Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

• Day : 1 Day 1: BAGDOGRA AIRPORT – PHUENTSHOLING 

  Meet & greet on arrival at Bagdogra Airport and drive towards the Indo – Bhutanese Border Phuentsholing through the Tea Estates. After reaching Phuentsholing check in to the Hotel & Evening for Leisure.Overnight in Phuentsholing.

  Siteseeing :

  Night Stay: Phuentsholing
  
  Hotel: Hotel Gadhen
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: MAP (Room With Breakfast & Dinner)

• Day : 2 Day 2: WELCOME TO BHUTAN AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU / (APPROX. 4 HRS DRIVE)

  After breakfast, complete your Immigration Formalities and then proceed towards Thimphu via the wonderful mystic town Gedu, which is about 9000 ft above the sea and Chukha Dam. Enroute once you cross Kharbandi you can visit Sangye Migjur Ling. It is 10km from Phuentsholing on the way to Thimphu. Then witness Wangkha waterfalls and halt at Chuzum to take photographs of the confluence of two rivers of Bhutan, Thimphu Chu, and Paro Chu. Reach Thimphu at Afternoon & Check in Hotel.

  Overnight in Thimphu.

  Siteseeing :

  Night Stay: Thimphu
  
  Hotel: Hotel Amodhara
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 3 Day 3: THIMPHU LOCAL SIGHTSEEING 

  After breakfast, start for local Thimphu sightseeing

  • The National Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten or stupa was built in the memory of the third king, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan '') who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King andas a monument to peace.
  • Folk Heritage Museum - Folk Heritage Museum is a great place for those who want to learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Bhutanese people. Established in 2001, it offers an insight into the everyday life of the villagers as well as their culture. The museum itself is housed inside a three storied house built sometime in the 19th century.
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  • Sakyamuni Buddha - On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The 51.5-meter long bronze statue would surely attract you and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spellbound. The site is alsoknown as Buddha View Point.

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  • Changangkha Lhakhang- At Thimphu, you will go across severalmonasteries and temples. Changangkha Lhakhang is among the most important religious structures in Thimphu. The structure dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the region. The structure is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the sign of compassion. You will also enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valleyfrom here.
  • Takin Preservation Centre – You will find the National animal of Bhutan “Takin” in this open zoo. Takin isone of the most endangered species of the Worldand it is available only in Bhutan.
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  • The National Library has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts that are priceless. It also houses the World’s largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet.
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  • Zorig Chusum - Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts
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  • The Royal Textile Museum - Thimphu also introduces visitors to the culture and heritage of Bhutan. The Royal Textile Museum at Norzin Lam is a site where you will get introduced to Bhutanese textiles some of which date back to the 1600s
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  Simply Bhutan:  

  Simply Bhutan is a unique and exciting project whose primary aim is to conserve the culture and tradition of the Bhutanese people while creating job opportunities for the young people who are job seekers. The infrastructure in this museum primarily portrays the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is decreasing at a high rate. A visit to Bhutan will bring you closer to an architectural design of its kind. The structure of the museum itself is built reusing old timber, door and window frames and numerous other materials from demolished houses.

   

  Simply Bhutan has so much to offer its visitors. First, you get the opportunity to experience the real Bhutanese feeling. Unlike numerous museums in Bhutan and all over the world where you aren’t   allowed to touch the artefacts  or take photographs, things are done differently here. The guides give all visitors an excellent prehistoric experience and also let you immerse and experience the real   Bhutanese  culture   and   traditions. Some of the most interactive experience in this museum includes the following:

    Wearing the Gho and Kira. All touristsare given a set of beautiful traditional dresses that you can even try while at the museum. You are even allowed to wear the beautiful Bhutanese traditional dress. They also offer the dress to children and allow you to take photographs of them for future reference.

  You will also get an opportunity to see how the traditional Bhutanese houses were constructed. You can also trya hand at the archery and the dart game that is locally known as Khuru.

  Overnight in Thimphu.

   

  Siteseeing :

  Sakyamuni Buddha * Simply Bhutan * The National Library * Zorig Chusum *

  Night Stay: Thimphu
  
  Hotel: Hotel Amodhara
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 4 Day 4: THIMPHU to GANGTEY (PHOBJIKHA VALLEY) via DOCHULA PASS// 5 HRS

  As the Sun shines up high in the Land of Happiness, open your eyes to a beautiful morning in the lap of serene nature, and sip into your cup of hot tea while admiring the green valley from your bed before moving towards Phobjikha Valley post breakfast. 

   

  Phobjikha Valley (3000 m) – A treat for all nature lovers, and an idle place for spotting various birds, including the famous Black Necked Cranes that migrate to this valley. Being one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan, this serene and untouched beauty of nature away from the hustle-bustle of the city life is a pleasure to enjoy with the happiest people surrounding the entire region that makes this place worth the visit. The Pobjhika Valley is the largest and the widest in Bhutan and is known for the panoramic vistas with tranquil nature that not only call the nature lovers to witness its beauty but also traps the adventure buffs who wish to follow the trekking and hiking routes while exploring the untouched beauty of nature.

   

  Black-Necked Crane: Information Centre shows a very informative documentary about the migratory cranes and the various steps Bhutan government & people are taking to preserve the endangered species. Phobjikha Valley is habitat to the highest number of cranes although Black Necked cranes fly to other places of Bhutan like Bumdeling, Khotokha, Lhuentse and Bumthang. During crane season time, you can use the Information center’shigh power telescope and spotting scopes to catch the best view of the cranes from the lens.

   

  Overnight stay in Phobjikha.

   

  Siteseeing :

  Phobjhika valley *

  Night Stay: PHOBJHIKA
  
  Hotel: PHOBJIKHA RESORT
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 5 Day 5: PHOBJIKHA TO PUNAKHA TRANSFER (2-3 Hrs) AND SIGHTSEEINGS OF PUNAKHA

  As your Hot Ngaja (a Sweet Bhutanese milk tea) arrives sip into it while enjoying the beautiful valley from the room. Post breakfast heads towards Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Punakha is much backward from the chaotic city life at an elevation of 1200 m, which makes this place quite warm in winter and hot during summer. The valley is famous for Red and white rice farming along the Pho and Mo Chu river’s stretch. 

  En-route visit.

  River Rafting: After breakfast, an exciting River rafting (on Direct Payment Basis) tour awaits you. Following a short drive at the river and, after a full safety briefing, you take to your raft for a soft rafting experience down in the Po Chu (Male River).  This rafting tour is expected to last for 1 to 2 hours. The clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the Kingdom's best assets. The Pho Chu (Male River ) in Punakha valley, with its approx. 16 Km course with about 15 rapids of class 2- 4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by Mo chu (Female river ) in Punakha valley with 10 Km course comprising around ten rapids.

  Punakha Dzong: Also known as “the palace of great happiness”, Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. This Dzong is the most picturesque of all Bhutan ancient fortresses and it joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge that contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the Kingdom from this Punakha valley. 

   Suspension Bridge – This hidden treasure in the Punakha Valley connects the rest of the valley to the old administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag. The whole deck is covered with prayer flags and provides a perfect spot for bird watching and photography. 

   IF Time Permit:
  
  Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) – Stationed at the top of a hillock, the Chimi Lhakhang is a site dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Known as the ‘Divine Madman,’ Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to use songs, humor, and outrageous behavior to preach his teachings. Chimi Lhakhang temple is believed to be the temple of fertility, and the Bhutanese hold a strong belief that childless couples are blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley if they visit the temple and pray for a child. The road to the temple follows a picturesque rural trail through the paddy field that takes visitors to the temple from the road, and after crossing the paddy field, you will find a tiny stream from where Chimi Lhakhang is just a short climb away.

  In the evening you can stroll around Kaja Throm (market) in Khuruthang town which is the newest space for people to visit and it was inaugurated on 30^th April 2023. The Punakha Kaja Throm is the largest and most picturesque. One can witness a beautiful local market which showcases the best of what locals have to offer to visitors. You can enjoy the gardens, live music, food & drinks, and meet local Bhutanese farmers. This can be one of the best places to hang out after sightseeing.

   

  Overnight stay in Punakha.

  Siteseeing :

  Chimi Lhakhang * Punakha Dzong * Suspension Bridge *

  Night Stay: Punakha
  
  Hotel: KINGALING
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 6 Day 6: PUNAKHA TO PARO TRANSFER (4 - 5 hrs) AND VISIT PARO LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

  Start for Paro sightseeing, visit the picturesque town in Bhutan.En-route visit,

   

  National Museum of Bhutan: Situated right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan is a house that showcases Bhutan’s culture. Built-in 1968, the museum stands inside the ancient Ta-dzong building. The museum houses the collection of finest specimens of Bhutanese culture and art and its highlights are paintings and some bronze statues, which are simply masterpieces. The items are demonstrated in large galleries and you can get to know a lot about Bhutan’s art andculture from these objects.

  Rinpung Dzong (Paro 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 Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridgecalled Nemi Zam.

  Nya Mey Zam Bridge – “The Bridgewith No Fish “ is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong.It is one of the finest specimens in Bhutan and locals believeif one sees a

  fish in the river, it is an ill omen. The earlier bridge which could be folded during the war was washed away bya flood in 1969.

  Paro Airport View Point – This is the finest valley viewpoint to look after Paro Valley and Paro Airport.This viewpoint overlooksthe Paro River along with all the Dzongs and Monastery.

  Overnight in Paro.

  Siteseeing :

  National Museum of Bhutan * Nya Mey Zam Bridge * Paro Airport View Point * Rinpung Dzong *

  Night Stay: Paro
  
  Hotel: Namsay Choeling Resort
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 7 Day 7: VISIT TAKTSANG MONASTERY (Tiger Nest)

  As the sun rays touch the beautiful Paro valley, wake up in the middle of Mother Nature and relish the beautiful view of the river and mountains in a single frame. Enjoy the gala spread but make sure to add some protein to it, as climbing to the top of the Taktsang Monastery and back will require a good boost.

   

  Taktsang Monastery: After covering 1200 meters on a fierce cliff, you will reach this sacred site known as the Tiger Nest. Once you climb to the top, take a deep breath of the fresh air and soothe the eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying underneath—the Taktsang Monastery, established by Sain Guru Rinpoche in 747 CE. Construction of the complex was completed in 1694. After 3 hours of some adventurous trek, discover the Tiger Nest monastery, and if you wish, opt for a horse ride from the parking lot to reach the top. While trekking, witness the glorious view of the Paro town, with its lush green valleys, sparkling river, clear blue sky, and moving clouds, in-short, enjoy nature at its best.

   

  Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Direct Payment Basis): It is very nice to experience Bhutanese hot stone baths. It is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing, and it is considered for numerous health benefits. It admitted that the local herbs all combine to produce medicinal benefits for joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders and arthritis. Overnight in Paro.

   

  Siteseeing :

  Taktsang Monastery * Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Direct Payment Basis) *

  Night Stay: Paro
  
  Hotel: Namsay Choeling Resort
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 8 Day 8: PARO TO SILIGURI TRANSFER VIA PHUENTSHOLING (APPROX. 4+4 HRS DRIVE)

  After breakfast, proceed to Phuentsholing, change the vehicle and transfer to Siliguri. After reaching check in to the hotel eveningin leisure.

  Overnight in Siliguri.

   

  Siteseeing :

  Night Stay: SILIGURI
  
  Hotel: CYGNETT STYLE TANIA'S
  
  
  
  Meal Plan: AP (Room With Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• Day : 9 Day 9:  SILIGURI HOTEL TO BAGDOGRA AIRPORT

  Post breakfast at the Hotel and C/Out from the Hotel and proceed towards Bagdogra Airport. Cherish your memories forever.