ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Phuentsholing / Thimpu /Punakha/Bhumthang/ Paro/ Gorumara-11N-12D

Day 01: NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Phuentsholing

(Distance: 170 kms. / Driving Time: 5 hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 mts.)

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport. You will be met with your chauffeur at the parking and you will be transferred to Phuentsholing. Evening at leisure or you can roam around the market. You will get beautiful souvenirs, Gift Items Handicrafts items from Bhutan. Rest of the day in leisure.

Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Only valid Passport or Voter ID Card along with 04 copies of Passport size Photograph will be accepted for Immigration and permits of the passengers in Bhutan. No other documents will be honoured by the authorities.

Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu(162 Kms- 5 Hrs)

(Distance: 176 kms. / Driving Time: 6 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts.)

After breakfast at the hotel, your Tour Guide will come to your hotel to receive you & take you to immigration office at Phuentsholing to complete your immigration facilities. Then transfer to Thimphu,The capital town of Bhutan,enroute visit the famous Kharbandi Gompa & Crocodile Park from where we have the scenic view of phuntsholing valley. And the way pass through valleys rocky mountains and green forest.On the way stop for two points they are (a) Dam view point and (b) dantak view point. check in to the hotel.Check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Thimphu

Day 03 : Thimphu Local Sightseeing

After breakfast proceed for the below sightseeing of Thimphu:

National Folk Heritage Museum – It also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim, a museum in Thimphu set within the 3 storey 19th century traditional rammed mud and timber Bhutanese house

The Motithang Takin Preserve – For animal lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. This attractive preserved area was built as a small zoo but later it was converted into an animal preserve center. Takin -The national animal of Bhutan,  lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma Statue – Atop a hill in Thimphu, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. Hidden inside it has 125,000 smaller Buddhas. This means that in Thimphu, there are more Buddha statues than this city’s population(100000) ,It is also known as Budda point.

Painting School – It is also known as Institute for ZorigChusum where students are taught courses like traditional drawing,painting,carving and to develop skills in  arts and crafts.

National Memorial Chorten – The Memorial Chorten , also known as Thimphu Chorten or National Memorial Chorten, is one of the most iconic religious landmarks of Thimphu Bhutan.It was built in the honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan and the father of modern Bhutan.

National Library – Established in 1967 in the heart of Thimphu, the National Library of Bhutan houses national archives of Bhutan along with Tibetan and Bhutanese texts and manuscripts

Changangkha Lhakhang – Changangkha Lhakhang is a 800-year old temple, constructed in the 12th-century in Bhutan which is visited by a large number of locals daily..Its is also known to be the spiritual home of the newly born children of Chang Valley

The Clock Tower – Clock Tower Square is an example of a great architectural marvel. It is a tower with four clock faces, which makes it different from any other building or structure in Bhutan. One of the most popular places among visitors, people usually visit here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops near this tower, making it one of the most visited sites in the town

Overnight stay in Thimphu

Day 04 : Thimphu – Dochu-La-Pass – Punakha

(Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.)

After breakfast drive to Punakha , On the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.). to view the higher Himalayas.

Dochula Pass: It is located between Thimphu and Punkaha which is around 3100 m high, here you can see scenic view of the Eastern Himalayan . In Dochula Pass 108 stupas are build and in winters it is fully covered with snow which makes it very beautiful place.

Punakha Dzong: It is the most beautiful Dzong located at in two rivers named Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) in Punakha, Mo Chu is widely preferred for the first-timers, kids and elderly people. It built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short excursion trip to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”.Upon visiting the Punakha Dzong, visitors will not only be mesmerized by the Bhutanese architectural marvel but will get an opportunity to explore the sacred history of this ancient place.

Punakha Suspension Bridge – One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan was believed to be built by the Buddhist Monk, ThangtongGyalpo.This ancient hanging bridge is draped with prayer flags all along and provides a perfect spot for bird watching and nature photography.This historical bridge is worldwide known for its picturesque appearance. Overnight hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

Overnight stay in Punakha

Day 05 :Punakha to  Bumthang

(Distance: 215 kms. / Driving Time: 6-7 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2600 mts.)

 After breakfast check out from hotel and then drive to Bumthang (8,530 ft.) across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), the traditional boundary between east and west Bhutan. There is an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Further on the way visit the Chendebji Chorten, built in the style of the great Boudhanath Chorten of Nepal. Drive further to Trongsa. While in Trongsa, visit the Trongsa Dzong (7,217 ft.), one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan which used to be the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which is currently a museum. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Further drive to Bumthang. After passing through cultivated fields for a while, the road re-enters the forest till the Yotongla Pass (11,155 ft.). Then the road descends to a low point of 2,650 m at Chhumey village. The scenery is once again totally different as the route enters the wide-open Bumthang valley. On the way, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory at the Chhumey Valley. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak and is a famous textile from Bumthang. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Bumthang.

Day 06 :Bhumthang Local Sightseeing.

(Altitude of Paro: 1310 mts.)      

After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong – Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Then visit Lamey Goemba – A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Post that visit the Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drub” is staged here. Then proceed to Chakhar Lhakhang, literally meaning the Iron Castle. The original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”. Finally visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rinpoche. In the afternoon visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. Then drive to Membartsho, literally meaning, “The burning Lake”). Drive back to Hotel.

Overnight stay at Bumthang.

Day 07 : Excursion to Ura Village(Distance: 50 kms. / Driving Time: 2-3 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 3100 mts.)

After breakfast, drive to Ura Valley. The winding roads through the forested Himalayan Slopes shall be a beautiful experience. A magnificent view of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum (7,500 m) can also be spotted from Ura Shelthangla. The road finally descends towards Ura Valley across fields and pastures. Stroll leisurely around this beautiful valley and the Charming clustered village. Also visit the Ura Lhakhang. People in Ura raise Sheep and Yaks. The introduction of potato cultivation has also brought a certain degree of prosperity here. Towards late afternoon, drive back to Bumthang. In the evening (if time permits) visit the Brown Swiss Cattle Farm and the Apple factory in Bathpalathang where apple juice, cider, cheese etc. are made.

Overnight stay at Bumthang.

Day 08:Bhumthang to Punakha ViaGangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

(Distance: 230 kms. One way / Driving Time: 7-8 hrs.)

After breakfast Check out from Hotel & Transfer to Punakha , on  the way visit Gangtey(9,840 ft.).GangteyGompha, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. After that explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. The valley is also the winter roosting place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet. Towards late afternoon, drive to Punakha,Check in to Hotel.

Overnight stay in Punakha

Day 09 :Punakha to  Paro

(Distance: 140 kms. / Driving Time: 4 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2280 mts.)

After breakfast check out from Hotel & Transfer to Paro (7,483 ft.).On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park – The park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and features a huge species of plants and animals including endangered species & visit Chime Lhakhang or Monastery or temple, is a Buddhist monastery in Punakha District, Bhutan. Located near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was founded and built in 1499 by the Drukpa Kagyu lama Ngawang Chogyal, who was the 14th abbot of RalungMonastery.On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight Stay at Paro…

Day 10 :Paro Local Sightseeing

After breakfast Proceed for Following Paro Local Sightseeing..

Ta Dzong – National Museum of Bhutan: An ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artwork including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collections represent the rich cultural traditions of the country.

Ta Dzong, once upon  a time was a  watchtower, built to protect  Rinpung Dzong in  war times ,it was built in 1649 ,In the year 1968 it was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum

Rinpung Dzong – Rinpung Dzong is also known as Paro Dzong and it was Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , it is one of the best architecture.Rinpung Dzong has traditional Bhutanese architecture and it is the best tourist attraction point in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King SongstenGampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King SongtsenGampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. According to the legend, he established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Paro district. There’s a belief that the two orange trees here in Kyichu Lhakhang miraculously bears fruits throughout the year.

Paro Airport View:  This is one of the most stunning airports in the World and also the country’s first and only international airport. With a breathtaking view, this airport became a must-visit place in Paro.

Overnight stay hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro –Phuentsheling- Gorumara(270 Kms/ 6 Hrs)

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Gorumara Via Phuentsheling . On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Gorumara.

Day 12 :Gorumara – NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport

Early Morning visit “Gorumara National Park” is a National Park in Northern West Bengal, located in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills. It is a medium-sized park with grasslands and forests. It is primarily known for its population of Indian Rhinoceros. You will enjoy Jeep Safari here(By Own Cost)..After breakfast check out from the Hotel and transfer to IXB Airport

~Tour Ends with Happy Memories~