Bhutan Sightseeing Tour: Journey To The Peaks

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Arrive at Phuentsholing

  Arrive at Phuentsholing by flight and stay overnight at Phuentsholing.

• Day 2 - Sightseeing in Thimphu

  Proceed to Thimphu in the morning. Have a simple excursion of National Memorial Chorten which is built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

  Visit Thimphu Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan which is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.

  Thereafter, drive up to Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is placed. It is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

  From there, continue to the north of Thimphu about 14 kms where the famous Tango Monastery is located which was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century.

  It has the mind blowing architectural extravaganza and it consists of six temples, each with unique architecture.

  Also visit the Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School and the Folk Heritage Museum, before continuing to the National Library and theTraditional Paper Making Factory.

  Wind up the excursion of the day by evening.

• Day 3 - Punakha

  After breakfast, proceed to Punakha and en route, stop at Dochula Pass, where you will have a coffee break, enjoy the grand 108 stupas (sacred structures) and appreciate the stunning view of the Himalayas.

  Later, hike to reach Chimi Lhakhang for almost 1 hour 30 minutes. It is a temple dedicated to the divine Madman and people come here to pray for children.

  Continue to Punakha Dzong, a large and spectacular Bhutanese architecture, located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. It was the religious and administrative centre of Bhutan until 1950 when the capital moved to Thimphu.

  After that you will be going to Suspension Bridge, which is the longest bridge of Bhutan.

• Day 4 - Paro

  Today, drive back to Paro which would take around 3 hours by road.

  Then, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, now housing the National Museum with more than 3000 exhibits. Some of them may date back to the 8th century. Retrace your steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

  Proceed to witness the beauty of Paro Dzong which is known as the “Rinpung Dzong”, an extravagant monastery and fortress, which is the epitome of Bhutanese architecture.

  Now it is the local administrative centre and the school for monks.

• Day 5 - Tiger’s Nest Trek

  Visit Tiger’s nest monastery today morning. Hike up to the holiest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). It is located on a cliff about 900 meters (3000 feet) above the Paro Valley.

  After about 2 hours of hiking, you will reach the spectacular monastery, where you will be able to witness the awesome architecture and take in the beauty of the Paro Valley.

  The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 1?2 hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff.

  Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.

  The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former beauty.

• Day 6 - Paro to Phuentsholing

  The day is totally free for exploring and relaxing in Paro.

  Stop at the market for some quick souvenir shopping.

  Drive from Paro to Phuentsholing and stay overnight at Phuentsholing.

• Day 7 - Drive back to Bagdogra

  Depart from Bhutan in the morning and drive back to Bagdogra.