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Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it's possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong (fortress). It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You'll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. Afterward you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,329 meters, from the village below the Dzong. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche, great Indian spiritual master, is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the ational Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Wangdiphodrang, with afternoon excursion to Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Wangdiphodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 5: Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu
In the morning you will drive back to Thimphu. If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. In the evening you can explore Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6: Thimphu - Phuntsholing
After breakfast drive to Phuntsholing en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627 which now houses the school for religious studies. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Lunch will be served on the way. On arrival, check into hotel. Overnight in Phuntsholing.
Day 7: Phuntsholing - Darjeeling
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling passing through the sub-himalayan regions in the eastern India, which presents a large range of foothill forests, famous tea gardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quiet villages, and small townships of vibrant culture. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 8: Darjeeling
Early morning enjoy the sun rise view from the Tiger Hill. The distant view of Mount Everest is also visible form the Tiger Hill. Then visit Chom Monastery, built in 1850 by the Mongolian Lama Sherub Gyatsho. Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, house of the late Tenzin Norgay, the Sherpa who first claimed Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953. In the evening, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, which produces a wide range of artifacts. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 9: Darjeeling – Gangtok
After break fast, drive to Gangtok. Later sightseeing in Gangtok includes: visit to Enchu Monastery which is adorned by multicolored prayer flags. Then visit Government Institute of Cottage Industries, where young students are being taught the traditional arts of painting and weaving. Also visit the Institute of Tibetology, which is housed in a traditional Tibetan style building. Overnight hotel in Gangtok.
Day 10: Gangtok - Kalimpong
In the morning, you will drive to Rumtek Monastery, which is the head quarter of Karma Kajupa School. Then drive to Kalimpong and in the evening visit the monastery belonging to Galugpa school of Dalai Lama. Overnight hotel in Kalimpong. Day 11: Kalimpong – Bagdogra
After break fast drive to Bagdogra airport for flight to onward destination. |
