Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as dooars or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalaya rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalities, drive through fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel.
Evening visit to Paro market and take a stroll through town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” looms directly over the Dzong.
Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. One of the most sacred shrines in the country, it reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watch Tower, it now houses National Museum of the country and boasts antique thangka 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 courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong 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.
Proceed on to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). Three different style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening, time for exploratory walk before dinner.
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The Arts & Crafts School, where young students learn the art of thirteen crafts of Bhutan. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
Afternoon, visit Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious dharma’. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King’s throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Also visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Majesty’s subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects.
Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Accommodation with transfers on Pvt Basis. Meals as per mentioned above. AC Desire (Driver Allowance, Toll Tax, Parking)
Train Tickets/ Air Fare Entry Fees / Snow Sports Charges Personal Expenses (water Bottle, Laundry, Phone Calls) Transfers available on Point to point Basis.
Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast proceed on to visit Thimphu valley. Visit Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
After that drive to Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Late afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080m ). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, 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 now been fully restored.
Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangdiphodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport, received by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.
After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing. Visit Trashichhoedzong,on the way to Punakha the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Later visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 offering to godby 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 now been fully restored. After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for religious studies. Afternoon in Paro visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. 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. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng.From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies.Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Morning take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in year 1998 and now has been restored in its original grandeur.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley.
Evening visit a traditional farm house to get an idea on lifestyle of local people.
After breakfast drive to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. From this fortress, Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom, reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After that drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo. Visit Punakha Dzong built in 17th century at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It has been destroyed by four fires and an earthquake in 1897 and has frequently been devastated by flood water coming from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendor.
Evening visit local market. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. The last town in the young lama bhutanwest before arriving at the central region of Bhutan, Wangdue is typical small Bhutanese town. The town’s formidable Dzong is its most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts.
After lunch, drive to Thimphu, small charming city sandwiched in the heart of Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm is not only embedded in its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated in traditional style. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Morning visit, Trashichhoedzong, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital’s venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan’s permanent capital to Thimphu.
Bhutan’s National Library is located close to the Thangkha painting school and contains arguably the best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas. The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum opened in year 2001 is fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. The Memorial Chhorten, a pious landmark for Thimphu’s residents, was erected in 1974 by the mother of Third King, in memory of her son. Visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phuentsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route.
Just before, arriving Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Goemba, the monastery built in 1967. It houses the large and attractive statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.
Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing.
After breakfast depart Phuentsholing for onward program.
Our representative will receive You at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You will be assisting for the transfer via Jaigaon to Phuentsholling – The border of India & Bhutan, Indian side is Jaigaon and the Bhutan side is called Phuentsholing – Nearly 170 kilometers 3 – 4 hours drive – The drive is through Dooars – Land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of the – Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around Mall or local Shopping center – Over Night stay at Phuentsholling.
After preparing permit etc – Transfer from /Phuentsholling to Thimpu – 180 kilometers – Nearly 6 – 7 hours – The drive will take guest along the Paro Chu down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu next the road bends upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu – One can experience breath taking view of the famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake – Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around Mall or local Shopping center – Over Night stay at Thimphu.
Early morning breakfast – Drive and 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, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials – Night stay at Thimpu.
On our way to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, we will stop at Dochula Pass. Providing stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayan Mountains, it is also the location of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the present Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the memorial to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of those who died.
Sitting at the fork of two rivers, Punakha Dzong is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. With spectacular displays of Bhutanese architecture, it stands like a medieval city surrounded by lavender Jacaranda trees. Built in 1637, the six-story structure is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. It still serves as the winter home of the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbott of the clergy. In 2011, it hosted the royal wedding of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a one-of-a-kind example of Bhutanese art and architecture, built by the third Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. This beautifully designed chorten took nine years to build, using only religious scriptures to construct the four-story temple. Accessible only by foot, the one-hour walk crosses over a suspended footbridge that is adorned with colorful prayer flags.
Distance: 110 km
Estimated driving time: 4 1/2 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Paro On the way take a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers with three different style of stupas adorn this confluence on reaching Paro have a lunch on a local restaurant and visit Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan and Kichu Lhakang.In the evening check in to the hotel and overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast we hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes us to Taktsang Monastery. Built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor, the monastery is a spectacular sight. It is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. Legend has it that the great Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments. In the late afternoon return to the hotel and overnight stay.
After a wholesome breakfast, take an excursion trip to Chelela Pass the highest motor able pass in Bhutan and return back. Overnight stay will be arranged in Paro.
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred back to Phuntsholing for an overnight stay.
After Break fast transfer to Bagdogra to catch your return flight.
Transfer from Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station to Phuntsholing. Overnight at Phuntsholing.
Transfer from Phuentsholing to Thimphu enroute visit Zangtho peleri Gumba,Crocodile Park, Kharbandi Gumba, Chukha Dam (Top View) Road view Sightseeing. Overnight at Thimphu.
Thimphu local sightseeing covering BBS Tower, Saarc Building, Handicraft Emporium, Buddha Point, Folk Heritage Museam, Memorial Chorthen and Make permit for Punakha Dochula. Overnight at Thimphu.
Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue enroute visit Punakha Dzong & Dochula Pass. Overnight at Punakha/Wangude.
Transfer from Punakha/Wangdue to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Paro local sightseeing covering Drujyal Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, View of Mt. Chomolhari, Kichu Lhakhang, Paro Museum & Tiger Nest. Overnight at Paro.
Excursion to Chele la Pass. Overnight at Paro.
Excursion to Ha Valley. Overnight at Paro.
Transfer from Paro to Phuntsholing. Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Transfer from Phuntsholing to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station. Tour End.
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