Itinerary

• Day 1:

  On arrival, pick-up from Bagdogra Airport or Hasimara Railway station. Our TWS representative will meet and assist you in transferring to Phuentsholing (Bhutan). First to reach Jaigaon. The border of India and Bhutan. The Indian side is Jaigaon, and the Bhutan side is called Phuentsholing. After completing Immigration formalities, then drive to Thimphu. Drive through scenic mountain roads and greeneries. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

• Day 2:

  After breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft), stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. The Himalayan Mountain range can be seen from the Dochula Pass if the sky is clear. The peaks those are dominating the horizon are from left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. After spending a good time in Dochula Pass and enjoying a cup of coffee in the only cafe in the pass area, head to visit Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. The present King has fully restored the Dzong after it was damaged by catastrophic fire and earthquake. Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning 350m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu. After the scenic day excursion, back to Thimpu town by late afternoon and can take a leisure walk in the local Punakha market or Thimpu market. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

• Day 3: Thimphu local sights seen and overnight stay in Paro.

  Today you will visit National Library. Bhutan National Library holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts dating back several hundred years. You will also see many academic books on Himalayan culture and religion. Then proceed to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These opened in 2001 and provide insight into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

  National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. After a whole day cultural programme, visit nearby Bhutanese Villages, savouring some local food and start your journey to Paro. Take the most enchanting drive to Paro through the quiet Himalayan road and enjoy your time.

  Overnight stay at Paro.

• Day 4:

  After breakfast, hike Taktsang Monastery. The iconic Tiger’s Nest is a spiritual place for Bhutanese and many Buddhists worldwide. This most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is spectacularly perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave there for three months, hence its name, “Tiger’s Nest”. The site, which has long been recognised as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking renovation work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former Overnight stay at Paro.

• Day 5:

  After breakfast, proceed to Hasimara or Bagdogra Airport.