Day 01, 08-Dec-25, Mon: PARO – THIMPHU (55 km/1.5 hour)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks (Remember to check in early and ask for your seat on the left side of the Plane if you are flying from New Delhi, India or Kathmandu, Nepal). As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will receive you and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing enroute.
Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu.
Stop at Tachogang: Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) was built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.
Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese.
Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building is a monument to world peace and prosperity. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Hotel Druk, Thimphu
Day 02, 09-Dec-25, Tue: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city below.
Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang.
Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices.
Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc.
Thimphu has a set of small museums and sights – you can choose which ones to visit based on your interests:
- Folk Heritage Museum.
- Visit the Royal Textile Academy and Museum: It showcases the traditional methods of weaving and has large collection of dresses from the Royal family.
- Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan.
- Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Across the wooden cantilever bridge you will find handicraft shops.
- Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit.
- Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed.
Hotel Druk, Thimphu
Day 3, 10-Dec-25 Wed: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (3 HOURS)
An early morning drive (3hrs) east to the milder and warmer climate of Punakha climbs through apple orchards and forests of blue pine before entering pristine mixed forests. The pass at Dochu La (3,116m), is an awe-inspiring sight; with prayer flags strewn across its width. Sip warm tea until dawn breaks over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Proceed down to the green terraced fields, famous for growing red rice around Punakha. A gentle walk to the temple of Cheme Lhakhang; perhaps in time to hear the monks at prayer in this tranquil rural landscape. In the afternoon walk around Punakha Dzong (1637). This pristine environment is also a nature-lovers paradise where we may catch sight of the rare and endangered White-bellied Heron.
Punakha Dzong is considered to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Inside the dzong is the Kuenrey, a beautiful temple housing the ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall with exceptional murals, enormous 18th century golden statues, and most surprising of all is the high ceiling, exquisitely painted with hundreds of dragons. We have chosen the afternoon when the light is perfect to bring the richness of the paintings and a quieter time to enjoy the ambience of this remarkable dzong.
The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Evening at leisure.
Zhinghkham Resort Punakha
Day 04, 11-Dec-25, Thu: PUNAKHA -PARO (3.5 HOURS)
Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, Armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. It opens 7 days a week except on National Holidays.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.
Kyichu Lhakhang: It was built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple fell into disrepair but was superbly restored in 1839 by the 25th Je Khempo (Chief Abbot). He also contributed the outstanding statue of Avalokiteshwara, with eleven heads and thousand arms, which is located in the sanctuary.
Hotel Olathang (Royal Suite), Paro
Day 05 12-Dec-25 Fri: PARO-TAKTSHANG HIKE
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. There is a cafeteria (Taktsang Jakhang) on the half way.
Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master) with his magical powers came to Taktshang in the eighth century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress (a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He is said to have meditated for about three months in a cave on the cliff and subdued the evil spirits. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1692 by the fourth Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
After lunch, drive up the valley to view the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong (literally meaning the fortress of victory), which once defended this valley from several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. It is now being rebuilt to its former glory.
Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Hotel Olathang (Royal Suite), Paro
Day 06, 13-Dec-25 Sat : Paro -Guwahati
At the end of your travels in Bhutan, our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell. Connect flight from Paro to Guwahati. Note: Druk Air from Paro to Guwahati operates only on Thursday and Saturday
KB 540 departing Paro at 0750 hrs, arrive Guwahati at 0815 hrs. Arrive Guwahati and drive to Kaziranga National Park (04 hours).
Enjoy Dolphin Boat Ride (shared basis) which will include sailing by country boat for about 2 hrs on the mighty river Brahmaputra with tea and snacks. (NOTE: Boat ride is subject to availability and weather conditions )
Diphlu River Lodge (Deluxe Cottage River Facing)
Meals: Early breakfast in Paro, Lunch & Dinner at Diphlu River Lodge
Day 07, 14-Dec-25, Sun: Kaziranga
Morning & Afternoon jeep safaris to Kaziranga National Park
Diphlu River Lodge (Deluxe Cottage River Facing)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 08, 15-Dec-25, Mon: Kaziranga
Morning & Afternoon jeep safaris to Kaziranga National Park
Diphlu River Lodge (Deluxe Cottage River Facing)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Dec-25 , Tue: Gibbon Sanctuary
Full day trip to Hoollonngapar Gibbon Sanctuary to spot the rare Hoolong Gibbons (accompanying Naturalist)
Diphlu River Lodge (Deluxe Cottage River Facing)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch & Dinner
Day 10, 17-Dec-25, Wed: Tea Plantation
After breakfast, drive north across the mighty Brahmaputra river to your British-era, planters bungalow located in the midst of a vast tea estate (90 kms / 02 hrs)
Arrive Wild Mahseer and check in to your room
Explore the Private Tea Estate (with a local guide from Wild Mahseer)
Wild Mahseer (Camellia Room)
Meals: Breakfast in Kaziranga, Lunch & Dinner at Wild Mahseer
Day 11, 18-Dec-25, Thu: Tea Plantation
Enjoy the experiences at your heritage bungalow where, you will be able to go on nature walks, cycling and experience authentic colonial era food at the inhouse restaurant along with tea themed experiences
Wild Mahseer (Camellia Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Wild Mahseer
Day 12, 19-Dec-25, Fri : To Meghalaya
After an early breakfast drive to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya (270 kms / 06 hours), check in and relax
Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong (Premium Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13, 20-Dec-25, Sat: Dawki River
Full day Excursion to Dawki River (The Cleanest River in the world) via Mawlynnong (The cleanest village in Asia). The suggested start is around 0800 hrs to aim for returning back to the hotel around 1700 hrs. Total Distance 130 kms, 3.5 hours drive one way.
Visit to Riwai Village and see Living Root Bridge (around 08 kms before Mawlynnong Village). Enjoy short boat ride at Dawki River (exclusive boat ride)
Enjoy lunch at a local home stay at Mawlynnong Village
Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong (Premium Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14, 21-Dec-25, Sun: Nartiang Monoliths
After breakfast visit to Nartiang Monoliths (60 kms / 1.5 hours’ drive – one way). Visit the fascinating Nartiang Monoliths with your guide and drive back to Shillong
If interested visit the Local Tribal Museum.
Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong (Premium Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15, 22-Dec-25, Mon: To Calcutta
After breakfast drive to Guwahati Airport (118 Kms / 3 hours)
Arrive Guwahati airport and connect flight to Kolkata – 6E 264 1535 hrs / 1700 hrs
Arrive Kolkata at 1700 hrs, arrival transfer to the hotel, check in at your hotel
The Glenburn Penta House Kolkata (The Grand Bengal Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16, 23-Dec-25, Tue: Calcutta
Full day tour of Calcutta including Victoria Memorial and other places to visit in Kolkata
The Glenburn Penta House Kolkata (The Grand Bengal Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17, 24-Dec-25, Wed: Calcutta
Enjoy walking tour of Old Kolkata – Colonial Buildings (White Town Walk) with your expert guide
A perfect introduction to British Calcutta and gives you a sneak peek into what went into the making of the Colonial Capital of India (0800 hrs till 1100 hrs – 03 Hours walk). Back to your accommodation and relax, get ready to enjoy & celebrate Christmas Eve
The Glenburn Penta House Kolkata (The Grand Bengal Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18, 25-Dec-25, Thu: Sundarbans
After breakfast drive to Gadkhali ferry station (130 kms / 03 hours) followed by a motor launch ride for about 1.5 hours to arrive at Hotel Sonar Bangla, rest of the day enjoy birding around your lodge (Boat Cruise to Bird Sanctuary)
Sonar Bangla Sunderbans (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 19, 26-Dec-25, Fri: Sundarbans
Morning at leisure, Half day Boat ride and enjoy village walk with Naturalist
Note: Sunderbans National Park remains close on Friday, so we’ll be sailing just outside the park boundaries, but that does not impact the chances of seeing any wildlife or birdlife.
Sonar Bangla Sunderbans (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 20, 27-Dec-25, Sat: Sundarbans
Full day in Sunderbans (boat safaris) for birding and animal watch. Only a lucky few get to see the tiger in Sunderbans but they do happen. It could be you! The bird life is here excellent, as are the smaller fauna, like mudskipper, crabs and deer, monkeys all have evolved to live in this saline mangroves.
Sonar Bangla Sunderbans (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Day 21, 28-Dec-25, Sun: Sundarbans-Calcutta-Chennai
After breakfast cruise to Gadkhali Jetty and board your vehicle, drive to Kolkata airport (03 hours)
Arrive Kolkata and connect flight to Chennai – Flight 6E 892 1500 hrs / 1725 hrs
