Discovering Bhutan

Meet our representative on reaching NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport and followed by a transfer to Phuentsholing (961 ft.) – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. An unexplored terrain in Bhutan, this place boasts of mesmerizing scenic beauty. It is called as the abode of king and queen of the Kingdom of Himalayas. The slow-paced and simple life of inhabitants complements the serene nature of Phuentsholing. Here you can catch glimpses of three different cultures, Bhutanese, Nepalese and Indian.
On reaching Phuentsholing, check in to your hotel and spend the evening in leisure.

Get ready, have your breakfast and leave for fulfilling the immigration formalities followed by transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On entering Thimphu you’ll be shocked to see that there are no traffic lights on the road to control the movement of vehicles. This shows how patient and adjusting are the people here. Once here you wouldn’t want to return to your home again.

Check in at the hotel and take some rest. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Also known as Thimphu Dzong, it is known for housing the government representatives of Bhutan. The architecture of this place stands high on the banks of the Wangchu River.

For today this one tourist attraction was enough. You might be tired of the hectic day, hence head back to your hotel, have your dinner and have a peaceful sleep.

The day calls for a great exploration in Thimphu. After breakfast head towards the first destination of the day, i.e Kuensel Phodrang which has a huge statue of Buddha. There is nothing better than kick-starting your day with the blessings of Lord Buddha. This place holds a special part in every Bhutanese heart and is of utmost importance. Up next are National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. The former is a very famous monument in Thimphu and is known for signifying World Peace. A visit to the latter folk museum would give you insights about Bhutanese traditions, culture and artwork. Both of these places are well-known tourist attractions in Thimphu, hence, shouldn’t be missed. The morning visits are over. Take a break for lunch post which you’ll be travelling to Sangaygang View Point which gives some of the most amazing views of the Thimphu valley followed by Changangkha Monastery. This monastery is frequently visited by the parents and their newborns so to get auspicious names for the little ones. They look forward to receiving deity’s blessings that act as a protective shield around their newborns.

Your second last destination for the day is the Takin Preserve Centre, known for housing the national animal of Bhutan. What initially was a tiny zoo turned into an animal reserve just a few years ago. The people working here make sure that every animal that lives here, lives in utmost comfort and care. End your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Situated in the northern edge of Thimphu, it has king’s throne and offices. What interests the travellers most is its impressive architecture. With this, the exploration for the day comes to an end.

Get back to your hotel, grab a quick bite and rush into your room for a relaxing sleep.

Today’s day calls for your transfer to Punakha. After your breakfast, make a move to your next destination in Bhutan via Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.). Stay at this pass for a bit to enjoy the astonishing views higher Himalayas. It’s a place worth taking 100 pictures! Now continue your journey towards Punakha. On reaching here, check in at the hotel and rest for some time before you leave for Punakha Dzong in the afternoon. Built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it served as the seat for the government until the second king came into power. 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” which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Divine Madman”. Couples having a problem in conceiving, visit this temple. To your surprise, the majority of them are even blessed with a child now. The temple indeed is a place of miracles.

The Evening is free for leisure. Take walks in the areas nearby and sink in the beauty of this place. Get back to your hotel for an Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

Yet another road trip awaits you! Today you’ll be travelling to Paro from Punakha. On your way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. It is Bhutan’s first botanical garden which also forms Dochula Pass’ backdrop. The place is beautiful beyond words with several species of flora in its vicinity. When you are here, keep your camera ready as there won’t be a single flower that you wouldn’t want to capture. After this, continue your journey to Paro. once you reach Paro, check in at the hotel.

After you are done resting, make a quick visit to Ta Dzong. It is a National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. A seven-storied round building, Ta Dzong symbolizes fame and victory. In the bygone years, it has served as a home to native soldiers and prison to soldiers belonging to rival kingdoms or forces. Also, it acted as a watchtower while saving Rinpung Dzong, which is the last place where you’ll visit, from all the invasions.

Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Adding to it, the dzong is an epitome of excellent Bhutanese architecture. Spend some time appreciating it’s built, click loads of pictures and then head back to the hotel. The evening calls for leisurely affairs and its on you how you spend it.

Once you are done with everything, wrap up the day with a nice sleep.

It’s your last day of exploration in Bhutan. There is no need to rush. Today we’ll take things slow. Wake up, get ready, have your breakfast and leave for the very popular Taktsang Monastery – called “Tiger’s Nest” (2hrs hike from the base camp). Whenever Bhutan as a tourist destination is talked about, this place is automatically a part of that conversation. People from around the globe visit Bhutan to witness this enchanting monastery. Standing on the edge of the cliff, it has been an inspiration to many travellers and photographers. Let alone the view from the monastery, the view of this monastery itself is breathtaking. After you are done exploring this place, visit Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Monastery. The former was once a Buddhist Monastery and a fortress but now stand in ruins. This place is a treat to a photographer, thanks to the mountains in the backdrop. The rustic remains and beautiful scenes around create a combination alluring to one’s eyes.

The last and the final tourist destination in Paro would be Kyichu Monastery which is an important Buddhist temple. It is one of the most beautiful and oldest shrines in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659. No matter what time of the day you visit here, you’ll find elderly people walking around it, making their prayers as they spin the prayer wheels.

Now, come back to your hotel, relish on the delicious dinner and sleep.

Today you leave Bhutan once and for all. Your 6 nights here come to an end. Collect the treasure of memories, have your breakfast and check out from the hotel. Our representative will drop you at the Paro airport so that you can continue your journey towards your home.