Adventure Tour India

Western Bhutan

Duration :- 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places to See : - Bagdogra - Phuntsholing - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Paro

Day 1: Bagdogra/Phuntsholing, 156 km
Meeting and assistance at Bagdogra airport or Siliguri and drive to Phuntsholing.
Pass through the lunch green tea gardens enroute.
Arrive Phuntsholing, the gateway of Bhutan, situated directly at the base of Himalayan and the commercial centre of Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Phuntsholing - Thimphu, 172 km/6 hours
After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. Visit Kharbandi Gompa, 5 km out of Phuntsholing, this beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother.

Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable bends, upwards to an altitude of approx. 2000M providing beautiful view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Toorsa river. After 2 hours drive through light mountain jungle, the road descends and scenery and vegetation changes. Enroute you pass Chukha Hydel project and the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch will be served enroute.

The highest point on this route is at 2800 M and then steeply descends along the Wang Chu till the Chuzom river confluence.

Shortly before entering Thimphu city, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shab Drung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which is now the School for Buddhist studies.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu
Full day sight-seeing of Thimphu valley, visiting Taschihhodzong; the seat of the Government, Memorial Chorten, the Stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King and Handicrafts Emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom, National Library which has fascinating collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, the Painting School: famous for traditional thankhas paintings and traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practiced.

Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha, 57 km/3 hours
Morning proceed to Punakha across Dochula pass (3050 M) which provides a superb view of the highest peaks of Bhutan, such as Gangkar, Puensum, table Mountain, Masakhang etc. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Fortress was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang, Namgyal in 17th century who played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor and is situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Day 5: Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Paro, 120 km
After breakfast drive to Wangdiphodrang, 17 km to visit Dzong which is pierced on a spur at the confluence of the Sunkosh and Tangmachu rivers. The dzong was built in 1638.. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the south and east-west. Wangdi district is famous for its bamboo work, slate and stone carving.

After lunch, proceed to Paro and on arrival, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Paro
After breakfast, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess" looms directly over the dzong. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

After lunch visit Ta Dzong, originally built as watch tower, now houses National Museum of the Kingdom. It boasts antique thankhas, textile, weapons and armory, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the train to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'fortress of the heap of jewels" which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings.

Day 7: Paro - Dep.
Transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.


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