Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
156 Km Drive to Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing: The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial center, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam. Evening take a down town walk Post Checkin at Hotel Overnight Stay at Phuentsholing.
Post breakfast and immigration formalities drive to Thimphu, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. with the population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. A walk to the coronation park. located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by. Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run handicrafts emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Post breakfast, gear up for local sightseeing in Thimphu. Memorial Chorten: Also known as Thimphu Chorten, the memorial chorten does not enshrine human remains but instead represents the mind of the buddha. National Library: Archives of Bhutan. the library was established in 1967 and has been used to promote and preserve regional culture, ever since. Tashichhoedzong - the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance Buddha point: The Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu at 51.5 metres is among the Punakha buddha statues in the world. Ngawang, the statue is gilded in bronze and gold. Bhutan textile museum: Visit the textile museum located near the national library as your second sightseeing spot for the day. established in 2001, the museum sustains and promotes the art of weaving. one can also buy books and textiles from the museum shop.
Drive to Punakha on day 4 of your Bhutan tour Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the way stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration checkpoint to stamp in your permit. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. On the way stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The Divine Madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was heard that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first king Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk Later in the evening, drive back to Thimphu Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Post breakfast drive to Paro The day presents you an incredible trek to Tiger’s nest. The trek is an easy one and you can reach the top in almost 2 hours, if you are an enthusiastic trekker. beginners might take a little more time. Tiger’s nest: also known as Taktsang Goemba or Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s nest is a monastery that is perched on a cliff and offers you a spectacular scenery of blue pine and rhododendrons forest. legends state that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to mollify a local demon. later, he meditated here for three months. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Post breakfast day start with local sightseeing Ta Dzong, originally built as watchtower, which now houses national museum. the extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, The Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, mt. Sumeru and other cosmic mandala. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive back to NJP/Bagdogra airport for departure with and new travel story to narrate
