9 Days Delightful Bhutan Tour

Tour Highlights:

• Kharbandi Gompa
• King’s Memorial Chorten
• Dochu-la-pass
• Punakha Dzong
• Ta Dzong
• Drukgyel Dzong

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive NJP – Phuentsholing (176 km/6hrs)

On arrival on NJP you will be driven Phuentsholing, followed by check-in to hotel. Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of Himalayan Foothills, it is fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. Overnight at hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 02: Phuentsholing -Thimpu (180km/6hours)

After breakfast, drive to Thimpu, 4km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of uentsholing and plans of the West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond. Proceed further to Thimpu. Lunch stop en-route, Five miles, before Thimpu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the school for religious and culture studies. Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

Day 03: Thimpu

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimpu Valley, visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum(commonly known as painting school) where students undergo a 6 year training course in Bhutan’s 13 arts and crafts. Later visit textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese cultural and living traditions.

After lunch, visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (farther of Modern Bhutan), who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as memorial to the King and as monument to peace. Then visit the government run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse though example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Evening drive past Trashichhoedzong, the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

Day 04: Thimpu/Punakha(75 km/3½ hrs)

After an early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la-pass (3,088m/10,130ft) to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following, the following peaks, can be seen from this pass(left to right; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendangang (6,903), Terigang (7,060m), Jejeganphugang(7,7158m), Kangphugang(7,170m), Zongphugang(7,060m), a table mountain dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan 7,497m.

Later visit to Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present king . Later drive to Wangduephodrang Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is famous for bamboo products, state and stone carvings. Overnight at Punakha

Day 05: Punakha

After breakfast excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour songs and outrageous behaviour to dramtise his teachings and due to this known as “Divine Madam”.This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have their children and wanting one, if they paray in this temple, they are usually blessed with a chld very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from road to temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘’field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and sacross more fields before making short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. Afternoon explore Punakha local market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha – Paro (125km/4hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Paro.

Afternoon in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzonga of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day07: Paro

After breakfast, drive up the valley to view the ruins Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that the Bhutanese replied several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th Century. Then take excursion to Taksang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes 5hr for round trip. While on return visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Paro – Phuentsholing (175km/6hr)

fter breakfast, driven tp Phuentsholing. En route take a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimpu rivers with three different style of stupas adorn this confluence. Drive further through Chapcha and later take glimpse of famous Chukha Dam and magnificent Vince waterfall before Gedu Town. Arrive Phuentshloling by evening and check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 09: Phuentsholing –NJP (176Km/6hr)

After breakfast you will be driven to NJP / Bagdogra for your onward flight or train journey.

Your Journey Ends

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