The Last Shangri-La - pristine Himalayan monasteries, the world's most iconic monastery trek, and a kingdom that measures success in Gross National Happiness.
Bhutan - the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Druk Yul) - is the world's only country that measures national success by Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. Nestled between India and China in the Eastern Himalayas, this small Buddhist kingdom has deliberately chosen to develop sustainably, preserving its forests (Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country), its culture, and its spiritual traditions. For Indian travellers from Ahmedabad, Bhutan offers something increasingly rare - a destination that has resisted the homogenising forces of mass tourism and retained a profound, extraordinary atmosphere. Our Bhutan tour package from Ahmedabad covers the kingdom's greatest highlights in six days of mountain wonder.
The arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH) sets the tone for the entire Bhutan experience. The airport sits in a narrow valley at 2,235m - on landing, the Druk Air aircraft navigates between 5,000m+ Himalayan peaks before touching down on a runway surrounded by forested hillsides. Pilots must be specially certified to fly this approach (only eight pilots in the world are authorised). It is one of the most dramatic airport approaches on earth, and the snow-capped peaks visible through the cabin windows as the plane descends are an unforgettable first impression of Bhutan.
Thimphu, the capital, is the world's only national capital without traffic lights - police officers in traditional gho robes direct traffic at intersections by hand. The city is compact and walkable, centred around a clock tower roundabout. The Tashichho Dzong (fortress-monastery) is the seat of Bhutan's government and the office of the King - a magnificent whitewashed structure with golden roofs, surrounded by immaculate gardens on the banks of the Wang Chhu river. The Buddha Dordenma is a 51.5-metre bronze Buddha statue (one of the world's largest) seated on a hilltop above Thimphu - the views from the statue's base over the entire Thimphu valley are extraordinary. The National Memorial Chorten, the Textile Museum, the National Folk Heritage Museum, and the weekend farmers' market round out a full day in the capital.
Dochula Pass (3,100m), the mountain pass between Thimphu and Punakha, is one of Bhutan's most photographed sites. On a clear day (best in October–November and March–April), the pass offers a panoramic view of 108 Himalayan peaks - including Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), Bhutan's highest peak and the world's highest unclimbed mountain. The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (white stupas) on the ridgeline, built in 2005 to commemorate Bhutanese soldiers, create an extraordinary foreground against the snow-covered giants. The surrounding rhododendron forest turns spectacular shades of red and pink in March–April.
Punakha Dzong is, by common consensus, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1637–38 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father river) and Mo Chhu (mother river), the fortress-monastery is accessible via a covered wooden cantilever bridge. Its white walls, golden roofs, and elaborately painted interior rise directly from the river waters - the reflections in the jade-green rivers are an unreal sight. The dzong served as Bhutan's capital until 1955 and contains precious relics and a famous 1,000-year-old Bhutanese white powder tree inside its main courtyard.
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is the definitive image of Bhutan and one of the great hikes in all of Asia. The sacred monastery complex clings to a sheer 900-metre cliff face above the Paro valley at 3,120 metres - appearing to float in mid-air. According to Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan, flew to this cliff on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in the caves within. The trek to reach it takes 2–3 hours up a well-maintained trail with a café midway, and the final 800 steps descend into a gorge before climbing back up to the monastery entrance. The views from the temple - looking down at the valley floor and out at the Himalayan horizon - are among the most beautiful in any mountain nation.
Shahi Travels includes a mandatory licensed Bhutanese guide (required by law for foreign visitors including Indians) in all our Bhutan packages, along with the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Entry Permit arrangements, and the full AMD–CCU–PBH flight routing from Ahmedabad.
Fly Ahmedabad to Kolkata (2 hrs), connect to Paro (45 mins, Druk Air - a spectacular mountain approach). Arrive Paro. Hotel check-in. Afternoon: Kyichu Lhakhang (7th-century temple, one of Bhutan's oldest). Paro riverside walk. Overnight Paro.
Drive Paro–Thimphu (54 km, 1.5 hrs). Tashichho Dzong (exterior). Buddha Dordenma (giant golden statue, panoramic views). National Memorial Chorten. Textile Museum. Weekend farmers' market. Overnight Thimphu.
Drive Thimphu–Punakha (72 km) via Dochula Pass (3,100m, 108 chortens, 108-peak panorama on clear days). Punakha Dzong at the river confluence. Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman, fertility blessings). Overnight Punakha.
Drive Punakha to Paro (108 km, 3 hrs via Thimphu). Afternoon: Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and National Museum of Bhutan (inside the Ta Dzong watchtower). Rest and acclimatise for the Tiger's Nest hike tomorrow. Overnight Paro.
Depart trailhead at 7 AM. 2–3 hour ascent (6.5 km) through pine forest to Paro Taktsang (3,120m). Explore the monastery complex - four sacred cave temples, Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave, 800m cliff views. Descend by 1 PM. Farewell dinner. Overnight Paro.
Transfer to Paro Airport. Fly to Kolkata (45 mins) and connect back to Ahmedabad. Tour concludes with memories of the Thunder Dragon's kingdom.
No visa required. Indian nationals enter with passport or Voter ID. An Entry Permit (free) is issued at entry. Since September 2022, a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 15 per person per night applies - included in our package prices.
Fly AMD to Kolkata (CCU, 2 hrs), then Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines to Paro (PBH, 45 mins). Alternatively via Delhi (DEL) to Paro. The Paro landing is world-famous for its dramatic Himalayan approach.
The 6.5 km trail takes 2–3 hours up at a steady pace. The trail is well-maintained with rest stops. Reasonably fit travellers without specific training can complete it. Walking sticks are available for hire at the trailhead.
March–May for rhododendron blooms and Paro Tsechu festival. September–November for clear skies and best Himalayan views from Dochula Pass. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold in Paro but Punakha valley is warm and beautiful.
Since September 2022, Indian nationals pay USD 15 per person per night as SDF - funding Bhutan's conservation and social programs. Shahi Travels includes the SDF in all Bhutan package pricing with no hidden costs.
Starting from ₹50,000 per person
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