7Nights 8 Days Tour

7Nights 8 Days Tour

Day 1:

Bagdogra/Siliguri – Phuentsholing

Arrival at Bagdogra airport. Discover Happiness Travel representative will receive you from there. After a drive of about three hours along a road lined with lush green tea gardens you will reach Phuntsholing, the gateway to Bhutan, which lies directly at the base of the Himalaya. This rapidly growing town is Bhutan’s commercial center, with most commercial organizations headquartered here.

Day 2:

PHUENTSHOLING – THIMPHU

After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, stopping en-route at Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. There is a splendid view of Phuntsholing and the Indian plains from the splendid monastery gardens of tropical plants and flowers. From this point the road climbs steeply up and down mountainous ranges through light mountain jungle displaying lianas and orchids and small townships such as Chukhha and Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route.

After passing through Chapcha, the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m, then descends steeply and runs along the bank of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where it meets Paro Chu. From here it is only 2 hours drive up the valley to Thimphu

Day 3:

THIMPHU

Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing to the Buddha point, the largest Buddha in the world and Continue to visit Zoo to have a glimpse of National Animal of Bhutan-Takin. Continue to 12th century Changangkha Temple. The Traditional Paper Factory. Visit the Bhutan Post known for its world famous stamps where you can buy postcards and stamps. The Bhutan Post is definitely a place of significance where an extensive collection of exotic stamps made from metal and silk to three dimensional images and even stamps with mini-phonograph records are produced. Many major events of the world are recorded and made into stamps in Bhutan.

Day 4:

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

Drive by luxury 4WD over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. After lunch a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Then visit the Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637, which is the most important landmark in Bhutan.

Spend a night at the reserved hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5:

PUNAKHA – PARO

Drive back to Paro, a short stop at Dochula pass later, in the afternoon visit Bhutan's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong. You will also visit Rinphung Dzong (a Dzong is a fortress-monastery), which was built in 1644 by the great Unifier of Bhutan, Zabdrung Nagwang Namgyel.

Time permitting in the evening your guide will take you to a tiny Paro town for orientation with the place and people.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 6:

PARO

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built.

Dinner in Paro.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 7:

DEPART PARO – PHUNTSHOLING

Early in the morning after breakfast drive to the Phuntsholing, enroute visit Tachog Temple founded in 15th Century by the great Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo-the great iron chain builder and stop at Chuzom-the confluence. Lunch on the way in local Restaurant then continue the journey to Phuntsholing.

Overnight at hotel

Day 8:

Phuntsholing – Bagdogra

Early morning after breakfast drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.

Vehicles for Tours

We offer an Exclusive car during the tour as below:-

• Tucson for 2-3pax
• Toyota or Hyundai Haice bus for 4- 6 pax
• Hyundai H1/Toyota Coaster bus for 8 pax and above

REQUIRE DOCUMENT: An identity document, be it either passport or an election card (voter I.D) which is required for presentation at the immigration during entry.

IMEGRATION OFFICE

Office Time –Monday to Friday 9 am-3pm.

DO'S:

• Adults must carry original & valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original & valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card.
• Remember to carry sufficient woolens including hand gloves.
• Please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to Bhutan.

DON'TS:

• Do not carry Indian Rs. 500/- or Rs. 1000/- currency notes. It is not acceptable. ( We can help guide you where you can change).
• Tobacco products are banned in Bhutan.
• Do not bring any plant or agricultural product out of Bhutan. It is illegal.
• Credit cards are accepted in selected establishments in Bhutan.

• All accommodation (Twin/ DBL Room)
• Meal plan on (MAP)
• Transfer & sightseeing
• Transportation on point to point basis, not disposal basis
• Bottle of Mineral Water Every day
• Rates are valid for Indian national only.

• Air fare.
• All kind of personal expenses such as laundry, telephone bills & beverages.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usages of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tipping for Guide and Driver.
• Anything which is not included in the inclusion.