BHUTAN

day 1

DRIVE FROM INDIA TO BHUTAN (GUWAHATI-PHUENTSHOLING)

You begin the cross country expedition after collecting your camper from Guwahati. Today you will drive through scenic vistas and marvelous landscapes on your way to Phuentsholing in Bhutan. On reaching Phuentsholing you need to get the documentation and permits needed to enter the country approved. You can ask locals to help you out with the process in case of any difficulties. For the remainder of the day, you can visit the local markets trying Bhutanese cuisine and learning about the people and their lifestyle which is quite different than what we are used to. For the night you can check-in to a homestay or free camp at an open location. CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: FREEDOM CAMPING OR HOMESTAY. NOTE: PHUENTSHOLING IS 357 KM OR 7 AND A HALF HOURS FROM GUWAHATI.

Day 2

EXPLORE AND CAMP AT PARO

On the second day, you can drive to Paro where you can visit the famed Dzongs, fortresses with shrines, historical monuments and museums. You can camp at Ama’s Lodge for the night. The lodge is famous for its hospitality and delicious Bhutanese food. CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: AMA’S LODGE. NOTE: PARO IS 142 KM OR 3 AND A HALF HOURS FROM PHUENTSHOLING.

Day 3

EXPLORE AND CAMP AT PARO

You can spend the day exploring the beautiful valley town of Paro, take walks and engage with the locals, get to know their culture. There are river points around the town that makes for a great afternoon swim. You can visit the Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest monastery which is famous for its construction on the mountain cliffs followed by a traditional hot stone bath and massage. For tonight you can have a unique camping experience at a local farmstay and have healthy organic food for dinner. CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: FREEDOM CAMPING AT A FARMSTAY.

Day 4

EXPLORE AND CAMP AT PARO THIMPU

The capital city in the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is the ideal place to witness their contemporary lifestyle because of its political, cultural and financial significance. You can experience the concentrated collection of Bhutanese literature, media, religion, music, and dance in Thimphu along with the architectural and historical monuments. You can spend the night at a homestay like Damchoes or check-in to a resort/hotel like Amankora resort. CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: DAMCHOES HOMESTAY. NOTE: THIMPHU IS 50 KM OR 1 HOUR FROM PARO.

Day 5

EXPLORE PUNAKHA AND CAMP AT ROYAL BOTANICAL PARK

The journey from Paro to Punakha takes you across unending valleys carved to artistic perfection with rivers flowing along the well-maintained winding roads. Today you can explore Punakha and head to the Royal Botanical Park. The thick forest cover is home to beautiful animal, bird and plant species that you can spot on casual walks. It is better to reach the campsite here before it gets dark to avoid any hassles while setting up camp. Going to sleep with the sounds of nature and waking up to lush green mornings is a refreshing part of this journey. CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: FREEDOM CAMPING AT ROYAL BOTANICAL PARK. NOTE: ROYAL BOTANICAL PARK IS 85 KM OR 2 HOURS FROM THIMPHU.