Discover a different side of the Himalayas with our unique Bhutan travel packages, designed for those seeking authentic adventure beyond the usual routes. This 10-day journey takes you deep into southern Bhutan, where untouched forests, remote villages, and rich wildlife create an experience unlike any other.
General Information
Start / End: Guwahati (India) / Guwahati (India)
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour Route: Guwahati – Gelephu – Zhemgang – Gomphu – Pangtang – Shilingtoe – Panbang – Royal Manas National Park – Nganglam – Guwahati
Tour Customizable: Definitely
Tour Highlights
- Experience a unique overland journey from India into southern Bhutan through Gelephu.
- Trek through untouched forests rich in Himalayan birdlife and diverse ecosystems.
- Explore Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s most biodiverse wildlife sanctuary.
- Enjoy authentic camping experiences in remote villages and scenic river valleys.
- Engage in nature-based activities such as wildlife tracking, angling, and optional rafting.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Guwahati – Gelephu
Day 2: Gelephu – Zhemgang – Gomphu
Day 3: Gomphu – Pangtang Trek
Day 4: Pangtang – Shilingtoe
Day 5: Shilingtoe – Panbang
Day 6: Royal Manas National Park Exploration
Day 7: Wildlife Exploration in Royal Manas
Day 8: Leisure Day in Royal Manas National Park
Day 9: Panbang – Nganglam Trek
Day 10: Nganglam – Guwahati Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Guwahati – Gelephu
Your adventure begins with an overland journey from Guwahati in India rather than a direct flight into Bhutan. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and accompany you on a scenic drive toward the border, where you’ll witness the gradual shift in landscapes between the two countries. After completing immigration formalities at Bhutan Gate, continue to Gelephu, a lively town known for its cross-border trade and cultural connections. Check in at Hotel Pelrithang, enjoy a gentle introduction to the town, and gather for dinner along with a briefing about the journey ahead.
Day 2: Gelephu – Zhemgang – Gomphu
Following breakfast, travel north toward Zhemgang District along a picturesque route best experienced between November and March. Pass through the quiet town of Tingtibi before reaching Gomphu, where a simple eco-campsite awaits at about 1,450 feet above sea level. Keep an eye out for rich birdlife, including the impressive Great Hornbill. Upon arrival, settle into camp and enjoy the calm of the surrounding forest.
Day 3: Gomphu – Pangtang Trek
Today marks the beginning of your trek. After breakfast, head toward Pangtang, choosing between a scenic forest trail (approximately 4.5 hours) or a shorter route by vehicle (around 1 hour), depending on conditions. The forest path offers rewarding wildlife sightings such as woodpeckers, cuckoos, bulbuls, and hornbills. Descend gradually to Pangtang, located at a lower elevation, and set up camp for the night.
Day 4: Pangtang – Shilingtoe
Continue along a trail of gentle ups and downs, reaching elevations of around 420 metres. The four-hour walk takes you through thriving habitats filled with birdlife, including eagles, pheasants, drongos, and partridges. The final stretch is a short uphill climb leading to the Shilingtoe eco-camp, where you’ll be rewarded with views over nearby villages and valleys.
Day 5: Shilingtoe – Panbang
Begin the day with a three-hour trek to Changazam suspension bridge. Along the way, visit two intriguing caves - one a sacred Buddhist site and the other inhabited by bats - as well as the scenic Lelang Twin Waterfall. After crossing the bridge, continue by road to Panbang, which overlooks India’s Manas Tiger Reserve. Camp at Anilademba, where two rivers meet at a low elevation.
Day 6: Royal Manas National Park Exploration
Spend the day by the Dangme Chhu (Manas River), one of the least explored rivers in the world. It is home to the prized Golden Mahseer fish, offering an optional catch-and-release angling experience. You may also explore the park on foot to discover its diverse flora and fauna, or try rafting if conditions allow. Return to camp for dinner.
Day 7: Wildlife Exploration in Royal Manas
Today is dedicated to exploring Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s most biodiverse region. Keep watch for wildlife such as Asian elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and golden langurs. With luck, you may even spot signs of elusive predators like clouded leopards or Bengal tigers.
Day 8: Leisure Day in Royal Manas National Park
Enjoy a relaxed day in the national park. You may choose to photograph nature, observe insects, or join park rangers for guided wildlife tracking. This extra time allows you to fully appreciate the untouched beauty of the region.
Day 9: Panbang – Nganglam Trek
Prepare for the most demanding section of the journey - a six-hour trek from Panbang to Nganglam via Norbugang. The effort is rewarded with sweeping landscapes and glimpses of rural Bhutanese life. Upon arrival in Nganglam, take time to rest and reflect on your journey.
Day 10: Nganglam – Guwahati Departure
Your journey concludes with a return drive to Guwahati. You will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your onward plans. Leave Bhutan with lasting memories of its natural beauty and unique trekking experience.
