06/06/2023
Package Name: Bhutan via Bagdogra
Duration: 6 Nights and 7 Days
Places covered: 2N Phuentsholing, 2N Thimphu, 2N Paro
Transportation: Exclusive A/c Cab
DAY 1 - Arrive at Bagdogra / NJP & Transfer to Phuentsholing / Jaigaon
The flight to Bagdogra offers one of the most exciting experiences while descending on a clear day witnessing a fascinating view of the entire Himalayan region. On arrival, you will be met by our representative and later transferred to Phuentsholing. Check-in at the hotel. Evening strolls around marketplaces & main street. Overnight Phuentsholing / Jaigaon.
DAY 2 - Phuentsholing to Transfer Thimphu
After breakfast proceed for an immigration permit, and later embark on a fascinating journey to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan a route of scenic views of Mountains & Waterfalls. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 3 - Thimphu Full Sightseeing
After breakfast, the process for a special permit to Punakha and later drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu Valley from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around, enjoying the view of the valley. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Then, drive to Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. “Simply Bhutan” is an interactive demo display that highlights traditional items used and reflects Bhutanese culture at its best, you are welcomed with butter tea, can later taste rice wine, and have a glimpse of traditional dance performed by local artists. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoe Dzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, the site of the monarch’s throne room, and the seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built-in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. The evening can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through examples of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 4 - Thimphu to Punakha Excursion Transfer Paro
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, main wall, and prayer flags that decorate this highest point on the road. If skies are clear, you can see the following peaks from this pass in the order left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m On arrival visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some six hundred by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.
DAY 5 - Paro Taktshang Monastery Excursion Tour
After breakfast embarks on an interesting excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Overnight Paro.
DAY 6 - Paro Transfer Phuentsholing / Jaigaon
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing via sightseeing Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. On arrival check into the hotel, evening free for shopping. Overnight Phuentsholing / Jaigaon.
DAY 7 - Departure
After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra/ NJP Rly Station/Airport for your onward destination and then bid you farewell.
