Day 01: BAGDOGRA / SILIGURI - PHUNTSHOLING

Received by Snow White representative at Bagdogra airport (Siliguri Indian state of West Bengal) and drive for about four hours through lush green tea gardens enroute arriving Phuntsholing, the gateway of Bhutan. Phuntsholing lies directly at the base of Himalayan foothills and this small town is Bhutan's commercial center holding most of commercial organizations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.

Gateway of Phuntsholing

 

Day 02: PHUNTSHOLING - THIMPHU

After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. Five kms ahead of Phuntsholing visit to Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery built by Royal Grandmother Late Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated in garden of tropical plants, flowers. From the monastery garden there is a beautiful view over the plains and town of Phuntsholing. Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable bends, upwards to an altitude of approximately 2000m. You should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the superb view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Toorsa river. After two hours drive through light mountain jungle, the first ridge has been passed and the road descends slightly.
 

The scenery and vegetation changes and you pass Chukha Hydro Power and the small town of Tshimasham. Lunch would be served there. Near Chapcha the road reaches its highest point approximately 2800m. Now it goes steeply down and along the Wang Chu till the Chuzom (confluence). Before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
 

Day 03: THIMPHU

Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan, sits in broad fertile valley of Wang Chu river. Visit Tashichho dzong, the most impressive building and the home of National Assembly also summer residence of Chief of monk body. Also known as "fortress of the glorious religion" originally built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the country's first official center of social and religious education. Memorial Chorten is town's another landmark, built in the memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Painting School where the age-old style of traditional Bhutanese painting is taught.

Thimphu valley

National Library where one can find vast collection of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies. Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts is still being practiced. Handicrafts Emporium displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products. Evening take a walk through Thimphu market area visiting local shops and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 04: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

Proceed to Punakha across the Dochula pass (3050m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: WANGDIPHODRANG - PARO

Sightseeing in Wangdiphodrang a typical small Bhutanese town. The place is also known for its fine bamboo work, slate, stone carvings, and yak dairy research station. Wangdi Dzong is a town’s most visible feature, situated majestically at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. After lunch drive to Paro visiting village house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: PARO

This beautiful valley, home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries, the National Museum and country's only airport.  Taa Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower from the invasion of Tibetans to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique THANKA paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan's renowned postage stamps.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels" built by Shabdrung Nagwang Namgyel in 1646, which now houses Paro monastic school and office of civil administration. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan dating from the introduction of Buddhism. At the end of valley lies Drukgyel dzong, a symbol of all the unsuccessful attempts from the invasion of Tibetan to Bhutan in the early past. The Dzong, built by Shabdrung Nagwang Namgyal commemorates early victory. Evening visit Paro Town and overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 07: PARO depart

After early breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.