A Week in Bhutan: A Scenic Journey In & Out by Road [07 Nights/08 Days]

Pickup from Bagdogra Airport and drop at Phuentsholing immigration post. Post immigration, transfer to the hotel in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, transfer to Thimpu. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world's only capital city without a traffic light. Visit Trashichhoe Dzong. Later in the day take an exploratory walk around Thimphu Craft Bazaar located a few minute walk from down town hotels. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Thimpu, city's main attractions that includes: Royal Textile Museum (open between 09:00 am - 04:30 pm during summer and till 03:30 hrs. during winters, closed on weekends and govt. holidays): is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. National Library (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters, closed on weekends and govt. holidays): The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Institute for Zorig Chusum (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters, closed on weekends and govt. holidays): Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. (Zorig Chusum is an art school and is periodically closed for exams, summer and winter holidays, if it is closed on your scheduled sightseeing day, we shall replace it with visit to Zangthopelri Lhakhang) Zangthopelri Lhakhang: The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangthoo pelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. Simply Bhutan Museum: (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm) This privately owned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. Lunch followed by city tour that includes: Memorial Chorten (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters): The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Buddha Point or Kuensel Phodrang (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and 09:00- 04:00 hrs. during winters): Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. En route visit Simtokha Dzong (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and 09:00- 04:00 hrs. during winters), the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong (open between 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm), built strategically at the junction of 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. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu. Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lakhang (open between 09:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm), situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning field. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. After motorable road one has to walk through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hours walk, both ways. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to Paro and transfer to the hotel. Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm, closed on govt. holidays), originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Ta Dzong visit shortly followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters, closed on weekends and govt. holidays): meaning (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5 hrs hike, open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm): It is one of the most famous of Bhutans monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called Tigers Nest. On the way back to town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (open between 09:00 am - 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters): is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. OR - Chele la driving excursion After breakfast at hotel, drive to Chele la (mountain pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters, considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this botanical paradise located. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. Later in the day drive back to town. Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, cross immigration and enter India, drop at IXB airport for your onward flight. Tour ends..