Amazing BHUTAN

Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP / IXB & transfer to Pheuntsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India, Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuntsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon. Our representative will meet you on arrival at Phunsholing gate.  Evening free. Overnight stay at hotel.

Our representative will meet you on arrival at Phunsholing gate. We will transfer you to Thimphu, on the way we will make our first stop to visit KharbandiGonpa about 5 km above Phuntsholing. This monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, AshiPhuntshoChoedron in 1967. From this point the road climbs steeply up into the hills, to an altitude of approximately 2,000m/6,560ft. We will make stops along the way from time to time, so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Indian plains and the Toorsu (5 hours drive)a River below. On the way you will also see the first hydro power electric project ever built in Bhutan. Leaving Chukha we will stop at the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route. After passing through Chapcha the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m/9,185ft, then descends steeply and runs along the banks of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where the Paro Chu runs into the Wang Chu. From here it is only about 30 min drive up the valley to Paro. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.(Altitude 2320m)

After breakfast drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 3,100 m and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 DrukWangyalchortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colourful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots.. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, GangarPunsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley. On the way have Lunch at Lobesa and take a hike to ChimiLhakhang (Temple).  This monastery is dedicated to Lama DrukpaKunley” Divine Madman” known for his outrageous behavior. It was built in 1499 by NgawngChogyal the, 14th Drukpa Hierarch. Many childless women visit this lhakhang (Temple) and seek blessings for a child.The existing footpath to ChimiLhakhang (Temple) passes through beautiful terraces of paddy filed after crossing paddy field. You will come across a Lobesa Village with lots of traditional house. Lobesa Village is situated in valley, surrounded by paddy fields on the way to important Buddhist Shrine “ChimiLhakhang” in Punakha.You can very well interact with local people and here also, you can visit some village houses to understand about their life style and proceed towards ChimiLhakhang (Temple). Drive to Punakha. Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha.

After Breakfast drive the valley of Phobjikha, it is well known as the winter home of the Black Neckedcrane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Return and overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and ParoChhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.En route visit SimtokhaDzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit 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 RinpungDzong, 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, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight stay at hotel.

Drive to Chele la-la pass (3988 m), Drive to Chele pass a favorite place for many visitors and is one of the highest motorable 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 special pheasant species. Water is scarce on these ridges and it is recommended to have enough water supplies with you. Evening drive back to Paro. OR Tiger nest hiking- After breakfast proceed for Taktsang Monastery - 'World Heritage site' trekking. It requires 3 hours hike to reach the Monastery and 2 hours to come down to the base point. Ponies are available for hire till to the cafeteria while going. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Drive back to Phuntsholing. Our escort will help you with exit formalities. You can enjoy shopping in the border town with family. Overnight in a stay in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast transfer to the airport. Our escort will bid you farewell.