BHUTAN (7NIGHT/8DAYS)

BHUTAN

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO PHUENTSHOLLING
Arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Pick up and transfer to Phuentsholling The border of India & Bhutan, Indian side is Jaigaon and the Bhutan side is called Phuentsholling. It is around 170 km (3½ – 4 hrs drive). The drive is through Dooars – Land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views. Check-in to your hotel. In the evening free for leisure .Overnight stay at Phuentsholling.

DAY 2: PHUENTSHOLLING TO THIMPU
After getting the permit, you will proceed to Thimpu (180 km, around 6½ – 7½ hrs). The drive will take you along the Paro Chu (water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu. Next, the road bends upstream and travels along the Wang Chu to Thimpu. You will experience breathtaking view of The Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. Check-in to your hotel. In the evening, you can roam around the Mall or a local shopping centre. Overnight stay at Thimpu.

DAY 3: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPU
After an early breakfast, visit the Memorial Chorten (Stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Next the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, Wood Craft and Painting School. The handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. Browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight stay at Thimpu.

DAY 4: THIMPHU – WANGDUEPHODRANG – PUNAKHA
After an early breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang, enroute take a tea break at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas. After lunch, continue your drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Check-in to your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll around the region. Overnight stay at Punakha.

DAY 5: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY – WANGDUEPHODRANG
After an early breakfast, proceed to Gangtey. Passing through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons, arrive at Gangtey Village, where you will visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you can enjoy the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black necked cranes. In the evening, you can stroll through the town of Wangduephodrang and visit the shops. Overnight stay at Wangduephodrang.

DAY 6: WANGDUEPHODRANG – PARO
After an early breakfast, set out for Paro. Enroute stop at Thimphu for lunch and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, continue your drive to Paro and visit a traditional farmhouse. Check-in to your hotel in Paro. In the evening, you can stroll around the area. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 7: SIGHTSEEING IN PARO
In the morning, hike for two hours reach Taktshang Monastery – Tiger’s Nest. Later visit Drugyel Dzong (fortress). The Dzong was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan Invaders in 1644 – destroyed by fire in 1951. Spectacular view of the sacred Mountain Jumolhari is worth it. On your way back, view the Taktsang Monastery perched on the side of a cliff at 900 meters. Visit Kychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples, National Museum popularly known to the local Bhutanese as Ta Dzong or Watch Tower, built as Watch Tower (Ta Dzong) of Paro Dzong and the Valley was renovated and converted into National Museum in 1968. In the evening, stroll around Paro town. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 8: PARO – RAILWAY STATION OR AIRPORT
After breakfast, proceed to Phuentsholling. After that, you will be transferred to (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) for your onward flight.