DAY 1
PHUENTSHOLLING
Arrival at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport. Transfer to Phuentsholling (980ft /142kms / 03hrs).After a drive of along road lined with lush green tea Garden you will reach Phuentsholling, the gateway to Bhutan, Overnight at Hotel at Phuentsholling.
DAY 2
PHUENTSHOLLING- THIMPU
After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, (7875ft /170kms / 06 -07hrs) After two hour drive through light mountain jungle, displaying lianas and orchids, we pass over the first ridge and begin a long and gradual decent to the river which is the source of energy for the massive Chukha Hydel hydroelectric power project. We cross the river and rise up the mountainside ever further into the hills, leaving Chukha and the small town of Chimakothi behind us. Lunch is served en route. On arrival in Thimphu, check in hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
DAY 3
THIMPU
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family. Morning visit to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King. Tashichhodzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as painting school), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Proceed to the national Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years, Also visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, opened in 2001. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 4
THIMPHU – WANGDUEPHODRANG – PUNAKHA
After break fast drive over Dochu-la pass (10,130ft) to Punakha. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu. Originally situated on the riverbank and dominated by the towering walls of Punakha Dzong, Although four catastrophic fires and an earthquake in past time destroyed many historic documents, Punukha Dzong still houses many scared and historic artifacts and also the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Later drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction, the formidable Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. In the 17th century.
DAY 5
PUNAKHA – PARO
After lunch drive to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. This Dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong. Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s’ National Museum in 1968. Arrive Paro and check into the hotel. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 6
PARO
The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. After Breakfast, drive ups the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km. From Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. After Lunch visit Ta Dzong. Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s’ National Museum in 1968Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Night at Paro.
DAY 7
PARO – PARO AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.