Ageless Explorer – Land of Happiness Bhutan

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

Meals: Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to Thimpu. The capital town of Bhutan and the center 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. Later in the day take an exploratory walk around Thimphu Craft Bazaar located a few minutes’ walk from down town hotels. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts. Overnight stay at Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

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, (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. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. 

Lunch followed by city tour that includes: National 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, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).

Changangkha Lhakhang: is one of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu valley (open between 09:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm during winters and 5:00 pm during summers). It was built in the 15th century by a descendant of Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo, the man who spread the Sect Drukpa Kagyu in Bhutan. Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong (open on weekdays after 05:30 pm during summer and after 04:30 pm during winter and during weekends between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm during summer and 09:00 am – 04:00 pm during winter), “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.  Overnight stay at Timphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass. 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. 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. 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 center 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. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight stay at Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

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.

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. Overnight stay at Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

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 Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. On the way back to town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Kyichu Lhakhang (open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm during summer and till 04:00 hrs. during winters) are one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

* As the hike is for 5 hours one-way, the group will just stop by to have a view of the Monastery and further continue with the rest of the excursion.

After breakfast, transfer to Phuentsholing. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at local tourist class restaurants) and Dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast