Embark on a 15-day self-drive expedition through Bhutan, beginning in Siliguri and concluding in Guwahati. Travel in a supported convoy across winding mountain roads, peaceful valleys and culturally rich towns while experiencing Bhutan beyond the usual tourist trail.
The journey covers Paro, Haa Valley, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang and Eastern Bhutan before exiting through Samdrup Jongkhar. From the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and drives across scenic mountain passes to ancient dzongs, traditional villages and untouched landscapes, every day reveals a different side of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
With carefully planned routes, vehicle-permit assistance, comfortable accommodation and dependable on-ground support, this expedition offers the freedom of a road trip with the confidence of travelling alongside an experienced team.
15 Days • 1,400+ KM • Ultimate Bhutan Self-Drive Expedition
- Drive across Bhutan in your own SUV or a company-arranged vehicle.
- Experience an international self-drive journey from Siliguri to Guwahati.
- Hike to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Explore the scenic roads and traditional villages of Haa Valley.
- Cross Dochula Pass and visit the historic Punakha Dzong.
- Discover Thimphu’s cultural landmarks and local lifestyle.
- Explore the monasteries and spiritual heritage of Bumthang.
- Experience the peaceful landscapes of Phobjikha Valley.
- Travel through the less-explored regions of Eastern Bhutan.
- Enjoy coordinated permits, convoy guidance and on-ground assistance.
- Stay in carefully selected hotels throughout the journey.
- Build lasting memories and friendships with fellow road-trip travellers.
Itinerary
Discover Bhutan from behind the wheel on a 15-day self-drive expedition from Siliguri to Guwahati. Travel through Paro, Haa Valley, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang and the lesser-explored landscapes of Eastern Bhutan.
Drive across scenic mountain passes, visit ancient monasteries and magnificent dzongs, hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest and experience authentic Bhutanese culture along the way. With carefully planned routes, permit coordination, convoy guidance and reliable support from The Touring Team, you can enjoy the freedom of driving while every important detail is professionally managed.
Arrive in Siliguri and check in at the hotel. Take the afternoon to relax, refresh and prepare for the exciting drive ahead.
In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and expedition team for a detailed journey briefing. We will discuss convoy driving, border formalities, road conditions and essential safety guidelines before enjoying a welcome dinner together.
Stroll peacefully through the border town and savor your initial experience of Bhutanese culture and architecture.
After enjoying breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive from Siliguri to Phuentsholing, marking the beginning of your adventure into Bhutan. The journey offers stunning views of lush tea gardens, undulating hills, and quaint villages, highlighting the region's natural beauty.
Excitement builds as you approach the international border and arrive in Phuentsholing, where you'll handle visa formalities.
If time permits, enjoy a leisurely walk to experience Bhutanese culture and architecture in this lively border town. Conclude the day with a relaxed evening and an overnight stay in Phuentsholing, preparing for upcoming adventures.r
After finalizing any remaining visa procedures, our convoy will embark on a picturesque journey to our next stop, Paro. This drive is a feast for the senses, showcasing lush valleys, dense forests, and charming traditional Bhutanese villages, all of which highlight the serene beauty of this Himalayan kingdom.
We will stop at Milarepa Lhakhang, a serene monastery believed to be a meditation site of the Tibetan yogi Milarepa in the Himalayas. Nestled in wooded hills, it is known for its tranquil atmosphere and simple design, offering a distinct experience compared to Bhutan's larger monasteries.
By evening, we will reach Paro and check into our hotel. The day will wrap up with a relaxed dinner as you begin to appreciate the rhythm of Bhutan.
The day starts with a memorable hike to Bhutan's Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located at 3,120 meters on a cliff. The 6.5 km hike takes 4 to 5 hours round trip from 2,600 meters. Mules are available for those who prefer not to trek, providing beautiful views of the monastery.
Reaching the monastery offers a truly rewarding experience; the views are stunning, and the tranquil energy of this sacred site is truly unparalleled.
After descending, enjoy Bhutanese hospitality with a visit to a traditional farmhouse. Experience a rejuvenating hot stone bath, savor a delicious dinner, and spend the night in Paro.
Today, we say goodbye to Paro and set off on a picturesque journey to Thimphu, the lively capital of Bhutan. Along the way, we will visit Tamchhog Lhakhang, a delightful temple created by the famed iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In Thimphu, the exploration starts with the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the world's largest, providing stunning valley views. The evening is free for personal exploration of the city, concluding with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Be sure to take the opportunity to admire and capture images of its 600-year-old traditional suspension bridge, adorned with vibrant prayer flags.
Today, we explore Thimphu to experience Bhutan’s culture by visiting the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Royal Textile Museum, and the Takin Reserve to see the unique national animal, the takin.
Explore a traditional paper factory producing handcrafted paper, visit the Postal Museum for Bhutan's unique stamps and personalized printing, and stroll through the Craft Bazaar for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
We visit Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan's government seat and monastic center, before returning to the hotel for the night.
Today, the convoy travels from Thimphu to Punakha, crossing DochuLa Pass at 3,140 meters. This breathtaking spot provides panoramic views of the Himalayas and features 108 chortens, enhancing its serene beauty.
Upon arriving in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, then walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge for scenic views. In the evening, return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
As we near Punakha, we take a scenic hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, who blesses couples seeking fertility.
After breakfast, we drove to Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan, enjoying scenic forests and mountain passes. Upon arrival, we savored authentic Bhutanese cuisine and warm hospitality at a local homestay for lunch.
The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Feel free to explore the Phobjikha Valley at a comfortable pace, soaking in its expansive landscapes, scenic walking trails, and tranquil atmosphere. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner followed by an overnight stay in Phobjikha.
In the afternoon, we explore the valley, beginning at the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, which educates visitors about the revered migratory cranes of Bhutan. Next, we visit Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century monastery known for its breathtaking valley views and importance in the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to Bumthang via Trongsa, passing through forests, mountains, and valleys. In Trongsa, we visit the Royal Heritage Museum in Ta Dzong, which provides insights into Bhutan's royal history and monarchy.
If time permits, visit the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang temple and Jakar Dzong fortress before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Bumthang. The tranquil atmosphere is perfect for relaxation under a clear starry sky, setting the stage for new adventures in Bhutan's rich cultural and natural landscape.
After lunch, we drive to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, and check into our hotel by late afternoon.
Begin the day by exploring Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Visit the historic Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, two of the region’s most revered temples.
Spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful countryside, local market and traditional surroundings of Bumthang. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Continue to Tamshing Lhakhang and discover its ancient murals, traditional architecture and deep connection with Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage.
Drive east towards Mongar along spectacular mountain roads, remote settlements and densely forested landscapes. Arrive in Mongar and spend some time exploring the town before checking in for an overnight stay.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling delicious Bhutanese cuisine that reflects the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the region. Afterward, retire to your cozy accommodations, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's journey, surrounded by the serene beauty of Mongar
Take a stroll through the lively local markets, where you can find an array of handcrafted goods and traditional Bhutanese textiles. These markets offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture and daily life of the residents.
Today, the pace slows as we explore Trashigang, the cultural heart of Eastern Bhutan. The town's hillside setting and valley views provide a unique perspective compared to Western Bhutan.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace. You'll have dinner and an overnight stay in Trashigang.
Visit Rangjung Yoesel Chholing Lhakhang, a modern monastery established in the late 20th century by Garab Rinpoche. It's an important center for the Nyingma school of Buddhism in Eastern Bhutan, known for its detailed murals and spacious prayer halls.
Today's drive from Eastern Bhutan's hills to subtropical lowlands showcases impressive landscape changes, passing through Khaling, noted for the National Institute for the Visually Impaired and its rich textile traditions.
After a day filled with scenic drives and cultural insights, unwind with an overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar.
We explore Barshong Lhakhang, a lesser-known monastery in Eastern Bhutan, emphasizing its spiritual importance and unique culture. Near Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan's gateway to India, the landscape transforms into rolling plains and tropical vegetation, marking it as a vibrant commercial hub and the oldest trading town in Bhutan.
After breakfast, complete the exit and vehicle formalities at Samdrup Jongkhar before crossing into India. Continue through Assam’s plains towards Guwahati. On arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxed farewell evening with the expedition group.
After a day filled with scenic drives and cultural insights, unwind with an overnight stay in Guwahati.
After breakfast, cross the international border and continue towards Guwahati. Arrive, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening with your fellow travellers. Overnight stay in Guwahati.
After breakfast, complete the exit and vehicle formalities at Samdrup Jongkhar before crossing into India. Continue through Assam’s plains towards Guwahati. On arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxed farewell evening with the expedition group.
After a day filled with scenic drives and cultural insights, unwind with an overnight stay in Guwahati.
After breakfast, cross the international border and continue towards Guwahati. Arrive, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening with your fellow travellers. Overnight stay in Guwahati.
🌍 What’s Included in Your Journey
Included
- Premium 4WD Vehicle Hire
- Fuel Cost for the Complete Route
- 14 Nights Accommodation
- 14 Breakfasts
- 14 Lunches
- 13 Dinners
- Professional Tour Guide
- National Park Entry Fees
- Route Planning & Navigation Support
- Group Convoy Assistance
- On-Ground Operational Support
Excludes
- International Airfare (India – Australia – India)
- Australia Tourist Visa Charges
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Optional Activities Not Mentioned
- Alcoholic Beverages
Everything You Need to Know
This is a fully supported self-drive expedition. Guests drive premium vehicles themselves while our team manages routing, timing, support and logistics.
Is this trip suitable for first-time international self-drivers?
Yes. This expedition is carefully designed for safe, well-maintained Nordic highways, clear road signage and structured daily drives. Our team provides detailed driving briefings.
Driving ranges from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the region. Long drives are balanced with rest days and scenic stops to avoid fatigue.
Yes. An International Driving Permit along with your valid home country driving licence is mandatory.
A Schengen Visa covers Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. Our team provides complete visa documentation support.
Daily breakfasts are included. Select lunches and dinners are planned, while free evenings allow guests to explore local cuisine.
Yes we provides vehicles, shared basis for this expedition and this service is already included in the price of the tour or expedition.
Small, 10-15 people, curated groups to ensure comfort, safety, and a premium travel experience.
This is a 24-day / 23-night self-drive expedition across Scandinavia, covering Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark.
The expedition covers Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, with the journey beginning and ending in Stockholm.
Road Map
