Bhutan which is a tiny landlocked nation in East Asia is situated completely within the Himalayan range. Nepal lies to the west of Bhutan and its other close neighbours are Bangladesh and Myanmar. The country of Bhutan is also fondly called ‘The Land of Happiness’ because according to a recent survey, it was concluded that the people of Bhutan are the happiest people living on earth. Bhutan is a truly vibrant, hospitable, colourful and a mesmerising country to visit.
Here is how you will spend your time
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival At Bagdogra (Ixb) Airport / Njp Railway Station And Transfer To Phuentsholing
Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing - The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. It is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing hotel.
Depending on your arrival time our representative will assist you in procurement of your permit to Bhutan. The permit issuance takes time depending on the rush one has to stand in queue for procurement of permit. In case the permit is not processed on the day of arrival then it can be issued next day before you start for next destination.
Day 2
Day 2: Transfer From Phuentsholing To Thimphu
After breakfast, complete your Visa / Permit formalities assisted by our representative (in case if your permit is not done on arrival day). Our representative will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu.
On arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Thimphu hotel.
Travel from Phuntsholing to Thimphu
Drive
2hrs 16min
Bus
5hrs
Day 3
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing - Transfer From Thimphu To Punakha / Wangdue Via Dochula Pass
After breakfast proceed for Thimphu sightseeing visiting:
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) is located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the 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 and take a glimpse of the valley.
National Memorial Chorten stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
The Folk Heritage Museum is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang via Dochu-La-Pass to view the higher Himalayas. Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimpu to Punakha where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. Apart from the chortens there is a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The open grounds in its front yard is a venue for the annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival.
Arrival at Punakha & check in to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue hotel.
Charges for all activities and entry to monuments & memorials need to be paid by the customer on direct payment basis.
Travel from Thimphu to Punakha
Drive
1hrs 6min
Day 4
Day Excursion To Gangtey (Phobjikha)
After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey. Gangtey is the home of Black Necked Crane which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. It is a beautiful valley of Bhutan.
Black Necked Crane or Thrung Trung Karmo as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. They are seen among the painting on the walls of temples and Thankga. These endangered species of cranes migrate from Tibet in late autumn and typically stay till the mid march. The wetland in the center of Phobjikha valley provides the nesting grounds and natural habitat for these black necked cranes. Black Necked Crane Information Centre is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area.
Later you can also visit Gangtey Gompha. Gangtey Gompha sits atop a hillock that overlooks the Phobjikha valley. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. It was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, a grandson and reincarnation of influential treasure finder Pema Lingpa. An incarnate line of Pema Thinlay, representing the body aspects of Pema Lingpa, contrasted with mind and speech emanations. The monastery has been recently built and surrounding the monastery are village homes and hermitages.
Evening return back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue hotel.
Charges for all activities and entry to monuments & memorials need to be paid by the customer on direct payment basis.
Day 5
Day 5: Punakha / Wangdue Sightseeing + Transfer From Punakha / Wangdue To Paro
After breakfast, proceed for local sight seeing visiting:
Punakha Dzong is built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Chimi Lhakhang situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Later afternoon drive to Paro. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro hotel.
Travel from Punakha to Paro
Drive
1hrs 40min
Day 6
Day 6: Paro Full Day Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing visiting:
Ta Dzong is a one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Rinpung Dzong was Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Drukgyel Dzong is a Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Later drive back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Paro hotel.
Day 7
Day 7: Transfer From Paro To Phuentsholing
After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing hotel.
Travel from Paro to Phuntsholing
Drive
2hrs 11min
Mini Bus
6hrs
Day 8
Day 8: Departure From Phuentsholing To Bagdogra (Ixb) Airport / Njp Railway Station
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Bagdogra (IXB) Airport / NJP Railway Station for your onward journey.
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