Bhutan (6N/7D)

Jaigao to Jaigao: 6-nights, 7-days

Day 1: Jaigaon to Phuentsholing – Transfer to Thimphu

• Morning in Jaigaon:
  • Complete immigration formalities at the Phuentsholing border (this may take a few hours, so start early).
• Drive to Thimphu (5-6 hours):
  • After the permit is processed, drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Enjoy the scenic route with mountain views and rivers.
• Lunch:
  • Stop at a local restaurant on the way.
• Evening in Thimphu:
  • Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel and relax after the long journey.
• Dinner:
  • At your hotel or a local restaurant in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Morning Sightseeing:
  • Visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley.
  • Explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.
  • Walk through the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and the summer residence of the monk body.
• Lunch:
  • At a local restaurant.
• Afternoon Sightseeing:
  • Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu.
  • Visit the Folk Heritage Museum for insight into Bhutanese culture and rural life.
  • Explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students train in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts.
• Evening Leisure:
  • Stroll around the Handicrafts Market and explore Thimphu’s cafes.
• Dinner:
  • At a local restaurant serving traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Drive to Punakha (2.5-3 hours):
  • Start your journey to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
  • Stop at Dochula Pass to see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers.
• Lunch:
  • At a local restaurant in Punakha.
• Afternoon in Punakha:
  • Visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful and important dzongs in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
  • Explore the Suspension Bridge near Punakha Dzong, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
• Visit Chimi Lhakhang:
  • Visit the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "Temple of Fertility", dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman".
• Check-in at Hotel:
  • Spend the evening at your hotel in Punakha.
• Dinner:
  • At your hotel.

Day 4: Punakha to Paro

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Morning Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:
  • Take a short hike (1 hour) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, offering a great view of the Punakha Valley.
• Drive to Paroc (4 hours):
  • After the hike, depart for Paro.
• Lunch:
  • En route to Paro.
• Evening in Paro:
  • Check into your hotel and relax after the drive.
  • Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) in the evening and take a walk across the old wooden bridge below the dzong.
• Dinner:
  • At a local restaurant or your hotel in Paro.

Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Full-Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery:
  • Embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley as you ascend.
• Lunch:
  • Stop for lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, about halfway up the hike.
• Explore the monastery and its spiritual atmosphere.
• Return to Paro:
  • Descend back to the base and relax.
• Dinner:
  • At your hotel or a restaurant in Paro town.

Day 6: Paro Sightseeing

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Morning Sightseeing:
  • Visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), housed in a former watchtower, featuring Bhutanese art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
  • Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century.
• Lunch:
  • At a local restaurant in Paro.
• Afternoon at Chele La Pass (optional):
  • Take a scenic drive to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan (3,988 meters). Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and, on a clear day, see the Jomolhari peak.
  • Return to Paro in the late afternoon.
• Farewell Dinner:
  • Enjoy a final Bhutanese meal in Paro, featuring local delicacies like Ema Datshi (chili cheese) and Jasha Maru (spicy chicken).

Day 7: Departure from Paro – Return to Phuentsholing/Jaigaon

• Breakfast:
  • At your hotel.
• Drive back to Phuentsholing (4-5 hours):
  • After breakfast, drive back to the Bhutan-India border.
• Lunch:
  • En route or in Phuentsholing.
• Arrive in Jaigaon:
  • After immigration formalities, return to Jaigaon to continue your onward journey.