Cultural Exploration in Bhutan

Arrive in Bagdogra and Drive to Phuentsholing.

After breakfast leave for Thimpu , complete the immigration formalities at the border. Arrive in the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening the Tashichho Dzong Outer view (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast, you would visit 1:Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue. 2:National Memorial Chorten 3:Folk Heritage Thereafter, you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. 4: Sangaygang View Point 5: Changangkha Monastery 6: Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of a Goat and an Antelope. 7: Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM. On the completion of the sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for some time you shall be served with dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu."

Drive to Punakha: Cross the Dochula pass. Dochula Pass is located about 30 km away from Thimphu at an altitude of 3100 meters. A striking feature at the pass is the 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens (stupa) that were built for the well-being of all sentient beings on earth. Driving for another 1.5 hours will bring you to Lobesa village where Chimi Lhakhang is located. The temple is accessible only by walking through the vast farmland which takes 30 minutes. This temple is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) and is the place from where Phalluses originated as the symbol of fertility and protection. Childless couples visit the temple to get blessings so that they conceive and are blessed with a child. During the afternoon guests could experience river rafting. Evening free time at Punakha town. Later visit Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu River and the Po Chhu was built in 1638.

Drive to Phobjikha valley: "After breakfast at the hotel, a drive of 3 hours will bring you to the serene valley of Phobjikha, the valley of the Black Necked Cranes. This is believed to be a glacial valley and is the winter nesting grounds for the endangered Black Necked Cranes. At Phobjikha you will visit the beautiful 17th Century Gangtey Monastery. An hour-long gentle walk through the Nature Trail will take you around the valley from where you can get spectacular views of the valley below. Return to Punakha for the night." The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 1⁄2 hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. Relax in a herbal hot stone bath after the end of your trip.

"Drive to Paro: En route to Paro,The beautiful Paro valley is revered for a rich culture, picturesque landscape and tales of myths and legends. The valley is adorned with many ancient monasteries. The valley is often known as the gateway to the world and is home to the country’s only international airport. After reaching, you will be led to your hotel and after lunch, you will be taken around Paro town. Paro town is made of traditional Bhutanese houses aligned neatly together and the Paro River calmly flows just beside the town. Some of the major attractions you will visit are the; Paro Rinpung Dzong, The National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang and you will also explore Paro town. You will be visiting the Namgyal Artisanal Brewery and try out some locally brewed wines You can explore the remote village, which will take 30 minutes walk and stroll in the town. You will also visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Drive back to Paro town in the evening. Overnight halt at Paro.

Hike to Tiger's Nest: Today you will embark on Tiger’s Nest monastery hike. The Tiger’s Nest monastery is the most renowned attraction in the whole country. The spectacular structure is precariously suspended on an edge of a cliff at about 900 m above Paro valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche rode on the back of a flying tigress from eastern Bhutan to the current monastery site and meditated in a cave here for several years, hence the name, “Tiger’s Nest”. A hike of about 4 hours is the perfect way to end your trip. The hiking trail will take you through a diverse forest until you reach the monastery. After completing the demanding hike, you will be taken for a hot stone bath which often is deemed as the perfect way to unwind (this is additional on payment, 24 hours notice required). In the evening the guests can visit the Soednam Zingkha Heritage home and try their hand at some traditional Bhutanese sports such as archery.

After breakfast check out of your hotel and visit Paro local sightseeing like, Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (Ring Pong Dzong), Paro Airport View Point and the local market. Transfer to the Airport for the flight to Bagdogra