Bhutan Backpacking Trip
Trek at a glance
Trek overview
Happiness is measured differently by everyone – some find it in their pay check, others in their toys and gizmos.
But those who belong to the tribe at Plan The Unplanned often find joy in taking trips to lands that are magical, with people they might have never met before!
If the idea of ancient fortresses and holy monasteries, stunning landscapes and incredibly happy and welcoming people tickles your interest, Bhutan travel packages might be worth taking a look at.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan has stood high and proud on the happiness index and it will most definitely brush off on you as well. Our 7-day Bhutan backpacking itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore the towns and countryside of this small, but gorgeous country. All you need is your backpack, a travel permit and your sense of wonder and adventure!
Trek highlights
Travelling abroad can be tricky, especially if you are doing it for the first time. You might be unsure of what to do and what not to do, but when you decide to join the Plan The Unplanned tribe, you have little to worry about. Here is a sneak peek into the Bhutan backpacking trip:
- We will take you from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan
- Take in the clean air and the beautiful scenery as well as the chance to meet up with your fellow travellers
- Our travel begins on day 2, when you take a scenic drive to the capital city of Thimphu
- At Chuzom Bridge, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, you can get some social media ready clicks
- Spend some time exploring the city and creating some memories
- At the Simply Bhutan interactive museum, an immersive experience of all things Bhutan awaits you
- We next take you from Phobjikha Valley via Dochula Pass, where you get to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range
- Pay tribute to the Bhutanese soldiers who perished in Operation All Clear at 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
- As you make your way to Punakha, we make a stop at the serene Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) too
- End the day at the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge with stunning views of the flowing river and surrounding valleys
- The Punakha Dzong standing at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers is where you start the next day and spend some time at
- We then take you to the city of Paro, where you will get to spend a relaxed evening
- Your moderate trek through lush pine forests will take you to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most renowned and revered sites of Bhutan
- Spend the day meditating, exploring and reconnecting with your inner self
- On our final day, we bring you back to India by road and you get the chance to check out everything that Siliguri has to offer
Bhutan is one of those rare countries, which is on its way to modernism, but has managed to maintain its innate charm and rooted ethos. One trip to the Dragon Land might change you forever, as will travelling with Plan The Unplanned!
Trek itinerary
- Drive to Jaigaon (Indo-Bhutan border)
- Enter Phuentsholing and complete permits
- Check into the hotel
- Overnight stay in Phuentsholing
- Stop at Chuzom Bridge (river confluence & royal portraits)
- Visit Simply Bhutan cultural museum
- Evening free to explore Thimphu (if time permits)
- Overnight stay in Thimphu
- Scenic drive via Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Explore Punakha Dzong at river confluence
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Overnight stay in Punakha
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley
- Check-in and relax amid serene landscapes
- Overnight stay in Phobjikha
- Drive to Paro
- Evening at leisure to explore the town
- Overnight stay in Paro
- Explore one of Bhutan’s holiest and most iconic sites
- Return to Paro for the evening
- Overnight stay in Paro
- Cross the border into India
- Arrive in Siliguri and check in
- Overnight stay in Siliguri
- Transfer to Bagdogra Airport (self-arranged)
- Trip ends with a bag full of memories
Trek detail itinerary
Hey backpacker,
The Bhutan Backpacking Tour! You are about to experience the best of Bhutan in the coming seven days. It is also alright when you are being a little nervous about leaving home, as being a new beginning normally is. But believe us, you will be well taken care of. Take a breath, have a couple of sips of water, and it can start. And make sure that you also leave some space in your backpack not only with souvenirs but also with memories.
A taxi will be used to collect you at Bagdogra Airport and take you to Phuentsholing, the second largest town of Bhutan which is the entry point of this beautiful kingdom in the Himalaya. Being in the very extreme south, Phuentsholing will offer your first glimpse of Bhutan beauty; green spaces, fresh mountain air, a peek of adventure.
On the way, you will encounter your travel companions soon to be friends, and begin sharing news and energy and travelling experiences.
Being an Indian citizen, you will not be required to have a Bhutan visa but a travel permit is essential. We will take you through all the immigration procedures and baggage clearance to ensure the process is very smooth and easy.
We will finish up any formalities and then drop in at our accommodation, get oriented and get a good night sleep in preparation for the adventures.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Pickup points
PTU in a nutshell
Treks, backpacking trips & international tours with Plan The Unplanned
Weekend escapes you didn’t know you needed
Fellow travellers! Take a meaningful break from life to soak up raw, real & unforgettable moments in nature. With unfiltered experiences, a team of trained outdoor leaders, and a like-minded community.
Experience your firsts. Conquer your fears. Step out of your comfort zone. All of this and more with your new strangers-turned-tribe on every trip.
Never trek alone again
Soulful stays
No pressure, no rush
Unplanned magic
Leave no trace policy
Responsible travel
Things to carry
Here is all that you will carry on this trek:
Policy and terms
All refund or cancellation requests must be submitted exclusively via email to [email protected]. Requests made by call or WhatsApp will not be accepted.
If you cancel your booking
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
Cancellation Fee
50% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
70% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
7 days or more before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
50% of the total invoice
3–6 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
70% of the total invoice
0–2 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
Last-minute cancellations on the day of or the day before trek departure
Last-minute cancellations made on the day of trek departure or the day before are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling, regardless of the reason (such as work commitments, family emergencies, or health).
Reschedule your booking on the day of trek departure
Should you choose to postpone your booking to a future date, an additional fee of ₹1500 per person will be incurred. This postponement option is valid for a period of 3 months from your original trek departure date.
Aranya Vihara treks and permits
Permit fees for treks obtained under Aranya Vihara are non-refundable in the event of customer cancellation.
If plan the unplanned cancel your booking
In the event that WE postpone or cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
During or after the trek
In the event of severe weather or other safety concerns, we may shorten a trek day or abandon the trek entirely. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances, as your safety is our top priority.
Prior to the trek
If we cancel a trek due to natural disasters (such as rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake) or unanticipated political disturbances (such as curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department directives), Plan The Unplanned will issue a voucher for the full value of your ticket. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Insufficient reservations
If we cancel a trek due to insufficient reservations or lack of participants for a specific batch, a refund of 96% of the trek money will be issued. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Trek guidelines
To ensure everyone has a great time and knows what to expect, please read these important points:
No alcohol or smoking
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please don’t consume alcohol, intoxicants, or smoke at any point during the journey or trek.
Dinner before boarding
Kindly complete your dinner before you board the bus.
Travel arrangements
We’ll arrange transportation based on our group size. If there are 12 or fewer of us, we’ll use a tempo traveler. For groups of 13 or more, it’ll be a mini-bus. Both options are non-AC and have push-back seats for your comfort. We appreciate your understanding regarding our travel logistics.
"Without Travel" option
If you prefer to arrange your own transportation to the destination (the homestay), be sure to book the “Without Travel” option when you sign up. Please note: If you select this, you’ll need a private car for your entire trip. Public transport won’t work, as our Day 2 activities begin directly from the homestay and require continuous private car access to ensure you can fully participate in all planned activities.
Embrace the outdoors
Our trips are about getting out into nature, often in remote locations. Please don’t expect luxury accommodations; we focus on providing comfortable basic facilities.
Food provided
We’ll provide basic, vegetarian meals. We do not serve non-vegetarian food.
Leave no trace policy
Please help us keep our beautiful outdoors clean by disposing of all litter properly.
Personal belongings
You are responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost items.
Potential delays
While we strive to be on schedule, please be aware that traffic delays or vehicle breakdowns can sometimes occur, leading to slight delays in reaching our destination.
FAQs
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Batches available
Tickets
Double Occupancy
₹ 46,999/-
Triple Occupancy
₹ 44,999/-
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