Bhutan Tour Departure
Day 1
Arrival at Bagdogra
- After arriving in Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing, on arrival in Phuentsholingcheck into the hotel and relax. Phuentsholing- Phuentsholing is the border point for any goods and services entry/exit into Bhutan. Phuentsholing lies opposite the Indian town of Jaigon and cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy. ZangtoPelri Lhakhang: It is a small temple located in the heart of the Phuentsholing town. The temple's soothing premises also serve as park, a good place to relax for both local and tourist. Elderly citizens come to circumambulate around the temple. Overnight in Phuentsholing, altitude 300m.
Day 2
Phuentsholing to Thimphu
- Complete the immigration formalities before starting the journey to Thimphu, the immigration office gets open at 9AM. The feeling of exhausted and crowded in Phuentsholing comes to the end after half an hour drive uphill, you will start feeling fresh and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nature. The journey will pass through some of the most beautiful broad leaves forest to temperate alpine zone, villages, towns, water fall, hills and mountains until we reach Thimphu, creating the history for you. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Chuzom- Meetingpoint of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at Chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. We will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Day 3
Thimphu Sightseeing
- Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Textile Museum:The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum's exhibition is centered around six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. Visit Buddha viewpoint:The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in KuenselPhodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Drive pass by Memorial:It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit interesting weekend market:An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits.Witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang:Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic Games. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha
- Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme DorjiWangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King's palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
Day 5
Punakha to Paro (2.5 Hours Drive Approx)
- As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama's instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the Hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport. Ta Dzong unique (National Museum): Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels', is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.
Day 6
Paro Sightseeing
- This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan's most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger's Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Alternative sightseeing includes Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King SongstsenGampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kyichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kyichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Overnight in Paro
Day 7
Paro to Phuentsholing
- After Breakfast drive back to Phuentsholing Boarder, evening explore the Phuentsholing market
Day 8
Departure from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra
- After Breakfast Departure Transfer to Bagdogra Airport