Best of Bhutan Tour

Best of Bhutan Tour

Day 01: NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Phuentsholing (157 Kms. / 5 Hrs. )

Received on arrival at at NJP Railway Station /Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing - The Gateway of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel to relax. In the evening walk around the Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing

Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (150 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast, set out to complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu in Bhutan - the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, stop at places to view scenery and for Photography. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma) – which gives good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Later visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre, the Changangkha Lhakhang Temple. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong - seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing (78 Kms. / 3 Hrs.)

After breakfast drive to Punakha / Wangdue, on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass which is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Day 05: Excursion to Gangtey / Phobjikha or Punakha Sightseeing (78 kms. One way / 3 hrs.)

After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey Valley. On the way you shall come across different flora and fauna, monuments, villages and people. Stop at places for sightseeing and photography. While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. Then explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter roosting place for the endangered Black necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. You may choose to hike around the Valley. After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Day 06: Punakha/Wangdue - Paro Sightseeing (125 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast drive to Paro. On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 07: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery (40 Kms. / 1.5 Hrs.)

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 08: Paro – Phuentsholing (145 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Day 09: Phuentsholing - NJP Rly Station / Bagdogra Airport (170 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast start drive to drop at NJP Railway Station / bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
THE TOUR ENDS