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Phuentsholing
The Frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle, prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuntsholing 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.
Thimphu
is the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Buddha View Point
Kuensel Phodrang is a place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha Statue, the largest in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Zorig Chusum
Bhutan unique artistic traditions have played a vital role in mounding its distinct cultural heritage. This tradition is best reflected in the “Zorig Chusum” or Thirteen Crafts. Textiles Museum (Handicrafts Shops)(Closed on Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays) - A wide assortment of colourful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.
Takin Mini Zoo
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. In the evening free time to explore Thimphu City. Overnight at Thimphu.
Valley of Gangtey
It is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). According to a local legend, the two rivers actually represent a snake and a boar. The two animals once raced each other with an agreement that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, Phobjikha valley would be able to grow rice, but if the boar won, then rice could never be cultivated in the area. The snake lost since it had to meander all the way during its journey. Rice cannot be cultivated in the valley even today.
National library
It is a major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The scripture and document collection held in our library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese History, Religion, Medicine, Arts and Culture.
Black Necked Crane Information Centre
Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Gangtey Goempa
Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong
Majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the city's dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses, and you will see pictures of it hanging in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.
Chimi Lhakhang
Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is 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. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk across fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple. You will cross an archery ground before making a short climb to the temple.
Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)
The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. 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 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.
Day 01: Arrival At Bagdogra (Ixb) Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station – Phuentsholing
Pick up from Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and transfer to Phuentsholing (165 Kms, 03 to 04 Hrs). Meet & greet upon arrival at Phuentsholing (298Mts / 977Fts). Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu
After breakfast, our Bhutan representative will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu (2320Mts / 7656Fts, 180 Kms / 06 to 07 Hrs). On arrival in Thimphu, Check in to the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed for Thimphu sightseeing viz. Buddha View Point, Simtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National library(Closed on Saturday, Sunday & National Holidays), The Indigenous hospital, Textiles Museum (Handicrafts Shops), Takin Mini Zoo. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu - Gangtey Excursion – Punakha / Wangdi
Early morning after breakfast drive to Wangdi (Wangdiphodrang) (1350Mts / 4430Fts, 70 KMS / 03 to 3½ hrs One way) after a full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3000Mts / 9845fts, 85Kms / 3 to 3½ Hrs One way). Wangdi is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and Prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this Pass (Left to Right): Mt. Masagang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Tsendagang (6,960Mts / 22829Fts), Mt. Terigang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), Mt. Jejegangphugang (7,158Mts / 23478Fts), Mt. Kangphugang (7,170Mts / 23518Fts), Mt. Zongphugang (7,060Mts / 23157Fts), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - Finally Mt.Gangkar Puensum (7,497Mts / 24590Fts), the highest peak in Bhutan. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 05: Punakha Local Sightseeing - Paro
After having breakfast visit Punakha Dzong. In the evening, return to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 06: Paro – Haa Valley Excursion – Paro
Start the day early for a full day excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or early breakfast. Drive for 4 Kms away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and ascends towards the Chele-la pass starts. After driving through Blue Pine & Rhododendron Forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (3988Mts / 13081Fts). From this point one can have a superb view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts) & Mt. Jichu Drake (6989Mts / 22924Fts). This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour’s drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After refreshment break, one will visit the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Evening you drive back to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Day 07: Full Day Hike To Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger`S Nest)
Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest). The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. Guest can also opt for Ponies on direct payment basis but for guest who are unable to make it to the top even reaching to the cafeteria area which in almost half way is very fulfilling. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.
Day 08: Paro – Phuentsholing
After breakfast go for Paro local sightseeing viz. Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum. Post Paro sightseeing transfer to Phuentsholing (298Mts / 977Fts, 176 Kms / 06 to 07 Hrs) On the way take a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers with three different style of stupas adorn this confluence - Drive further through Chapcha and later take glimpse of famous Chukha Dam and the magnificent Vince waterfall before Gedu town. Evening free to stroll around the area. Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 09: Phuntsholing - Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (165 Kms, 03 to 04 Hrs) and return to your destination with sweet memories of your Bhutan Tour.
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We have taken many family tours through TravelMap over last several years right from Bhutan to Kashmir to Leh Ladakh and many more. The biggest comforting factor about Kaushal and his team is his detailed involvement in ensuring highest quality standards and 24×7 availability in case you need assistance from them during the tour.
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