Itineraries

      The Magical Kingdom of Bhutan

Arrival in Bagdogra and drive to Phuentsholing. ( 4 hrs). You can hire a local taxi to drop you off.

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Day 1:

Our representative will meet you at the border gate in Phuentsholing. Check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Phuentsholing

Day 2:

In the morning, drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan – this is a picturesque drive through the Himalayan foothills (6 hrs).  Late afternoon arrive at Thimphu, and check into the hotel. Evening walk around Thimphu’s local streets (The only capital city with a single traffic light and probably the most photographed traffic policeman!) and plaza.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3

After completing permit formalities visit the impressive Thimphu Dzong, on the banks of the Wang-chu river, with the king’s palace on the opposite bank. After lunch, see the National memorial chorten, built to honor the memory of the third king of Bhutan, and the focal point of worship for Thimphu residents. We will then visit the Insitute for handicrafts where you can see students practicing local crafts such as Tangkha painting and weaving. In the evening, hike (or drive) to the mini-zoo where to see the Takin (the national animal of Bhutan).

Overnight:  Thimphu

Day 4

After breakfast, we drive from Thimphu to the Dochu-la pass (1.5 hours) with some fantastic views of the Himalayas. Stop at the Dochu-la pass at the site of the 108 chortens, built in the memory of the ULFA militants who were killed by the Bhutanese army and do a short hike into the rhododendron forest. Drive onto the Punakha valley to the Punakha Dzong, picturesquely situated at the confluence of two rivers. Post lunch, we go for afternoon walk

to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kunley, the much beloved and notorious lama. Reach hotel in Wangdi by late afternoon and relax.

Overnight: Wangdi

Day 5

Drive back to Paro ( 3-4 hours), the only city/town in Bhutan with an airport. Visit Paro Dzong and Watch-tower in the afternoon, and in the evening shop in the numerous shops that line the main street of Paro.

Day 6

Drive to the trail-head for Taktsang, or Tiger’s nest monastery. A hike/ horse-ride will take you to the monastery ( 3-4 hours) clinging to a cliff-side, a remarkable place which also gives you a chance for those picture-postcard photos you’ve been wanting. In the afternoon after lunch we go onto the Drugyel Dzong, a ruined Dzong that has a ghostly air – it was used as a place to defend Bhutan against invadingTibetans. In the evening, enjoy shopping in the main street of Paro.

Overnight: Paro

Day 7

Drive back to Phuentsholing – 6 hrs.

Overnight: Phuentsholing

Day 8

Drop-off at Bagdogra can be arranged at cost.

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