Ishita's First Hike, Countless Memories, and Four Days in Bhutan with Thrillophilia

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKDKRW5LYGH
Rating: ★★★★★
Travellers: Ayan Pramanik & Ishita Saha
Trip Duration: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Date of Travel: 12 Apr 2026 to 15 Apr 2026
Package Booked: 4 Days of Exploration in Bhutan: Unveiling Hidden Gems

When Ishita Saha started planning their trip to Bhutan with her husband, she already had a clear idea of what she was looking for. She wanted the comfort of a well-planned vacation, but she also wanted to challenge herself in ways she hadn't before.

"I wanted to do a luxury trip as well as something that challenges me," she shared.

Bhutan turned out to be the right destination for both. Over four days, the couple explored the country's capital, experienced its traditions, completed Ishita's first-ever mountain hike, and discovered that some of the best parts of travelling are the ones you never expect.

From the Border to Bhutan's Capital

Their journey began at Bagdogra Airport, where a private transfer pre-arranged by Thrillophilia was already waiting to take them towards Bhutan. After completing permit formalities at the immigration office in Phuentsholing, they continued the scenic drive to Thimphu, passing waterfalls and catching distant views of the Tala Dam along the way.

The road gradually climbed into the mountains, and with every kilometre, the landscape became quieter and greener. By the time they reached their hotel in Thimphu, checked in, and settled down for the evening, it already felt like they had left the rush of everyday life behind. Having the transfers, permits, accommodation, and meals arranged from the start meant there was little to think about besides enjoying the journey ahead.

Later, while sharing her experience in a Google Map review, Ishita and Ayan reflected on how smooth the entire arrival had been. "Going from India to Bhutan involves a fair bit of paperwork and planning, but Thrillophilia handled the heavy lifting. We just had to show up and soak in the views." She also mentioned that the itinerary took away the stress of managing logistics, allowing them to simply enjoy each destination as it came.

Check out Ayan complete review on Google Maps.

For Ishita, Bhutan had always been more than just a mountain destination.

"Bhutan is not only just mountains," she said. "There are so many cultures, traditions and hiking that I was talking about. The Paro Tiger Monastery part and there is Thimphu, there is Punakha, there is so much to experience. So that's why I chose Bhutan."

Exploring Thimphu Before Heading to Paro

After breakfast the next morning, they spent time exploring Thimphu before continuing to Paro later in the day. The sightseeing introduced them to several sides of Bhutan's capital. Buddha Point overlooked the city from above, offering panoramic views of the valley, while the Memorial Chorten reflected the quieter rhythm of daily life as locals walked around it with prayer wheels in hand.

They also visited the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unique national animal, explored Tashichho Dzong, and experienced Bhutanese traditions at Simply Bhutan, where local customs and crafts brought the country's culture to life in a simple, engaging way. By afternoon, Thrillophilia had another private transfer ready for them that took them to Paro.

The change in scenery was noticeable since Thimphu felt like a bustling capital nestled in the mountains and Paro unfolded with its wide valleys, riverside views, and monasteries dotting the hillsides. The slower rhythm of the town made it the perfect place to unwind before the next day's hike to Tiger's Nest.

Climbing to Tiger's Nest Became the Highlight of the Journey

The third day began with a drive to the trailhead of Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks. For Ishita, however, the day was about more than reaching the monastery. It was also her first hiking experience. In her exact words, very excitedly she later mentioned, "So this was my first hike ever in my life, the Paro trek, and I absolutely loved it. Every bit of pain was worth it."

The climb took them through pine forests and steadily uphill towards the monastery, which clings dramatically to a cliff nearly 3,120 metres above sea level. The higher they climbed, the wider the valley stretched below them, making every pause an opportunity to appreciate the changing views. Reaching Tiger's Nest brought a sense of accomplishment that stayed with Ishita long after the hike ended.

But the surprises weren't over.

After returning from the trek, their guide, Chimmy, suggested trying a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, which is an experience that hadn't been part of their original plans. When asked about the experience, Ishita shared, "I have experienced the hot stone bath for the first time. After the hike, I got the hot stone bath, and it was something different, something new that I have tried. And our guide Chinni only suggested that we do that, and I absolutely loved that."

The warm bath, prepared using fire-heated river stones, turned out to be the perfect way to unwind after a long day on the trail. Looking back, Ishita had only kind words for the people who made the experience even more memorable.

"Our driver and our guide, Chimmy, they are like adorable."

Ending the Trip with a Relaxed Morning in Paro

Their last morning in Bhutan started with breakfast at the hotel before they headed out to see a few final sights around Paro. They visited the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong, admired its traditional Bhutanese architecture, and walked across the old wooden Nyamai Zam bridge, taking in the quiet views one last time.

Soon, it was time to begin the drive back towards New Jalpaiguri. The return journey felt different from when they had first arrived. The excitement of discovering a new country had given way to the satisfaction of leaving with memories they knew would stay with them. In just four days, they had explored Bhutan's culture, completed a memorable hike, and experienced a pace of travel that never felt rushed, making it difficult to say goodbye.

What Ishita Appreciated Most About Travelling with Thrillophilia

Looking back, Ishita realised that what made the trip memorable wasn't only the places they visited. It was also how smoothly everything came together from start to finish. Their hotels, meals, private transfers, and permit arrangements were already taken care of, so they could spend their time enjoying Bhutan instead of worrying about logistics. In a destination where border formalities and long road journeys are part of the experience, that made a real difference.

Ishita especially appreciated the hospitality throughout the journey. "The hotels, they have provided the people that we met in hotels, their services, the food." What stayed with her even more was the support whenever they needed it.

"Whenever I had any query or anything, any help that I needed, Thrillophilia was always available. So I could contact them anytime regarding anything. So they were always available, which was the best part." For someone visiting Bhutan for the first time and taking on her first mountain hike, having that kind of support made the experience feel reassuring from beginning to end.

By the time the trip ended, Ishita already knew she wanted to travel this way again. "Thrillophilia, this is my first time with you guys, and I'm pretty sure this is not gonna be the last time. So I absolutely love the experience with you guys."

Also Read: Rohit Damke's Sikkim & Darjeeling Journey with Thrillophilia