Bhutan Tour Exploring Bhutan

Meet and Greet upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Phuntsholing (298mts / 977fts), a small town at the Indo-Bhutan border. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast drive to Thimphu (178 kms /06 hrs, 2134mt/7000fts), the capital of Bhutan, lies at an elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu (river). Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It is also an ideal spot for day walks. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast go for morning sightseeing – visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art and Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “”Takin”" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast drive for 3 hrs to Wangduephodrang (70 kms / 03 hrs / 1350mts /4330fts) via Punakha crossing the Dochu la pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Further proceed 20 minutes to Wangduephodrang (17 kms / 20 mins, 1350mts/4430fts) and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast go for day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises, fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast drive to Paro (135 kms / 05 hrs / 2134mts /7000fts) via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Drive 3 hrs to Thimphu for lunch (optional) and proceed 2 hrs to Paro. En-route visit the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast go for Paro Sightseeing – visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours – whole week – 0900hrs to 1600hrs and Closed On National Holidays , which was built in 1651 as a watchtower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Phuntsholing (176 kms / 06 hrs, 298mts / 977fts). Overnight Hotel

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bagdogra Airport for your onward connection.