Day 1 : Phuntsholing
Phuentsholing (alt. 300m / 985 ft.) - The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam. later visit;
Evening take a down town walk.
Overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing
Distance from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing : 172 km
Travel time: 4 hour 10 minutes (approximately)
Day 2: Thimphu: Immigration Process
Get transferred to Thimphu on Day 2 of your Bhutan Itinerary
After an early breakfast move for immigration formalities after done with immigration transfer to Thimphu, on arrival check-into the hotel. The capital town ofBhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Also take a walk to the Coronation Park.
Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.
Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Distance from Phuentsholing to Thimphu : 165 km
Travel time: 4 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
Day 3: Thimphu: Enchanting local sightseeing
Visit enchanting local sites as part of your Bhutan tour itinerary
Savor a delectable breakfast and gear up for local sightseeing in Thimphu.
Memorial Chorten: Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa located on Doe Boom Lam is unlike most stupas in the world. The Memorial Chorten does not enshrine human remains but instead represents the mind of the Buddha. Teach your kids about the culture and tradition of Bhutan as you revel in these architectural marvels.
National Library: Your final stop for the day is the National Library and Archives of Bhutan. The library was established in 1967 and has been used to promote and preserve regional culture, ever since. Go through old sacred texts and know more about the rich history of Bhutan.
Tashichhoedzong - The seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance
Buddha Point: The Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu at 51.5 metres is among the largest Buddha statues in the world. Located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, the statue is gilded in bronze and gold. Seek peace in this scenic haven and cherish the wonderful time with your kids.
Bhutan Textile Museum: Visit the textile museum located near the National Library as your second sightseeing spot for the day. Established in 2001, the museum sustains and promotes the art of weaving. One can also buy books and textiles from the museum shop.
Come back to the hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Optional: Shopping (charges extra)
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu
Get transferred to Punakha on Day 4 of your Bhutan tour itinerary
This morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula Pass 10,000 ft and on the way stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan.
You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you.
On the way stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.
Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk
Later in the evening, drive back to Thimphu
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 5: Thimphu – Paro (A remarkable trek to Tiger’s Nest)
Enjoy a thrilling trek to Tiger’s Nest today as per your Bhutan travel itinerary.
Arise fresh amidst unpolluted expanses and gorge on a delicious breakfast. The day presents you an incredible trek to Tiger’s Nest. The ascent is an easy one and you can reach the top in almost 2 hours, if you are an enthusiastic trekker. Beginners might take a little more time.
Tiger’s Nest: Also known as Taktshang Goemba or Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest is a monastery that is perched on a cliff and offers you a spectacular scenery of blue pine and rhododendrons forest. Legends state that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to mollify a local demon. Later, he meditated here for three months.
Once you have enjoyed the adrenaline rush with this Bhutan trekking, come back to the hotel and relax your weary self.
Tip: Clicking pictures is not allowed inside the monastery. So, make sure you hold back the photographer in you
Evening free for leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Optional: Shopping (charges extra)
Distance from Thimphu to Paro: 48 km
Travel time: 1 hour (approximately)
Day 6: Paro – Phuentsholing
Half day Paro sightseeing later drive to Phuentsholing on Day 6 of your Bhutan tour itinerary
After Breakfast visit
Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area.
Overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing
Optional: Shopping (charges extra)
Distance from Paro to Phuentsholing : 160 km
Travel time: 4 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Day 7: Phuentsholing: The Trip Ends
After a hearty breakfast, check-out from the hotel and head to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station /Bagdogra Airport
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