SVT109 - ( 12 Nights 13 Days )
MAJESTIC BHUTAN TOUR
Itinerary
Day 01: NJP Rly Station / Bagdogra Airport – Phuentsholing (170 kms / 4 hrs)
Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport & transfer to Phuentsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.
Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (176 kms / 6 hr)
After breakfast complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 3: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Embark on an exciting journey through Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and the residence of the royal family. Start your day with a visit to Buddha Point and Simply Bhutan, a living museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese life. The view from BBS Tower is stunning and provides a perfect introduction to Thimphu. Explore religious sites like the National Memorial Chorten and the historic Chang Gangkha Monastery. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the National Zoo with its unique national animal, the takin. Discover Bhutan’s spiritual side at the National Library, and enjoy the local crafts at the Handicraft Market. In the evening, experience the grandeur of TashiChhodzong, the secretariat building and throne room of His Majesty. Spending the night in Thimphu adds to the allure, allowing you to appreciate the city’s charm as day turns to night to halt at Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha / Wangdue Sightseeing (77 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.). Continue towards Punakha visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of Fertility built in 15th century. Also visit Punakha Dzong. On arrival check in at the Hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 05: Punakha – Bumthang (212 kms / 08 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Wangdue Phodrang, visiting Dzong & local market. Its famous for Bamboo product, Slate & Stone carving. Drive further across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan. There is an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop Enroute Chendbji Chorten. Further visit Trongsa Dzong – it was the seat of power over central & eastern Bhutan. Then drive further to Bumthang over the Youtonga-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at Bumthang.
DAY 6: BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING
Bumthang is the general name given to the combination of four valleys – Chumey, Chekhov, Tang & Ura. These valleys produce Honey, Cheese, Apples & Yathra (woolen colorful material). After breakfast visit Jamey Lhakhang, Kuje Lhakhangand Tamsing Monastery. Also visit the Jakar Dzong. Back to hotel. Overnight stay will be at Bumthang
DAY 7: BUMTHANG TO PUNAKHA VIA TRONGSA
After breakfast drive to Punakha. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Punakha.
DAY 8: PUNAKHA TO GANGTEY
After Breakfast Morning Drive from Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjika) Sight Seeing Which also spelt Phobjika, the suffix kha means valley in Dzongkha) is a vast U- shaped glacial Valley. Also known as Gangtey Valley named after the impressive Gangtey Monastery of the Niangua sect in Central Bhutan, where the Graceful Black- necked Cranes in Bhutan (Gurus nigricollis) from the Tibetan Plateau visit the valley during the winter season to roost. On arrival checks in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at Gangtey
DAY 9: GANTEY TO PARO
After Breakfast, Morning Drive to Paro from Gangtey and on arrival at Hotel, Evening Leisure time at Hotel and Night halt
DAY 10: PARO – Taksang Monastery Hiking or EXCURSION TO CHELE-LA-PASS
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (the great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Overnight at Paro. Or After breakfast drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor able road in Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic beauty & memorable landscapes from Chele-La-Pass.Back to Paro. Rest of the day is free for leisure.Overnight at Paro.
DAY 11: PARO SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (the great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff; about 900 meters above Paro Valley.Overnight stay will be at Paro.
DAY 12: Paro – Phuentsholing (200 kms / 7 hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.
DAY 13: Phuentsholing – NJP Rly Station / Bagdogra Airport (170 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and take the departure transfer to NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport.