On arrival in Phuentsholing, welcomed by our representative and after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the hotel.

The frontier town of Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. 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.

Later in the day if time permits visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang. Situated in the heart of town, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing (Altitude 300m).

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu.

En route stop at Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond.

Proceed further to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population little above 1,00,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m)

After breakfast, drive to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Then, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (The Father of modern Bhutan) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Afternoon the visits include:

Textile Museum: Bhutanese textiles are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. Textile Museum at Thimphu has given a new platform to the nation’s textiles and Bhutanese weavers and boasts of an invaluable collection of antique textile artifacts of the country.

Simply Bhutan Museum: It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the rich cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and other spheres of life. Here the serene and picturesque little village house has been recreated using doors and windows and other building materials from old traditional houses that were demolished, the studio portrays age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.

Trashichhoedzong: This is the center of Government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Evening time can be spent strolling through Thimphu city centre and Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m)

After breakfast drive to Dochu La pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) to enjoy stunning view of major eastern Himalayan peaks. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother as a tribute to Fourth King for his selfless service and visionary leadership. It represents a symbol of appreciation, loyalty, dedication and love that touches the nation and blesses its people.

Vividly portraying Bhutan’s spiritual and artistic traditions, the chortens sit astride a strategic mound that offers a magnificent view of the endless ridges that roll into the distant majestic snow-capped peaks in the north. Each chorten is carefully crafted out of wood and stone with the proportion dictated by the ancient legacy of Bhutanese artwork.

Also visit here Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) built in honour of His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology. The scenery from the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is stunning with 360-degree panoramic view of Himalayan Mountain range.

After this wonderful exploration, drive onward to Punakha.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of Government until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1,300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.

Later in the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers. This majestic Dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to Bhutan, though long established here.

In the evening explore newly developed colourful Wangdue town and its market.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley.

En route visit handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and modelled on Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet). Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), Simtokha is often said to be the first Dzong built in Bhutan. It is infact also the oldest Dzong to have survived as a complete structure.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Later in the day at Paro visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the oldest shrines of the Kingdom, dating back to 7th century. The complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern. In the seventh century, Tibet was ruled by King Songsten Gompo, who in his attempt to suppress a demoness opposing Buddhist teachings built 108 temples in a day and Kichu is one of them.

Evening at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast, driving excursion to Chele la pass.  At an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive from Paro, along a thickly forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Chomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,714m). It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Later in the afternoon 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 for about 10-mintues to visit Rinpung Dzong, 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.

Evening at leisure in heart of Paro town, exploring neatly lined colourful shops offering wide assortment of local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

OR, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HIKING:

After breakfast, 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 embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Evening at leisure in heart of Paro town, exploring neatly lined colourful shops offering wide assortment of local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After leisurely breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing. On the way before heading towards Chuzom (the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers), a short walk to Tamchog Lhakhang. Located across the river on Paro – Thimphu Road, this private temple is dedicated to 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains and crossing this iron bridge is an interesting experience.
 

Evening take a stroll in and around Phuentsholing city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing (Altitude 300m).

After breakfast, depart Phuentsholing for onward journey.