Bhutan - 7 Days

Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP / IXB & transfer to Pheuntsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India, Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuntsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon. Evening free. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. On 09 am onwards permit has to be obtained at Department of Immigration ( Permit procedure may take times ). After Permit, drive to Thimphu. On the way, visit Kharbandi Gumpha, Confluence of Paro Chu & Thimpu Chu. On arrival at Thimphu check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten – This stupa was built in 1974 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 (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley; Takin Zoo, Preserve center of Takin – National Animal of Bhutan.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground ; The Jungshi handmade paper factory ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho; Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as 13 Arts & Crafts School or Painting School ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday),where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

After early breakfast transfer to Paro. Check in at the hotel. Later proceed for sightseeing ( Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes Ta Dzong (National Museum) ( open throughout the week except Govt. Holiday . Timing: from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m ) – the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.

After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Chele La (pass) ( Alt. 3988 meters /13084 ft) , considered to be one of the highest motor able passes in Bhutan. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km ( Approx 1.30 hrs drive one way), reach Chele-la pass. Where on a clear day from this point one can have a superb views of Mount- Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Return at Paro. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Overnight at Paro.

After check out drive to Phuentsholing (Approx 178 km/6-7 hrs drive). Transfer to Dooars in India ( Approx 3 hrs drive ). It’s a famous Wild Life Sanctuary for one horned rhino and Indian elephant. O/n stay at hotel / Resort.

In the morning you can enjoy Jeep safari (Optional- Own Cost) inside the grassland of Dooars to watch the great Indian Rhino in their natural habitat. Later drive to Bagdogra/NJP Station (2 hrs) to your onward journey.