Bhutan Tour

• Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’ Nest) monastery
• Excursion to the little know Haa Valley
• Visit Punakha Dzong
• Stay in Phobjika Valley

Photos

Day 1: Bagdogra to Phuntsholing                                       163 kms; 4.5 hours

Pickup from Bagdogra airport from where you drive to Phuntsholing, the border town of Bhutan. 

Day 2: Phuntsholing  to Thimpu                                          177 kms; 5.5 hours

In the morning go to the immigration office for processing your permits for Bhutan. Thereafter commence your drive up to the land of Gross National Happiness . The vistas will keep getting picturesque with change in landscapes as you ascend up towards Thimpu.

After freshening up, walk around the vibrant streets of Thimpu absorbing the vibes of the capital city. 

Day 3: Thimpu

In the morning hike up to the Wangdutshey temple from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Thhimpu city. Thereafter In visit the Guru Dordenma statue from where you can also get some great views of the Thimpu valley. Continue on the Memorial Chorten , a prominent landmark in the city. Over here you will see many elders offering prayers and circumambulating around the chorten, making for good photography compositions.  In the evening free time to stroll around the main town square and the craft street from where you can but some handicrafts.

Day 4: Thimpu to Gangtey                                       128 kms;  5.5 hours

Commence your journey to Phobjika valley, traversing over the Dochu La pass . On a clear day one can get stunning views of the East Himalayan peaks from the pass. In 2003 the Queen Mother commissioned the construction of 108 chortens at the pass, accentuating the tranquillity of the landscape . Spend some time at the pass, absorbing the tranquillity of the place.

Continue driving to Gangtey, in Phobjika valley, by far the most picturesque glaciated valley in Bhutan.

Day 5: Gangtey

In the morning go for a half day walk on the Gangtey trail which will take you across pine forests, farm lands and quaint houses giving you a great feel of the valley. Later in the day visit the Gangtey monastery where you will learn about the Nyngma sect of Buddhism.

Day 6: Gangtey to Punakha                                     80 kms; 2.5 hours

Today you drive to Punakha, the one time winter capital of Bhutan. On reaching Punakha  visit the Punakha dzong, probably the most scenic one on all of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Kagyu School including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. Relax for the remainder of the day.

Day 7: Punakha to Paro                                                        115 kms; 3.5 hours

In the morning visit the Chimmi Lhakhang (temple), popularly known as fertility temple. Hike to the temple and get blessings from the phallus. This temple is believed to have the power of blessing people with fertility.

You next halt will be at Lamperi botanical gardens where you will be able to see a couple of varieties of rhododendrons in bloom. Walk around the trails absorbing the beauty of the place. From here continue your drive to Paro.

Day 8: Taktsang trek

Today you go for a full day hike to Bhutan’s most iconic monastery Taktsang monastery. It is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan due to its association with Guru Rinpoche, who reputedly flew to ParoTaktsang cliff in the form of Guru DorjiDrolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress in the 747 A.D., where he meditated and subdued evil spirits. Hence it is also referred to as Tiger’ Nest. The monastery is precariously perched on a high cliff overlooking the Paro valley. The trek to the top is steep albeit extremely scenic, with grand views of Paro valley through the trek.

Day 9: Haa valley excursion

Head out for a full day excursion to the littleknow Haa valley. The picturesque road cuts through farmlands and scattered hamlets, gradually climbing up to Chele La Pass at 3822 meters. On a clear day you will get spectacular glimpses of Bhutan’s Himalayan mountain peaks. Descending down into Haa Valley you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Haa, overlooked by three mountains called ‘Rig Sum Gonpa’ which signifies three Buddha deities; Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrizig. On reaching Haa take a leisurely walk around the valley and visit the Black and white temple.

By evening drive back to Paro.

Day 10: Paro to Chalsa                                                         234 kms; 6 hours

By late morning commence your drive down to Phuntsholing and further on to Chalsa in West Bengal. Relax in the luxury of your property for the remainder of the day.

Day 11: Chalsa to Bagdogra                                                             75 kms; 2.5 hours

After breakfast drop to Bagdogra airport

Cost per person: Rs.85,500/-  + 5% GST  (Cost for Indian Nationals only)