Highlights Of Bhutan
9 Days / 8 Nights
THIMPHU:
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, occupies a valley in the country’s western interior. In addition to being the government seat, the city is known for its Buddhist sites. The massive Tashichho Dzong is a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leaf roofs. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
PUNAKHA:
Punakha is a town in the Himalayas of Bhutan. It’s known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress hosts the Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival featuring masked dances and music. In the surrounding Punakha Valley, temples include the fertility-focused Chimi Lhakhang and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which has river and mountain views.
PARO:
Paro is a valley town in Bhutan, west of the capital, Thimphu. It is the site of the country’s only international airport and is also known for the many sacred sites in the area. North of town, the Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) monastery clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Northwest of here are the remains of a defensive fortress, Drukgyel Dzong, dating from the 17th century.
PHUENTSHOLING:
Phuentsholing, a vibrant border town in Bhutan, serves as the gateway to the kingdom from India. Nestled along the foothills, it blends Bhutanese and Indian cultures, offering a unique mix of tradition and modernity. The city is a key commercial hub, featuring bustling markets, scenic landscapes, and significant landmarks like the Bhutan Gate.
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE BAGDOGRA/NEW JALPAIGURI-PHUENTSHOLING
Arrive at Bagdogra airport / New Jalpaiguri railway station you will be transfer to Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing is the border gate between Bhutan and Jaigoan, West Bengal. Our representative will meet and greet you. Complete all immigration formalities and than proceed to the hotel. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing.
Day 2 : PHUENTSHOLING - THIMPHU
Today morning after breakfast, drive to the capital city Thimphu, the drive is scenic as you will be passing through mountains. On arrival check-in and relax at the hotel or take a walk to the main town Norzin Lam. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 : THIMPHU - FULL DAY CITY SIGHTSEEING
Today morning after breakfast proceed for full day city sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit National Memorial Chorten a Stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan and drive downhill stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Later proceed towards National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts. Late afternoon is at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 : THIMPHU - PUNAKHA VIA DOCHULA PASS
Today morning after breakfast drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for an hour and enjoy nature. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Later you will visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region and your last stop for the day will be at the Suspension Bridge. Later drive to the hotel in Punakha. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening time is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 5 : PUNAKHA - FULL DAY EXCURSION TO GANGTEY VALLEY
Today morning after breakfast drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for an hour and enjoy nature. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Later you will visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region and your last stop for the day will be at the Suspension Bridge. Later drive to the hotel in Punakha. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening time is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 6 : DEPART-PARO
Today morning after breakfast drive to Paro same road via Semtokha entering the Babesa express highway. Upon reaching Chunzom check post, stop for a while at the bridge, stretch your legs and walk through the bridge. Later continue your drive towards Paro and transfer to the hotel. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the time is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 7: PARO - FULL DAY CITY SIGHTSEEING
Today morning after breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts, Paro Penlop Heritage Farm house, Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Later in the afternoon visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest. Rest of the time is at leisure to explore the town and for shopping. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 8 : PARO - PHUENTSHOLING
Today morning after breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts, Paro Penlop Heritage Farm house, Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Later in the afternoon visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest. Rest of the time is at leisure to explore the town and for shopping. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 9 : DEPART PHUENTSHOLING - BAGDOGRA/NEW JALPIGURI
Today morning you will be transferred to Bagdogra airport / New Jalpaiguri railway station to board your flight / train back home or to your next destination.
