8 DAYS BHUTAN TOUR- EX NJP/BAGDOGRA

DETAIL TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN BAGDOGRA AIRPORT TO PHUENTSHOLING (4 HRS)

After arriving in Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Jaigaon, is the border point for any goods and services entry/exit into Bhutan. Jaigaon lies opposite the Bhutan town of Phuentsholing and cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy. On arrival in Jaigaon, do all the immigration permit processing(our representative guide will help you process it). Evening you can explore the this beautiful border town of Bhutan. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

DAY 02: PHUENTSHOLING - THIMPHU (5 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu. After half an hour drive uphill, you will start feeling fresh and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nature. The journey will pass through some of the most beautiful broad leaves forest to temperate alpine zone, villages, towns, water fall, hills and mountains until we reach Thimphu, creating the history for you. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu&Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at Chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. We will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.

DAY 03: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Today morning after breakfast you will go to explore Thimphu. You will visit -

WangdisteLakhang by Hiking:

To reach this place from Sangaygang it takes about 45 minutes to reach WangditseLhakhang and can exit from Dechenphodrang too. It is an easy hike with very less ascent or descent unless you decide to exit from Dechenphodrang. If you exit from Dechenphrang then it’s completely downhill from WangditseLhakhang which will take about 25 minutes. It is a wide trail where even the biker goes for biking. And the trail is through the mixed forest of Blue pine, rhododendrons, oak and other shrubs. And it has a very beautiful view of Thimphu city along with the TashichoDzong, the biggest fortress in the country.

Visit Buddha viewpoint:

The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in KuenselPhodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.

Simply Bhutan:

It’s an interactive 'living' museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. It's touristy, but a good family experience.

Visit interesting weekend market:

An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits.

 Later back to hotel. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

DAY 04: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA (2 HRS DRIVE)

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.

Dochula pass:

The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Punakha Dzong:

Built in 1637 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, the Dzong was named DrukPungthangDechenPhodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King JigmeDorjiWangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan.

Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge:

Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA TO PARO (3 HRS DRIVE)

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula.

ChimiLhakhang, Temple of fertility:

This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head.

Paro Airport View Point:

It is located on the Hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport.

Ta Dzong unique (National Museum):

Perched above ParoDzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended ParoDzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit.

Visit 17th century ParoDzong: 

'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal.

Explore the tiny town:

Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple):

It is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike.

Alternative sightseeing includes

KyichuLhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King SongstsenGampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. KyichuLhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. KyichuLhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 07: PARO TO PHUENTSHOLING (5 HRS DRIVE):

After the breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing. Prepare yourself to exit from Bhutan. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. On arrival at Phuentsholing you will exit assisted by guide. After that you will transfer to Jaldapara. Upon reaching at Jaldapara, check in hotel. Overnight stay at Jaldapara.

DAY 08: JALDAPARA – BAGDOGRA DEPARTURE

Today morning you will go for Jeep Safari in Jaldapara National Park. Back to resort and have breakfast. Later check out from hotel and drive to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.

Note:

1. Price Valid till July 2023
2. Price above is for Indian Nationals only

IMPORTANT NOTES: The capacity of the vehicle is including a guide and driver.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Hotel star rating in Bhutan is not up to the international standard. 
• Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation. 
• If in case these hotels are not available, We will provide similar hotels under the same category or twist the itinerary. 

DOs:

• Follow proper dress code while visiting offices and religious sites. Entering religious monuments and offices with singlet and miniskirts are not our norm.
• Remove your hat while entering religious sites and kindly takes off your footwear while entering temple altar rooms.
• Maintain silence in heritage and religious sites and monuments.
• Always walk clockwise while passing heritage and religious monuments
• Proper permit is required to export religious artifacts or antiques
• Always carry valid travel documents and produce the same if required
• Ask and be informed at the cancelation policy of the tour operators or the hotels as every tour operator and hotels have their own cancelation and refund policy.
• Be fully insured again unforeseen medical emergencies.
• In case of loss of travel document, report to the nearest immigration, police or TCB office
• Use proper toilet facilities where available. Be as discreet as possible if open air toilet is to be practiced.
• Be responsible for your own waste and dispose them in designated areas.
• Follow traffic rules and use designated zebra crossing for your safety.
• Report to TCB on misbehaviour of guides, drivers and tour operators.

DON'Ts:

• Refrain from touching any murals, religious painting and objects in the temples as it is disrespectful as per local culture.
• Smoking in the public areas is strictly prohibited and liable to be fined, so please refrain from smoking in public areas.
• Carrying and use of drone is strictly prohibited.
• Spitting on the wall and other places is discouraged.
• Taking photographs and filming is restricted in some areas. So please refrain from filming and taking photograph in those areas. Please seek your guide advise.
• Refrain from feeding animals on highways, parks and in other places
• Washing, swimming or throwing objects into lakes and other water bodies are prohibited as it is considered sacred
• Do not sit straddle or legs stretched in front in the altar as it is culturally offensive, we expect you to cross your legs or kneel when sitting in religious places.