Welcome to start your Bhutan Tour Package. Our Bhutan representative will meet you on arrival at Bagdogra airport in the Indian state of West Bengal. After a drive of about three hours along roads lined with lush green tea gardens, you will reach Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan. This rapidly growing town is Bhutan’s commercial center. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. (Overnight at Phuntsholing)

After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, stopping en-route at Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the splendid monastery gardens of tropical plants and flowers. From this point, the road climbs steeply up and down mountainous ranges through light mountain jungle displaying lianas and orchids and small townships such as Chukha and Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route. After passing through Chapcha, the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m, then descends steeply and runs along the bank of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where it meets Paro Chu. From here it is only 2 hours’ drive up the valley to Thimphu. Shortly before reaching our destination, we will stop to visit Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom, build by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.

After breakfast visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue), National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon transfer to Punakha(4298 ft.) / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must-visit place. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang.

(Distance: 140 kms. / Driving Time: 4 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 mts.)

After breakfast, you would be driven to Paro. On the way, stop at Immigration Check Point in Hongtsho Village to return the permit which was stamped earlier. Enroute stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, situated between Thimphu and Paro built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo also known as the Iron bridge builder. Continue your drive to Paro. On arrival at Paro visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built-in 1951 now converted into national museum; Nemi Zam Bridge, also known as Nya Mey Zam Bridge is a traditional covered cantilever bridge connecting the Paro town to the Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of Bhutan. Later check-in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. “Tiger’s Nest” monastery, most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, is spectacularly located on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, “Tiger’s Nest”. There have been shrines at this sacred place for many centuries. 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 restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. Taktsang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. Later, take an excursion to DrukgyelDzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Jhomolhari, “mountain goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. (Overnight at Paro)

OR

(Distance: 40 kms. One way / Driving Time: 2 hrs, Altitude of Chele La Pass - 3,810 mts)

After breakfast, you would be taken for an excursion to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and separates Paro Valley and the Haa Valley. The ride passes through lush valleys, pine, and rhododendron forest. On a clear day, the pass provides a splendid view of mountains Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Here you will see hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the winds. From here you can also see Paro Valley on the side and Haa Valley on the other. The pass is also rich in Bhutanese Flora and birdlife. It also offers some beautiful short treks. Later return back to the hotel. The evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Notes:

Chimi Lhakhang - Chimi Lhakhang also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, "Devine Mad Man". It is a short hike of around 30 - 45 minutes from the highway. Please note that as the road to the temple is a farm road vehicles will not be able to go beyond the highway.

After breakfast check out and transfer to Phuntsholing. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at Phuntsholing.

After breakfast, you would be dropped at the Paro Airport for your return journey. Tashi Delek!

Wonder World Travels hopes you enjoyed your Bhutan Tour and wish to see you again in the near future.