BHUTAN ROAD TRIP

On the first day you would arrive at Bagdogra airport and then head to Phuntsholing - The Gateway of Bhutan. Phuntsholing (also sometimes spelt Phuentsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon. Spend your evening sinking in the environment and rest at the hotel in the night to rejuvenate yourselves for the drive, the next morning.

The second day would begin at 09:00 am by the process of obtaining a permit at the Department of Immigration (Permit procedure may take time).  

After the Permit is obtained, we shall head on the breathtaking drive to Thimphu. On this ride, you will come across majestic waterfalls, Bhutanese villages, rice fields and huge cypresses (national tree of Bhutan).

Our very first stop will be at Kharbandi Gumpha monastery (built by the Royal Grandmother in 1967), followed by the confluence of Paro Chu & Thimpu Chu. On arrival at Thimphu, we will check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Don't forget to taste Suja, the Himalayan butter tea which is not sweet but salty.

Thimpu is situated at a height of over 7600 ft on a hillside on the banks of Thimphu Chhu river. Today we will head out and explore the Bhutanese capital (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM). Keep your cameras ready and snap the beautiful architecture of Thimphu. We will visit the National Memorial Chorten- This Stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan; and then head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; this 169 ft high statue made of bronze, seated on a lotus throne is a marvel, after paying homage there we shall visit Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley which also leaves the visitors amazed with a panoramic view of the Thimpu Valley.

In the afternoon we will proceed for sightseeing (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) visit the Changlimithang Stadium (the national stadium) & Archery ground (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). Feel like a warrior after watching them, archers? We then head to The Jungshi handmade paper factory (Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho and local crafts shops. A very long day indeed, let's head back to the hotel for the night.

Today we will be riding to Punakha after obtaining a permit (Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) with a stop en route at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the highest mountains of Bhutan. Capture the enthralling mountains and landscapes during a photo break then drive to the warm valley of Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955.

Trust me this is the most beautiful piece of architecture we have seen yet. We shall then visit Chhimi Lhakhang in Punakha. This is known to the world as the Fertility Temple, couples wishing for a child visit the monastery. After a long tiring day, spend the night in Punakha.

Chubo Dele! We are heading towards the end of our trip and I bet you can't wait to head out. Today we will drive to Paro (Alt. 2200 m/7,300 ft). For all of you  who are nature lovers, Paro will be a treat for your eyes. On the way, we will enjoy the view of Shaba River Point and Paro airport view.Check in at the hotel and then head to Chelela Pass where you can have a view of Haa Valley as well as Paro Valley then we will go to Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history. Its correct name is Rinpung Dzong which means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. This fort was used to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet. After stepping back in history if we get time we would visit Kichu temple which is the oldest temple in Bhutan followed by an overnight stay in Paro.

Today, have a leisurely breakfast and we will proceed for an excursion to the famous Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) which is a 5 hrs hike. Taktshang Monastery is located at the top of about 800-meter cliff in Paro (a breathtaking spectacle, indeed.) It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers Nest, as the monastery is widely regarded as one of the most important and sacred in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct a monastery and finally completed it after three years in 1694. The view swept me off my feet, and I cannot wait to see your amazed faces.

With this our visit to this landlocked wonder will end, in the afternoon we will drive back to Phuentsholing

The journey ends with a return from Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport.