Discover Bhutan : The kingdom of Thunder Dragon

Like all of our traveling plan this was also a very spontaneous decision. One fine day we just decided let’s go to Bhutan ! and BAM !! Bhutan happened. Since my hometown is in Siliguri which is very close from the Bhutan border so it was even easier for us to take that decision. We were visiting home from Mumbai to Siliguri in February so we took three day trip to Bhutan from Siliguri.

Day 1 : Paro

Very early in the morning from Siliguri we took a cab ride/ out our car to Phuentsoling. It was almost 150 km from Siliguri and about three and half hour drive through the National Highway 17. We reached about 10 AM in the morning at the Bhutan border and when we crossed the border it was a different scenario… is so clean man !!! and everybody was obeying the traffic rule which is very unlikely us , nobody was throwing garbage in the street ( chuckle ) .

We already booked a hotel beforehand and we planned to stay three nights in Paro visit Thimphu on the thirds and come back to Paro. We booked a cab from the Bhutan border for around 9k and the guy named Tiger helped us a lot in these three days .. He was our Bhutaneese teacher and tour guide as well.


To travel in Bhutan you don’t need a visa but what you do need is your Complete itinerary and check-in checkout date. You need two copy of your passport size photograph and one photo identity proof. We went to the Immigration office and it took us about an hour or so to complete all the immigration formalities. Around 12 we started our journey from Phuentsoling to Paro.

 Phuentsoling to Paro is 150 to 160 km ride took us about six hours to reach Paro. It was the month of February, at the moment we crossed Chukha it was freaking cold and the temperature was near about 10°C. Overall it was a good ride because the roads were really good and because of some mind blowing beautiful scenery.


 Reached at the hotel around 6 PM but by that time it was already dark And it felt like it was 10 pm. The hotel we stayed very warm in terms of temperature and in terms of their hospitality. I will link below the hotel review if you wish to read that. The food was very nice in the hotel. Most of the Bhutanese hotel run by their woman in the family right from the front desk to the kitchen and we were very delighted with their warm reception. By the time we had dinner around 8 PM was already 5°C outside and it took us some time to adjust to that temperature.. thankfully there were double heater in that room which kept us warm and safe.

Day 2 : Tiger Nest 

Day 2 was all about the Tiger's Nest Monestery hike. Tiger's  Nest Monastery , perched on the side of a Himalayan  mountain at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft) ,about 9000 metres (3,000 ft ) almost straight up . We started our day around 9 o’clock and reached at the base of the Monastry around 10 o’clock. They charge Rs.250 for the entry. One thing I would like to mention here if you are traveling from India, then currency is not a problem because they accept Indian currency all over Bhutan. It took us around six hour to complete the hike. Almost 3 and half hour to go to the Monastery and around one and half hour to come back at the base. It’s a very good hike for the first time hiker, the whole journey is full with adventure and beauty.

Few tips💡

 1. Definitely carry water bottle with you. 

 2. Take some dry snacks/protein bar with you because you are going to feel hungry after some time. Also there is one place in between where you will find restroom/Cafeteria kind of place but the food is not that great there and also very expensive. Tea is good though. [PHOTO] 

3. There are harmless dogs you will see in the whole hike. Be careful to eat anything in front of them because they might follow you for the food and it won't be enough even if you feed them. Its very hard to find food in that altitude. 

 When we reach at the Monastry it was so peaceful that this three and half hour trek was completely worth it. We spend there almost 30 - 40 min and I guess we met our higher self .We instantly got connected with ourselves and then to our higher selves. It was so beautiful and so peaceful. Photography was not allowed there so you have to keep all your electronic gadget outside of the monastery . Well coming back was easy like any other trek but when we reach at the base it was almost dark and we were dead tired.

 Day 3 : Thimpu

We went to Thimpu on the 3rd day. It was around 50 Km took us about an hr to reach the capital of Bhutan. Thimpu has a lot place to explore but our intention was mainly to visit Buddha Dordenma statue and the Dechencholing Palace which is the King's palace in Bhutan.

Thimpu as a city being the capital is little crowded than Paro but Thimpu has its own charm.Trying Momo and Thukpa was one of the thing in our bucket list. You must try at this Momo place because its delicious.

We put a video together of our Bhutan trip click the link below and please comment your thought. Also you have any queries and questions ask us , we are happy to help you :)