Enchanting Bhutan

Day 1 Arrive Paro from New Delhi / Kolkata / Guwahati / Mumbai / Bagodgra & transfer to Thimphu 65 km 1 hr drive

Day 2 Thimphu Sightseeing

When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes visit to the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum and take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts. Afternoon relax at the hotel and evening spend some time at the clock tower square and take a walk at Norzin Lam for shopping or leisure.

Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 3 Thimphu – Punakha 77 km 3 hrs drive

We proceed towards Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Stop at Lamperi. Visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. You could watch a short documentary about the park, proceed down towards Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at Punakha.

Day 4 Punakha – Paro 145 km 4 hrs drive

Morning drive to Paro and later visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered being one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Afternoon visit Paro Penlop Heritage Farm house, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 5 Departure

Early morning transfer to Paro airport to board flight back to destination. Journey Ends.