The Himalayan Splendor, Bhutan
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Kolkata - Paro by Druk Air flight
- Arrive Kolkata by International flight
- Wait at the airport for connecting flight to Paro.
- The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to hotel.
- Lunch
- Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed for sightseeing in Paro:
- 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.
- Evening an exploratory walk around Paro main street and market area..
- Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
NOTE ** Sightseeing time depending on arrival time
DAY 2
Paro – day hike to Tiger’s nest & Evening drive to Thimphu
- After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): 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 recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
- Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
- Afternoon 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 DRIVE TO THIMPHU 55 KM / 1:30 HR DRIVE
- Overnight at the hotel in THIMPHU.
DAY 3
Thimphu – Festival
- Morning visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. 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, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
- (festival starts at around 9 am, before festival starts they can stroll around Trashichhoedzong, festival is held here)
- Witness Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu Festival, festival starts from 9 am)
- After lunch local tour
- Take a short drive towards northern end of town to visit Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
- Continue on to Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
- Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
DAY 4
Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu 70 km / 3 hr drive – each way
- After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3, 080 M). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
- On arrival visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majesticdzong served as both the religious and the administrative center 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 us, though long established here.
- Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way)
- The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. (Also referred to as Druk Kunley monastery)
- Afterwards return to Thimphu across Dochu la
- (6 hr round trip drive + 2:30 hrs sightseeing)
- Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
DAY 5
Thimphu – Phuntsholing (180 km approx 7 hrs drive excluding en route stop)
- Depart to Phuntsholing.
- En route visit Simtokha Dzong. Visit to kharbandi Gompa monastery, located in a tropical garden.
- Overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.
DAY 6
Phuntsholing – Kalimpong (200 km approx 7 hrs drive excluding en route stop)
- Morning drive to Kalimpong.
- Visa formalities at the Bhutan/India border.
- Overnight at the hotel in Kalimpong.
DAY 7
Kalimpong - Gangtok (80 kms / Approx 3 hours drive)
- Morning visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, belonging to the Gelugpa school of Dalai Lama. Also visit the Bhutanese Monastery and one of the flower nurseries.
- Drive to Gangtok.
- Drive from Kalimpong to Gangtok 80 kms approx. 3 hrs. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
DAY 8
In Gangtok
- Full day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays), Cottage Industry (closed on Sundays) and Enchey Monastery.
- Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
DAY 9
Gangtok - Darjeeling (100 kms / 4.5 hours drive)
- Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Darjeeling.
- Drive from Gangtok to Darjeeling 98 kms approx. 4.5 hrs.
- Arrive Darjeeling and check in at the hotel
- Lunch at local restaurant in Darjeeling
- Later Visit Tea Estate where you see the Estate & Factory. You can also do tea testing.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 10
Darjeeling
- Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.
- After breakfast enjoy Joy Ride on World Heritage Toy Train, Darjeeling to Ghoom and back.
- Afternoon visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(closed on Thursday), Zoological Park(closed on Thursday) and Tibetan Refugee Centre(closed on Sunday)
- Overnight at the Hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 11
Darjeeling – Bagdogra (93 km. 3.5 hours pprox..) – Kolkata (By flight)
- Morning drive to Bagdogra airport to board flight for Kolkata
- Met upon arrival in Kolkata and transfer to hotel for check in
- Afternoon visit South Park Street Cemetery followed by Indian Museum (Closed on Mondays & National holidays) &
- Overnight in Kolkata.
DAY 12
Kolkata
- Full day sightseeing tour in Kolkata:
- Flower Market (Wrestler practice, subject to weather conditions).
- Howrah Bridge
- Mother house (Closed on Thursdays)
- Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings)
- Victoria Memorial (Closed on Mondays & National holidays)
- St. Paul’s Cathedral Church
- Kalighat Temple
- Dinner at the hotel
- Late check out till 2330 hrs on 28th September
DAY 12
Kolkata – Departure
- In time transfer to the airport for departure flight
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