Arrive Bagdogra / NJP and drive to Phuentsholing Bhutan. Complete the immigration formalities on arrival to Phuentsholing and the check in to your hotel rooms. Phuentsholing (alt. 300m / 985 ft) - The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese.
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. After relaxation visit Zangtho Pelri Temple the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Dinner and overnight stay at Phuentsholing.
Drive to Thimphu. Even though the journey is long and tiring, you will be rewarded with spectacular sights of the diverse range in vegetation that Bhutan is so well known for on the way we will make our first stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa about 5 km above Phuentsholing. This monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. From this point the road climbs steeply up into the hills, to an altitude of approx 6560 ft. On the way you will also see the first hydro electric project ever built in Bhutan.
Leaving Chukha we will stop at the small town of Chimakothi. After passing through Chapcha the road reaches its highest point of about 9158 ft, then descends steeply and runs along the banks of Wang Chu (River) to Chuzon (Confluence), where Paro Chu runs into Wang Chu. From here it is only about 30 min drive up the valley to Paro. On arrival at Thimphu, Check in at the hotel. Visit Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimpu.
Visit National Memorial Chorten, Buddha point, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, National Library and the Thimphu Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
About an hours climb from Thimphu, we will be crossing the Dochu La pass. If we are lucky with the weather, we can see the entire Bhutanese Himalayas; east of Chomolhari to Gangkhar Puensum. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility).Lunch and later we will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Later we drive to the rafting point and start our Mo- chhu rafting. In the evening we will check in at the hotel.
On arrival in Paro after lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17 th century National Museum. The Paro dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17 th century now houses the monastic body. A lovely stroll downhill from the dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Start early as one will hike to the most revered temple in the country (the Tiger’s Nest) which hangs majestically on a granite cliff of 900m from the Paro valley. After that visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong which was built earlier to guard Paro valley from the invasion of Tibetans. On the way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temple in the country which is believed to have been built during 8 th century by the Tibetan King Songson Gompo. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Leisure on your own. Overnight Farmhouse stay at Paro.
Leave Early Morning Drive to Chele la-la pass (3988 m) a favourite place for many visitors and is one of highest motor able passes in the country. For the Buddhists, it is also a sacred place to festoon the pass with prayer flags. For naturalists, the Chele la ridge offers gardens of Himalayan flowers, plants and of special pheasant species. Water is scarce on these ridges and it is recommended to have enough water supplies with you. The View of beautiful Haa Valley is enticing. Today is going to be the longest day of our tour and We would retire at a hotel in Phuentsholing.
After early breakfast at the hotel/packed breakfast, drive to NJP/Bagdogra for your train/flight back to your destination.
Let’s stay in touch with each other through WhatsApp, Instagram, email, phone, Facebook. See you soon on more such beautiful tours with BhramanTea.
