Secrets of East India & Bhutan

Arrive in Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, visit the Kamakhya Temple, an important Shakti Peetha dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. Perched atop the Nilgiri Hills, the temple offers panoramic views and a spiritual experience.

After breakfast, drive to the beautiful tea gardens of Jorhat (approx. 5 hours). Explore the rolling hills covered with tea estates, and learn about the traditional process of tea making. Visit the famous Mijumukh Tea Estate, and enjoy a walk through the plantation. You’ll also get to experience a traditional Assamese tea-tasting session to learn about the distinct flavors of Assam tea. Overnight in Jorhat.

Drive to Kaziranga National Park (approx. 3.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wildlife, particularly the one-horned rhino. After checking in at your lodge, enjoy an afternoon elephant safari through the grasslands of Kaziranga, offering a close-up experience with these majestic creatures. The park is also home to tigers, wild buffaloes, elephants, and an incredible diversity of birdlife. Overnight in Kaziranga.

Start your day with an early jeep safari in the central range of Kaziranga. This is the best chance to spot the elusive one-horned rhino, along with other wildlife such as tigers, leopards, and deer. After lunch, visit the Kaziranga Orchid Park to enjoy local Assamese culture and orchid varieties. In the evening, you can explore nearby local villages to get a taste of rural life in Assam.

Today, drive to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” (approx. 7 hours). En route, you’ll pass through rolling hills, lush tea estates, and charming villages. Upon arrival in Shillong, check-in to your hotel and spend the evening exploring the Police Bazaar area, a bustling hub of shops, cafes, and street food. Overnight in Shillong.

Visit the picturesque Umiam Lake, a serene reservoir surrounded by pine forests. Head to Elephant Falls, where the cascading water creates beautiful mist and rainbows. Afterward, visit Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the town and surrounding valleys. In the afternoon, explore the Don Bosco Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the region’s tribal cultures and traditions.

Travel to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village (approx. 2.5 hours), known for its pristine beauty and eco-friendly lifestyle. Take a walk through the village and then hike to the famous Living Root Bridge, an extraordinary example of nature’s engineering, where roots of trees are trained to form bridges. Return to Shillong by evening.

Leisure Day or take scenic drive to crystal clear Dawki Lake.

After breakfast, drive to Guwahati (4-5hrs). Fly to Bagdogra in West Bengal.
Night Stay in Bagdogra / Silliguri.

Your Bhutan journey begins with an early morning drive from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing, the gateway town on the Bhutan-India border. The drive, around 4–5 hours (approximately 150 km), passes through lush tea gardens and rolling hills of West Bengal. Upon arrival at Phuentsholing, you’ll complete the immigration formalities required to enter Bhutan. This process is generally smooth, especially if your permits are pre-arranged. Afterwards, check in hotel and you can visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, a peaceful temple located in the heart of the town. In the evening, enjoy a quiet dinner and prepare for your scenic mountain journey into the heart of Bhutan the next day.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours as the road winds its way up into the mountains, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and small Bhutanese settlements along the way. You’ll notice the air getting crisper and the architecture slowly transitioning into traditional Bhutanese styles. Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma — a massive golden statue that overlooks the Thimphu valley and offers panoramic views. From there, head to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa where locals gather for prayer and meditation. As evening sets in, explore the main town area, where you can browse local handicraft shops or sip tea in one of the cozy cafés. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner and soak in the tranquil ambiance of the capital.

Spend the morning continuing your exploration of Thimphu. Start with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the grand fortress-monastery that houses the throne room of the King and various government offices. Its beautiful setting near the Wang Chhu River and traditional architecture make it one of the highlights of Thimphu. Afterward, visit a local arts and crafts center or the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to learn about Bhutan’s traditional arts. After lunch, depart for Paro, a pleasant 1.5-hour drive through scenic mountain landscapes. On the way, stop at Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in the country, which now serves as a language and cultural center. Once in Paro, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening walk around the peaceful town. Paro’s main street is lined with shops and restaurants where you can pick up souvenirs or try local delicacies.

This day is reserved for one of Bhutan’s most iconic experiences — the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or Taktsang Monastery. After an early breakfast, drive to the base of the trail and begin your ascent. The hike, about 4–5 hours round trip, takes you through pine forests and along winding paths with spectacular views of the Paro Valley below. Midway, you can stop at a small café for tea before continuing the final climb to the monastery, which clings dramatically to a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave, making it one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. After descending, enjoy a well-earned lunch in Paro and relax at your hotel. In the late afternoon, if time and energy allow, visit Rinpung Dzong — a beautiful fortress that once defended the Paro Valley. Conclude the day with a quiet evening and a traditional Bhutanese meal.

Your unforgettable journey through Eastern Himalayas comes to an end. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward or international flight. Take with you timeless memories of heavenly nature, heritage of untouched secrets of East India & Bhutan.
Namaste & safe travels!