high mountain passes the weather naturally shifts as we travel.

🌿 Punakha (Lower Altitude – ~1,200m)

Pleasant & Mild

• Daytime: 20–28°C

• Evenings: 12–15°C

Warm afternoons, comfortable evenings. The valley is lush and green, and the rivers run full. Light cottons during the day, a light jacket at night.

🌄 Phobjikha & Bumthang (2,500–3,000m)

Cool & Crisp

• Daytime: 12–20°C

• Early mornings & evenings: 3–8°C

The air feels alpine and fresh. Mornings are chilly. Layering becomes important here.

This is where you’ll feel the mountain climate properly.

🏔 High Mountain Passes (Thrumshing La – 3,700m+)

Cold & Windy at Elevation

• Can drop below 5°C

• Wind chill common

• Occasional mist or cloud cover

Short stops at the pass require a proper warm jacket.

🌱 Eastern Bhutan (Mongar, Tashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar)

Gradually Warmer as We Descend

• Mongar/Tashigang: 15–24°C

• Samdrup Jongkhar (lower altitude): 22–30°C

As we approach the plains, the air becomes warmer and slightly more humid.

You will physically feel the geography changing.

Day wise Itinerary

DAY 01

From the Plains to the Mountains

Bagdogra → Punakha (365 km)

The journey begins in the warmth of the Indian plains.

We cross into Bhutan at Phuentsholing and almost instantly, the rhythm changes. The air cools. The mountains rise. Prayer flags begin appearing like whispers along the road.

As we ascend toward Dochula Pass, the world opens up. On a clear day, snow peaks line the horizon like a silent procession of giants.

By late afternoon, we descend into Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital, where two rivers meet and the valley glows green and generous.

Evening is gentle. A riverside walk. The sound of flowing water.

You are officially inside another world.

Overnight Stay : Pema Karpo

DAY 02

Punakha : Of Rivers & Royal Stories

Morning begins at the magnificent Punakha Dzong , arguably Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress monastery. Whitewashed walls. Intricate woodwork. The river embracing it like a guardian.

We walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, colourful prayer flags fluttering wildly in the wind.

For those who wish, a short, scenic hike leads to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, standing gracefully above terraced fields.

And then, adventure.

River rafting on the Mo Chhu. (optional)

Gentle rapids. Laughter. A picnic by the riverside.

This is Bhutan playful.

Overnight Stay : Pema carpo

DAY 03

Into the Sacred Heartland

Punakha → Phobjikha → Bumthang (313 km)

Today is a cinematic drive.

We pass through misty forests and arrive at the wide, glacial bowl of Phobjikha Valley, home of the rare black-necked cranes in winter. The valley feels untouched. Vast. Silent.

A soft nature walk here resets the senses.

Further ahead, perched dramatically above a gorge, stands Trongsa Dzong, historically the seat of Bhutan’s royal power.

By evening, we reach Bumthang — Bhutan’s spiritual core.

This valley does not shout. It hums.

Overnight : Ngawang Home Stay

DAY 04

Bumthang: The Sacred Valley

Bumthang is not about ticking monuments.

It is about atmosphere.

We visit ancient temples like Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, where butter lamps flicker and monks chant softly.

We wander through quiet villages.

We meet locals.

We taste farmhouse cheese and red rice.

Bhutan here feels intimate. Almost personal.

Overnight : Ngawang Home Stay

DAY 05

Tang Valley : A Step Back in Time

Today we drive into the remote Tang Valley.

The road narrows. The air grows thinner. The villages grow quieter.

At Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Bhutan’s aristocratic history is preserved in rooms that feel untouched by time.

Visit to the mysterious Burning Lake : where legend and devotion intertwine.

Return to Bumthang under a sky scattered with stars.

Overnight : Ngawang Home Stay

DAY 06

Crossing the Wild Pass

Bumthang → Mongar (197 km)

We cross Thrumshing La, Bhutan’s highest motorable pass.

Clouds roll across the road. Rhododendron forests frame the journey.

Eastern Bhutan begins here.

Less visited.

Less photographed.

More raw.

Mongar welcomes us quietly, perched dramatically along mountain slopes.

Overnight Stay : Druk Zhongar Hotel

DAY 07

Craft & Devotion

Mongar → Tashi Yangtse (112 km)

Eastern Bhutan reveals its craftsmanship.

We visit Chorten Kora, a stunning white stupa inspired by Nepal’s Boudhanath.

In nearby villages, woodcarvers still practice centuries-old traditions.

Life here is slower. Simpler. Undisturbed by tourism.

Overnight Stay : Hotel Karmaling

DAY 08

The Eastern Frontier

Tashi Yangtse → Tashigang (52 km)

Short drive, slow day.

We explore Tashigang Dzong, dramatically positioned above the Gamri River.

Markets are authentic.

People curious.

Smiles genuine.

This is Bhutan far from postcards.

Overnight stay : Lingkar Lodge

DAY 09

Descending to the Subtropics

Tashigang → Samdrup Jongkhar (175 km)

The mountains slowly recede.

Vegetation changes. The air grows warmer. Tropical notes creep into the landscape.

It feels like watching Bhutan transition from alpine monastery kingdom to lush frontier town.

One last night inside the Dragon Kingdom.

Overnight Stay : Menjong Hotel

Day 10

Return to the Plains

Samdrupjongkhar → Guwahati (100 kms)

We cross back into India.

But the rhythm stays slower.

Because Bhutan, especially the East, does not leave you quickly.

Cancellation Policy

• 30 days or more prior to arrival, full refund

• 29 – 21 days prior to arrival, 50% refund

• 20 days or less prior to arrival, no refund

• No show or an early exit, no refund

What to Pack

  • Light layers (cotton tops, breathable dresses, shirts)
  • A light jacket or cardigan for evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot)
  • Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
  • Scarf (great for layering + temple visits)
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Small day backpack

BEFORE YOU GO

Important Travel Information for Bhutan

A little preparation makes the journey smoother.

Bhutan rewards the prepared traveller.

🇮🇳 Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens

To enter Bhutan via road or air, you must carry:

✔ Valid Passport

(Recommended minimum 6 months validity)

✔ Original Voter ID Card

⚠ Aadhaar Card is not accepted as a travel document.

🚗 If You Are Entering by Private Vehicle

Additional documents required:

✔ Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

✔ Valid Car Insurance

✔ Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

✔ Valid Driving License

✔ Authorization letter (if vehicle is not in driver’s name)

✔ Bhutan vehicle permit (issued at border)

A Note From Suitcase Stories

We don’t design fast trips. We design journeys that breathe.

This trip is balanced, iconic yet intimate. Structured yet fluid.

And like all Suitcase Stories departures We don’t repeat them the same way twice.

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