Scenic Bhutan – 6 nights– 7 days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: PHUENTSHOLING

On arrival in Phuentsholing, your Bhutanese Guide shall meet you at the Bhutan gate and assist you with the immigration formalities and hotel check-in. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Note: Transfer from Bagdogra Airport to Phuentsholing will be arranged by vehicle, based on the group size.

DAY 02: PHUENTSHOLING - THIMPHU

After breakfast, complete the remaining immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.), the capital city of Bhutan.

Visit the Rinchending Goempa, located a few kilometers from Phuentsholing. On the way, stop at places to view scenery and for photography. Enroute Lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 03: EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA/WANGDUE

After breakfast, drive to Punakha (4298 ft.). On the way, stop at Dochula Pass at 3150 m to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 km from Thimphu and is the highest point between Thimphu and the Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other, surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. Enjoy the winding roads and the nature at its best as you drive further towards Punakha. While in Punakha, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Divine Mad Man”. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Mochhu River. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong served as the seat of the Government until the time of the Second King of Bhutan. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo. If time permits, visit the Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest in Bhutan. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 04: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING – PARO

After breakfast, visit the Hindu Temple, formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir, which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. Then visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). It is located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre. Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here, which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues.

Visit Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Finally, visit the Folk Heritage Museum. traditional house, giving an insight into the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. Lunch at a restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon transfer to Paro (7,480 ft.). On the way, stop and view the Tamchog Lhakhang. It was built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, who is also known as the Iron Bridge builder. Situated on a hilltop, we have to cross an ancient-style bridge to reach the temple. In the evening, explore Paro Town.  Stroll around the local market shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 05: SPIRITUAL HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST (TAKTSANG MONASTERY)

After breakfast, drive to the base of the Taktshang Monastery, abode of gods and monks. The monastery is a 2 -3-hour hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery.

The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684, which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, which gives its name “Taktshang”, meaning Tiger’s Nest. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING - PHUENTSHOLING

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and visit Ta Dzong – National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”.

The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro.  Lunch at Paro. After lunch, transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for your onward destination.

Note: Transfer from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport will be arranged by vehicle, based on the group size.