Feed your soul with Bhutan

You’ll meet our representative on your arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport. From here he’ll take you to your hotel in Phuentsholing (961 ft.) – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. It is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. A perfect blend of tradition, culture, religion, and scenic beauty, Phuentsholing will welcome you with all its warmth. On reaching your hotel, check into your room and spend a relaxing night in the city only.

The next day calls for a transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.). Wake up, get ready and have your breakfast. Now complete the immigration formalities and you are all set to move into the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan’s kingdom and an ideal destination for visitors to break through their monotonous life schedules. It is a hub for everything from good cafes, shopping and nightlife to cultural activities. Hence, here you get to see how Bhutanese culture despite accepting the westernization has managed to keep their spirit of traditions alive.

After a long drive, you’ll reach your hotel. Check into the room and rest for a while has evening calls for some good exploration at the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Having surrounded by the beautiful rose garden, the dzong is located near the Wangchhu River. Built in 1641, it is a massive fortress which serves as the main secretariat building, housing the King’s office and throne. Once you are done with visiting this place, head back to your hotel, have your dinner and now you are off to bed.

It’s a good morning, a morning that calls for delicious food and exciting exploration. Have your breakfast, get ready and then leave for the mighty Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) situated in the wild mountains of Bhutan. One of the most visited tourist destinations, the huge statue has over hundreds of Buddha Statues. The 51.5 meters high three storied Bronze Statue has several chapels too. One can walk around the statue to offer prayers. Up next is National Memorial Chorten (Monument) and Folk Heritage Museum. Where the former is a prominent religious structure in Thimphu, the latter provides tourists with insights into the Bhutanese traditions and way of life.

Post this, have your lunch and visit Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), a city which once was the capital of Bhutan. Take a pit stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.) and treat your eyes with some magnificent views of Himalayas. Keep your camera ready as you would want to capture this view forever. Next, continue your drive to Punakha. On arrival check in at the hotel. The travelling would have left you all tired, so have a good and relaxing sleep.

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast, followed by a visit to Gangtey (9,840 ft.), the home of Black Necked Crane which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. It is a beautiful valley lying in the laps of Bhutan. Set at a little distance from main city areas, Gangtey boasts of several nature trails, that once walked upon can never be forgotten. Apart from this, here you can also visit the Gangtey Gompa. After you are done with exploring the alluring Gangtey, make a return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and a comfy sleep.

Alternatively, you can also choose to explore Punakha over Gangtey Valley. After breakfast hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. It is a short hike hence won’t consume so much of your energy. The place offers you breathtaking views of the neighbouring mountains and valleys. The place is a known example of glorious architecture. Be camera ready as you wouldn’t wish to miss clicking each of its dimension.

Next, make a move to Punakha Suspension Bridge followed by Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. The second largest suspension bridge in the country, it connects Punakha Dzongkhag’s old administrative centre to rest of the valley. For adrenaline junkies, this place is a must visit. Up next is Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang which is both a temple and a nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Toebesa valleys.
With these explorations, the day comes to an end. Head back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Punakha / Wangdue.

After breakfast check out from the hotel with your baggage and visit the Punakha Dzong, 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 as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, meaning, the Palace of Great Happiness. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After this 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 Divine Mad
Man”. The shrine holds strong beliefs of the Bhutanese people and hence, has an important place in their heart.

Now it’s time to drive to Paro (7483 ft.) yet another enchanting part of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. The evening is free for leisure, do whatever you wish to, be it relaxing in the hotel room or walking down the streets of Paro. Once you are done with your evening activities, have your dinner followed by a good night’s sleep.

Today’s day calls for some amazing sightseeing. Start your exploration with Ta Dzong – National Museum which has an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities and relics. The place is a haven for history lovers and the ones who are interested in learning about new traditions. Up next is Rinpung Dzong, the administrative seat of the district of Paro. It serves to be of the excellent examples of architecture around the globe. The complete name of the Dzong, i.e. Rinchen Pung Dzong means ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.’ This indeed is a place you must visit. Now we talk about your afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong. This piece of history, the Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as a heritage site. The Dzong with mesmerizing mountains in the backdrop forms an extremely scenic landscape. The last attraction for the day is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddist temples in Bhutan. Despite being a construction of the 7th century, the temple feels new, all thanks to the immense care taken by the Bhutanese people. With the blessings of the deity, here comes an end to your Paro excursion. Move back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Paro.

Today you’ll be leaving for your home with a treasure box full of memories from Bhutan. After breakfast check out from hotel and leave for Paro Airport for your onward journey.

Hope you had a great time in Bhutan. We’ll be more than happy to host you in the land of dragons.