BHUTAN

Meet & Greet on arrival at IXB Airport and Transfer to Phuntsholing. Overnight Stay in the Hotel in Phuntsholing.

Morning After Breakfast, transfer to Jaigoan Indian border, next to the town of Phuentsholing. Bhutan representative will meet you on arrival at Phunsholing gate. We will transfer you to Thimphu, on the way we will make our first stop to visit Kharbandi Gonpa about 5 km above Phuntsholing. This monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967.

From this point the road climbs steeply up into the hills, to an altitude of approximately 2,000m/6,560ft. We will make stops along the way from time to time, so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Indian plains and the Toorsa River below.

On the way you will also see the first hydro power electric project ever built in Bhutan. Leaving Chukha we will stop at the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route.

After passing through Chapcha the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m/9,185ft, then descends steeply and runs along the banks of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where the Paro Chu runs into the Wang Chu. From here it is only about 30 min drive up the valley to Paro. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu sightseeing includes the following:

Buddha Point – (There is a statue of Buddha which is 169 feet).

National Library – There are lots of Bhutanese scripts and also we have the biggest book in the world.

Visit coronation Park – where you will see the stachu of walking Buddha

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong (open between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm), 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 been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lakhang (open between 09:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm), situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. After motorable road one has to walk hrough paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hours walk, both ways.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.
En route visit Simtokha Dzong (open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm during summer and 09:00- 04:00 hrs. during winters), the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong (open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm, closed on govt. holidays), 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.

Ta Dzong visit shortly followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters, closed on weekends and govt. holidays): 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, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Option 1

Hike to Tiger’s Nest

The hike to Taktsang would take us around 2 ½ hrs to reach a cafeteria, a point from where one can enjoy a great view of the monastery. Those interested can walk a further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery. walk down back to the road. The journey downward to the road would take us less than 1 ½ hrs. Have lunch at a restraint in town. After lunch take in Paro Bazar. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Option 2 Chelela pass

Drive to Chele la-la pass (3988 m), Drive to Chele pass a favourite place for many visitors and is one of highest motor able passes in the country. For the Buddhists, it is also a sacred place to festoon the pass with prayer flags. For naturalists, the Chele la Ridge offers gardens of Himalayan flowers, plants, and of special pheasant species. Water is scarce on these ridges and it is recommended to have enough water supplies with you. Evening drives back to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

If some people choose Tiger Nest and some people choose Chelela pass then we will have to hire another vehicle and extra costs may apply for the same.

Drive back to Phuntsholing. Bhutan escort will help you with exit formalities. Overnight stay in Hotel in Phuntsholing.

The morning after Breakfast, transfer to IXB Airport. Bhutan escort will bid you farewell.