Magical Bhutan

Post your arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport, you’ll meet our representative waiting for you. Receive a warm welcome from his side and hop into the taxi for your transfer to Phuentsholing (961 ft.) – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. The town is a beautiful blend of modern as well as traditional amenities. It’s a place where you can find the ancient Bhutanese culture thriving seamlessly in the western world. It is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian Plains.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Spend the evening in leisure and enjoy your overnight stay in Phuentsholing itself.

Wake up to the beauty of this town. Relish on your lip-smacking breakfast and get ready as you have to leave for completing the immigration formalities followed by your transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.), the capital city of Bhutan. Over the years, Thimphu has attracted lakhs of travellers and tourists. It is the soul to the land of dragons. From local markets, ancient cultures to vibrant nightlife and amazing cafes, Thimphu is a complete package when it comes to tourism. One of the most intriguing destinations on the globe, this place will leave you spellbound.
On your way to Thimphu, you’ll be accompanied by high hills and lush green trees. The journey itself will be so fulfilling. As soon as you reach Thimphu, check in at your hotel and rest for some time.

During the evening, we’ve planned a visit to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Since 1952, it has served as a government’s seat and even today it has king’s offices and throne room. The Dzong is one of the most popular and oldest landmarks of the country. Standing at the banks of Wangchhu River, it was built and rebuilt by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641 and Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1965 respectively. The beauty of this place gets multiplied by 100 due to the flowery rose garden around it.

Once you are done exploring the Dzong, head back to your hotel for an overnight stay in the capital itself.

Today’s day calls for visiting the remaining tourist places in Thimphu followed by your transfer to Punakha. After having your delicious breakfast leave for Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) as there is no better way to start this day than seeking blessings of Lord Buddha. Overlooking the picturesque Thimphu, the statue holds a significant place in the hearts of Bhutanese people. Its massive structure is nothing short of miraculously beautiful. Up next is National Memorial Chorten (Monument) which is one of the most iconic spots in Bhutan. With its white-washed walls, serene surrounding and golden annexes, the Chorten is a favourite place for tourists coming in Thimphu. Followed by this is Folk Heritage Museum, a haven for people who wish to learn about the insights of the rustic culture of Bhutan. You’ll find leopard skin bags, 17th-century farming and household tools, original water millstone, native trees planted around the museum, and so many other things which would speak stories about Bhutan. With this, your Thimphu excursion comes to an end.

Its time for your afternoon transfer to Punakha(4298 ft.) / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.). This pass offers bewitching views of higher Himalayas and hence you won’t regret stopping by. It also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten which is believed to bring multifold merit to all sentient beings and makes the pass a must visit place. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang.

Today after completing the Punakha sightseeing, you’ll be travelling to Paro. So make sure you leave with all your luggage once and for all as you hop into the taxi for Punakha sightseeing.
The very first attraction for the day is Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it has 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 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 temple is known for blessing childless couples with children. It’s a place of high beliefs. Tourists from around the world flock to the temple in order to witness the unusual ceremonies that take place here. The monastery is built in the ancient Thai structure, adorned with beautiful paintings and carvings of phalluses on its wall.

The visit to this place concludes your time in Punakha. Now its time for you to explore a new place. Have your lunch and start your drive to Paro (7483 ft.). On arrival check in at the hotel. The evening is free for leisurely strolls. Take walks in the nearby areas and witness the warmth of Bhutanese culture. Get back to your hotel for dinner followed by a relaxing sleep.

Wake up all refreshed and full of energy. The breakfast will be served on time following which you’ll head out for sightseeing in Paro. To start with, you’ll have Ta Dzong, the National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities as your first attraction of the day. Built by Tenzin Drugdra, the first governor of Paro, it has acted as a protection to Rinpung Dzong since 1649. The round building with seven storeys symbolises fame and victory. During the bygone ages, it also served as a prison for enemy soldiers and house for soldiers serving the homeland. The Dzong was open to the public after it underwent renovation in 1968. Following this is Rinpung Dzong or the Fortress on a heap of Jewels which is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. Formerly a meeting hall, today it serves as a house to government offices and district courts. Being a significant monastic body, the dzong enjoys a good footfall. Though many chapels are restricted for tourists’ entrance, this place is a must visit for its remarkable architecture.

Next, stop somewhere for lunch and as you are done make a quick move to Drukgyel Dzong. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as a heritage site. With gigantic mountain views in the backdrop, this site is perfect for travel photographers. The ruins of this Dzong make the site look all the more rustic and picturesque. The last on today’s list is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddist temples in Bhutan. The temple is said to have probably built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659. Irrespective of the time you visit here, you’ll find elderly people paying respect to the almighty by spinning the prayer wheels present at the temple. When here, do not forget to make a wish!

The day ends here. Come back to your hotel, have your dinner and snuggle into the bed for good night sleep.

Don’t be sad if it is your second last day of vacation. We hope you’ve created some beautiful memories to be cherished all you r life. Have your breakfast, pack your luggage and check out of the room. Get ready for a scenic drive to Phuentsholing, the place from where your journey had started. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Finally, it’s time to fly home and bid goodbye to this beautiful place. After breakfast check out from the hotel and take the departure transfer to NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport for your onward journey.