Bhutan

Tour Itineary

Day 01 :: Arrival NJP/ IXB  To  Pheuntsholing ( Approx 4-5 hrs drive)

Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP / IXB & transfer to Pheuntsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by  Road from India , Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuntsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon . Evening free. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 :: Pheuntsholing to Thimphu ( Approx 178 km/6-7 hrs drive)

Breakfast at the hotel. On 09 a.m onwards permit has to be obtained at Department of Immigration (Permit procedure may take times). After Permit, drive to Thimphu. On the way, visit Kharbandi Gumpha, Confluence of Paro Chu & Thimpu Chu.  On arrival at Thimphu check in at the hotel.  Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03:  Thimphu sightseeing.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes

National Memorial Chorten– This 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 Jungshi handmade paper factory (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday),  that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho;

The National Library and Archives of Bhutan (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts

Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as 13 Arts & Crafts School or Painting School ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday and in winter season –December to February month),where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing   (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here;

Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley;

Motithang Takin Preserve, preserve center of Takin – National Animal of Bhutan.  

Anim Dratsang (Nunnery) ; also called Thakcho Kunzang Choden Nunnery nunnery is located in Zilukha

The Institute of Traditional Medicine (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced.

Day 04 :: Thimphu to Punakha /Wangdue via Dochula pass ( Approx 70 kms / 2.30 hrs)

After permit  ( Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route at Dochu La Pass ( 3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the highest mountains of Bhutan. After a photo break, drive to warm valley of Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong (Timing from 11:00 a.m to 1: 00 p.m and 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk’s body is in Punakha) Also visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue. 

Day 05 ::  Punakha /Wangdue to Paro ( Approx 160 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Paro ( Alt. 2200 m/7,300 ft ). On the way enjoy the view of Shaba River Point and Paro airport view.

Optional (On Additional cost basis): You can visit Tshering Farm House to see the local Bhutanese life style with experiencing Bhutanese Tea break. Here you can enjoy the Traditional game session – Khuru (Approx duration 1 hr)or you can take the traditional hot stone bath ( Approx duration 1 hr). Hot stone bath: The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water. Note: Prior booking should be required for game session – Khuru and Hot stone bath. )

Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06 ::  Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing   ( Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes  

Ta Dzong (National Museum) ( open throughout the week except Govt. Holiday . Timing: from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m ) – the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history.

Optional (On Additional cost basis): Now you can visit Pema House, where you can take the photography with the local Bhutanese dresses. (Rental charge for dress & photography charge is extra).

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing   (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes

Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies.

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores.  Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.

Day 07 :: Paro to Pheuntsholing. Drop to Dooars ( Lataguri )

After check out drive to Phuentsholing ( Approx 178 km/6-7 hrs drive). Transfer to Dooars in India ( Approx 3 hrs drive ). It’s a famous Wild Life Sanctuary for one horned rhino and Indian elephant. O/n stay at hotel.

Day 08 :: Dooars  ( Lataguri)To IXB / NJP

In the morning you can enjoy Jeep safari (Optional- Own Cost) inside the grassland of Dooars to watch the great Indian Rhino in their natural habitat. Later drive to Bagdogra/NJP Station (2 hrs) to your onward journey.

…………..TOUR TERMINATES WITH SWEET MEMORIES……………