Day 1 : Arrive Paro
One of the most breathtaking flights over the Himalayas is the one to Paro. The flight offers magnificent vistas and an exhilarating descent into the Kingdom, whether taking off from Kolkatta or Kathmandu across the foothills of the Himalayas. The crisp, fresh mountain air you'll breathe as you exit the plane will be Bhutan's first present to you. You will be greeted by one of our representatives upon completion of immigration procedures and baggage collection, and you will then be transferred to the hotel.
The captivating Parois Valley is located in the northwest of the nation and is rich in culture, natural beauty, and myths and tales. Many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the nation's international airport and national museum, are located in the valley.
Visit Rinpung Dzong in the afternoon. Rinpung Dzong, which means "fortress of the heap of jewels," has a long and interesting history. Fine wall paintings depicting Buddhist mythology include the four friends, the elderly man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from Milarepa's life, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandala along the wooden galleries flanking the inner courtyard. This dzong was used for some of Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha" filming.
After that, travel to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan King, erected in the Himalayas in the seventh century. Buddhism was first practiced in Bhutan with the construction of this temple.
An exploratory stroll through the market and main street in the evening.
Day 2 : Paro
Start a walking tour to Taktshang Monastery after breakfast (approx. 5 hours, round trip walk). One of Bhutan's most well-known monasteries, Taktshang, is located 900 meters above the Paro valley floor on the side of a cliff. This monastery is also known as "Tiger's Nest" since legend has it that Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress here and meditated there. Since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited this location in 1646, it has been recognized as a most sacred location that all Bhutanese are required to visit at least once in their lifetimes.The majority of people in Bhutan still live in the same small, remote farms and hamlets that they have for decades, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize, and buckwheat.
Visit the National Museum, which is located at Ta Dzong, which was once used as a watchtower. Antique thangkha paintings, textiles, armor, domestic items, and a wide range of ancient and natural artifacts are all included in the enormous collection.
Spend the night at the Paro hotel. (2280 m altitude)
Day 3 : Paro-Punakha & Wangduephodrang (125km, approx 4.1/2 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, ‘the temple of the excellent horse’. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
Continue driving through Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft), pausing briefly to appreciate the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that adorn the road's highest point. If the sky are clear, the peaks to the left and right of this pass include: Masagang (7,158 meters), Tsendagang (6,960 meters), Terigang (7,060 meters), Jejegangphugang (7,158 meters), Kangphugang (7,170 meters), Zongphugang (7, 060 meters), and then Gangkar Puensum, the tallest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 meters.
The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, also known as chortens or stupas, were constructed at Dochula Pass by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the oldest Queen Mother. These chortens are constructed in three layers, with the main chorten in the middle and 45 chortens in each of the lower two layers, 36 in the middle layer, and 27 in the top layer.
Then take a tour of a section of Royal Botanical Park. It is Bhutan's first botanical park and serves as the Dochula Pass's backdrops.
Punakha was the country's capital up until 1955, and the central monastic body still makes its winter home there today. Punakha, a fertile valley with an abundance of products from terraced rice fields, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, is blessed with a moderate environment and is nourished by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Wangduephodrang, which borders Punakha and is known to the Bhutanese as Sha or "east," is a key entry point to the country's remote regions. The bringing together of the western, middle, and southern areas was greatly aided by Wangduephodrang.
Visit the Punakha Dzong in the afternoon, also known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," which Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal erected in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. In the past, Bhutan's spectacular dzong functioned as the country's political and religious hub. It boasts a six-story, gold-domed tower and is around 600 by 240 feet. Courtyards and religious statues inside give a hint as to the breadth of history and spiritual tradition present. Your tour guide will help you better grasp this complex, yet long-established, culture that is foreign to us.
After that, a brief detour to Chimi Lhakhang. The fertility temple is also known as the Chimi Lhakhang, which is located on a mound in the valley's middle. It is a common belief that if a couple prays at this temple and expresses a desire for a child, they will typically be blessed with a child fairly shortly. The trail travels through rice fields before arriving at the small town of Pana, which means "field." You can get rare views into the inhabitants' way of life by taking a stroll through the village next to the temple.
Explore the local market and freshly built Wangduephodrang town in the evening.
Day 4 : Punakha & Wangduephodrang – Thimphu (75km, approx 3 hours drive)
Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang after breakfast. This magnificent building, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, gleams above Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys on a ridge surrounded by pine trees (temple). The temple's 14-foot-tall main Avalokiteshvara statue is made of bronze (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Statues of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras, and Tsepamay are among the others (Buddha of longevity).One of the largest Avalokiteshvara statues in the nation was totally made by regional Bhutanese artists. The temple complex also has a permanent higher study and meditation center for nuns, which offers training in practical life skills including tailoring, embroidery, statue construction, and thangkha painting in addition to religious instruction.
The regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was created by the Queen Mother of Bhutan to drive away evil spirits and encourage peace, stability, and harmony in a changing world, is reached after a lovely hike (which takes around 2 hours round trip). With dominating views across the Mo Chhu river and upwards into the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond, the Chorten rules the upper Punakha valley. After lunch, go to Thimphu while short stopping at Dochula pass. Bhutan's capital and center of government, religion, and business is Thimphu, which has been the case since 1955. It is a distinctive town with a well-balanced combination of contemporary growth and historical traditions.
In Thimphu, be sure to check into the accommodation. then a stroll into the heart of Thimphu's city. Visit the Local Crafts Bazaar as well to peruse some of Bhutan's exquisite traditional artwork. You can purchase hand-woven fabrics, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, sculptures in slate and wood, jewelry, and other intriguing products created of local resources here.
Drive across the Thimphu valley in the evening once the lights are on to photograph some of the city's well-known monuments at night.
Day 5 : Thimphu
Visit the National Library, which has a vast collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students take a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, the Textile Museum, which was established in 2001 and displays a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the country's rich cultural heritage.
Visit Changangkha Lhakhang after lunch. It is a temple and monastic school that resembles a fortress that is positioned on a ridge south of Motithang, overlooking Thimphu. The temple was built in the 12th century on a location selected by Tibetan immigrant Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Here, Chenrezig is shown as an 11-headed apparition in the main statue. The Thimphu valley can be fascinatingly viewed from the temple courtyard. then proceed to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest statue of the Buddha in the nation is where you can pay respects and offer prayers. After that, you can stroll around and catch a glimpse of the valley.
Then visit, King’s Memorial Chorten 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 has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Day 6 : Thimphu-Phuentsholing (180km, approx 6 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bhutan’s border town Phuentsholing. Five miles from Thimphu, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
Thimphu – Phuentsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization and it is a fascinating drive with numerous scenic spots en route.
Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of Himalayan range and sharing border with India, Phuentsholing blends in the fascinating mix of Indian and Bhutanese cultures.
Evening take a stroll around Phuentsholing town and visit Zangtho Pelri,the temple situated in city centre, representing the heaven of Guru Rinpoche.
Day 7 : Depart Phuentsholing
After breakfast,picked up by Indian counterpart from Phuentsholing hotel and proceed for onward program.