Bhutan – Discover a Magical Himalayan Kingdom

Upcoming fixed departure: Nov 26 – Dec 3 2015 ( we can arrange for customised departure at any time of the year)

Quick Itinerary

Day 1, Arrive at Phuentsholing- 4 hrs from Bagdogra airport.

Day 2, Drive to Thimphu

Day 3, Thimphu local

Day 4, Dochu La & Punakha

Day 5, Drive to Paro; Paro Dzong

Day 6, Takstang Monastery Hike

Day 7, Drive to Phuentsholing

Day 8, Airport/ station drop off

 

Trip Details:

• Day 1   Arrive at Phuentsholing- 2 hrs 37 mins from New Jalpaiguri                            Arrival in New Jalpaiguri and drive onto Phuentsholing – a picturesque border town (4 hrs). We will drive through the Dooars and tea estates at Hashimara. At Phuentsholing, we will stay overnight.

Overnight: Hotel at Phuentsholing

 

 

• Day 2 Drive to Thimphu- 4hrs 11mins from Phuentsholing

After completing entry formalities, we will drive to Thimphu the capital city through beautiful scenery. Here we will go for a walk exploring this interesting capital city with its single traffic roundabout.  We will see the National Memorial Chorten (built to honour the memory of the 3rd king of Bhutan) and the focal point of worship for Thimphu residents.

Overnight: Thimphu

 

• Day 3 Thimphu local

In the morning, after completing permit formalities we will go to the impressive Tashichho Dzong (sitting on the banks of the Wang-chu river, with the king’s palace on the opposite bank). We will then visit the Insitute for handicrafts where you can see students practicing local crafts such as Tangkha painting and weaving. We will also check out the local market and the fantastic Changlimithang Stadium where crowds gather to watch archery and football matches and the Buddha Dordenma statue.

Overnight: Thimphu

 

• Day 4 Dochu La & Punakha

Early morning drive from Thimpu to Punakha (3 to 4 hrs) timing depending on Road Block. On the way we stop at Dochu-la pass, the site of 108 chortens and Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kunley. Overnight: Punakha

 

• Day 5 Punakha Dzong and Haa

Visit the Punakha Dzong, picturesquely situated at the confluence of Pho-Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.  Early afternoon move from Punakha to Haa

Overnight- Haa.

 

 

• Day 6 Haa Dzong and Drive to Paro

Visit the Haa Dzong and proceed to Paro. A visit to the impressive Paro Dzong and the museum followed by the evening spent, walking along the peaceful main street lined with shops full of souveniers.

Overnight- Paro

 

• Day 7 Takstang Monastery Hike

Drive to the trail-head for Taktsang, or Tiger’s nest monastery. A hike/ horse-ride will take you to the monastery (3-4 hours) clinging to a cliff-side, a remarkable place which also gives you a chance for those picture-postcard photos you’ve been wanting. In the afternoon after lunch we go onto the Drugyel Dzong, a ruined Dzong that has a ghostly air – it was used as a place to defend Bhutan against invading Tibetans.

Overnight-Paro

 

• Day 8 Departure from Paro airport