Journey to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

Day 1 : Arrive Phuentsholing from Bagdogra / NJP

Arrive Phuentsholing and transfer to the hotel. Process for route permit and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Day 2 : Phuentsholing - Thimpu – capital city

Morning transfer to the capital city Thimphu through the mountains, this journey is of almost unbelievable beauty. The road leads from the northern Indian tea plantations through endless turns, hair pin bends and daring stretches carved into the mountain rock via Chukka to Thimphu. Check in the hotel. Afternoon you can relax and in the evening spend some time in clock tower square. O/n at Thimphu.

Day 3 : Thimpu

When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Handicraft Center to view the traditional arts, the indigenous Medicine Hospital, the Painting School and from the road point take a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong. Further drive uphill and visit Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan. Afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue. Evening take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square. O/n at Thimphu.

Day 4 : Thimphu - Paro valley

Morning drive to Paro valley and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. On the way back drive till the base of the world famous “Tigers Nest “or popularly known as “Taktsang” one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. Rest of the day at leisure. O/n at Paro.

Day 5 : Paro

Morning visit, 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. Just below Ta Dzong lies Paro Dzong. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred and visit farm house where you will be able to see the lifestyle of the villagers of Paro. Visit the town for shopping or leisure. O/n at Paro.

Day 6 : Paro

Morning – if you are adventurous and physically fit to you could hike to the world famous “Tigers Nest “or popularly known as “Taktsang” one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. (round hike take 7 hours). OR Hike to Dzongdrakha temple often called as mini Taktsang, the temple is built in the cliffs above Bondey village. The walk is not as strenuous as to Tigers Nest OR Hike to Kila Gompa – if you are fit as mountain goat Kila Gompa awaits you. These magnificent clustered temples are built on the cliffs and have been home for nuns for a longtime. Kila in Sanskrit means subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys the negativities. Hike up and subjugate all your negative energies within you and if it does not give you any spiritual satisfaction you will feel physically rejuvenated after the hike. OR If you want to spend some time near by the river side before reaching Tigers Nest base you will come across a small river where you could stop and walk down near the riverbed. Experience and feel close to nature and visit some Farm House where you will be able to see the lifestyle of the villagers of Paro. Afternoon if you are left with some energy you could visit the town for shopping or leisure/n at Paro.

Day 7 : Phuentsholing

Morning transfer to Phuentsholing and before reaching Phuentsholing stop and visit Kharbandi Gompa. Check in the hotel and evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Day 8 : Departure

Morning transfer to depart for your next destination.

Inclusions

Exclusions