5 Nights & 6 Days in Bhutan
itinerary:
- Arrival and reception at Phuntsholing international border gate/Bagdora Airport, WB, India
- Visit Kharbandi Goempa. Kharbandi Goemba is a Buddhist monastery in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. It was built in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The site offers stunning views of the town and Indian plains of West Bengal (WB). It’s about 10-15 minutes drive from the main Phuntsholing town.
- Drive to Thimphu. It approximately takes about 5 hours.
- Rest and night halt (Hotel)
- Hike to Chheri Monastery. This Buddhist monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. The monastery sits on a hill above the end of the road at Dodeyna roughly 15KM from the capital city and it takes about an hour to walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery.
- Visit Great Buddha Dordenma (World Tallest statue, 177 feet). This gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue was built in 2006 and completed in 2015. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The statue and the surrounding area has a great view of almost the entire capital city. It takes about 10-15 minutes drive from the capital city.
- Visit the Royal Takin Preserve. This Preserve is located at Motithang which is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city. Here the guest has the opportunity to see the national animal of Bhutan.
- Visit Craft Market followed by Kaja Throm. This market offers Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts, souvenirs and other local hand-made products. The market is constructed using eco-friendly bamboo. The market is located at the main city centre and a perfect place to get a glimpse Bhutanese handicrafts and its beauty. Kaja Throm is one of the must visit places in the capital city. The market was renovated under the command of His Majesty the King. The market showcases local agricultural products, foods, drinks and other walk around art galleries.
- Rest and night halt(Hotel)
- Drive to Punakha District which is about a 2.5 hours journey from the capital city. On the way, stop at Dochhla pass, one of the stunning mountain passes on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. It’s about 3100m from the sea level and offers panoramic Himalayan views including the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang nearby. The pass also offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on clear days and fragrance of rhododendron flowers during spring season with added lively feeling from the fluttering coloured prayer flags. The next en route stop at Sopsokha and visit Chhimilhakang. Chimi Lhakhang monastery is Bhutan’s popular Fertility Temple” known for divine blessings for childless couples. The monastery was built by saint Drukpa Kunley (the Divine Madman) from Tibet in 1499. After visiting this temple, drive for about 15-20 minutes and visit the iconic Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan’s second oldest and second largest fortress. The fortress was built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal with stunning architectural marvel at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu river. After that, a 5 minutes hike to Punakha’s must visit a lengthy pedestrian suspension bridge crossing over Phochhu river. The bridge offers thrilling views of the valley alongside, slight swaying and stunning photo opportunities.
- Rest and Night Halt (Homestay)
- Drive back to Paro and briefly stop at Dochhula pass. The approximate time taken is 4-5 hours.
- Visit Kyichu monastery. Kyichu monastery is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple in Paro District. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd King of the Yarlung dynasty in Tibet.
- Visit Taa Dzong (National Museum). Paro Ta Dzong “Watch Fortress,” is a historic cylindrical watchtower built in 1649. It is believed to be used for lookout against invaders. Currently, it houses the National Museum of Bhutan with vast collections of Bhutanese art and history, renowned for its unique architecture and stunning valley views. It’s about a 10-15 minutes drive from Paro town.
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger Nest). Paro Taktsang is a must visit sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. The monastery is located 10 kilometres to the north of Paro town.
- Visit Drukgyel Fortress “Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas,”. This fortress is located in the upper Paro Valley, built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal upon victory from the Tibetan invasion.
- Visit Paro Town. Paro is a small town situated in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of the most fertile land for the cultivation of paddy. Paro is dotted with traditionally built houses alongside handicraft shops, local foods and drinks. The town is about 10-15 minutes drive from the Paro International Airport.
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- Drive to Phuntsholing
- See off at Phuntsholing Border Gate/Bagdora Airport, WB, India
Note: The itinerary mentioned is customizable based on the interest of the guest at the time of booking Confirmation.