All About It

• 9 Days  8 Nights 

Bhutan, the land of happiness, has been a dream destination of all conscious travelers around the world! It’s the country that introduced the index of Gross National Happiness to this planet, signifying happiness to be an important part of national growth. Hence, Bhutan definitely deserves a visit, at least once in our lifetime.

Bhutan is a landlocked Buddhist kingdom, sharing borders with Tibet and India. It rests like a baby in the arms of mother India that also signifies the friendly relationship between the two countries. Warm smiles and hospitality of Bhutanese people, wide valleys, beautiful birds, dramatic landscapes, majestic mountains, captivating Dzongs, refreshing waterfalls, and colorful prayer flags in the air are bound to enthrall us.

The traditional food in Bhutan is quite spicy, though visitors are served their choices. Even the spiciest foods in Bhutan such as Ema Datshi and Kewa Datshi make sure to establish a memorable relationship with the taste buds of connoisseurs, along with Suja (tea) and Yak cheese.

Did you know that Bhutan is one of the rarest countries in the world that has come a long way in preserving its culture? The architecture of every single building in Bhutan sticks to the traditional construction style. The uniform in government offices is traditional as well, and hence, every second man and woman can be seen walking in Gho and Kira respectively, which is their traditional attire.

Let’s hold hands and explore one of the most fascinating and exemplary countries in the world?

Pickup is arranged from Bagdogra reach before 1pm , there are flights available from Bengaluru, Delhi and other places to the airport

Day 1 (21st May) — Arrive Bagdogra (Free day) please be there early before 1pm
 

• Travel from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing, checkin to hotel and rest
• Snooze with the Sleepy Marsh Muggers and Gharials at the Crocodile Breeding Centre, a 10-minute walk north of the bus station. The Crocs are fed every other day at around noon.
• You are free to roam around and checkout the border town of Phuentsholing
• Dinner Included

Day 2 –  Phuentsholing to Thimphu

• Wake up early, have breakfast
• Proceed for permits to Phuentsholing Immigration Office morning 9AM
• Get permits sorted by 10AM – 11AM
• Drive to Thimphu, the journey takes us through the beauty of the country side roads, passing valleys.
• Have Lunch in between, savour some Red rice along with some other Bhutanese dishes
• Reach Thimphu in the evening, check-in to Hotel, Relax.
• Head to the Thimphu Market for some shopping, have dinner and get some sleep

Day 3 –  Day in Thimphu 

• Wake up early, Go for a Run and Yoga, have breakfast in our hotel
• Start your day with a visit to Buddha Point and pray for an adventurous day up ahead. With a height of 51.5 meters, Buddha Dordenma is considered one of the World’s Largest Sitting Buddhas.
• Also visit the National Memorial Chorten, the stupa which is one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in Bhutan.
• Head to Tashichho Dzong next which would be the highlight of our day, dzongs are used as a seat of government and as a monastery.
• Lunchtime in the City, Try Ema Datshi the National Dish of Bhutan made of Chilli & Cheese, with some Butter Tea
• Post lunch, head to Simply Bhutan, be fascinated by the art, and culture, and maybe try out some Ara (Rice wine).
• Get back to the Hotel for leisure time and dinner. 

Additional things to do in Thimphu

At the Bhutan post office, you can have customized stamps made with your photo on them. If you like to send postcards to friends and family when you travel, you can include your face on the stamp! Who knew Bhutan could be so high-tech?

Visit the Takin Preserve, a “zoo” where the Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, is on display. 

Places to Eat - Ama Restaurant, Ambient Cafe, Zombala 2

Foods to Try - Red Rice, Chilli Potato, Mushroom with Cheese (Datshi)

Day 4 – Wednesday  2.5hr Drive to Punakha, Sights around Punakha- Head to Phobjikha

• On the way to Punakha we get to see the Simtokha Dzong one of the oldest (1629 built) and the first ever built Dzong.
• Dochula Pass said to be the highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha situated at 3150m MSL. One can witness the Rhododendron trees with beautiful flowers which are primarily endemic to Himalayan region.
• Druk Wangyal Stupas/ 108 Stupas or Chorten in local language have been built Commemorating Victory of Bhutanese Army over ULFA 
• Punakha Dzong was built back in 1637, is the Largest Dzong in Bhutan which served as an enduring symbol of a united Bhutan since and one of the most regal places to visit in Punakha.
• Punakha Suspension Bridge which is the second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and connects the old administrative centre of Punakha Dzongkhag to the rest of the valley.
• Head to Phobjikha Valley, reach and check in to your stay, have dinner and retire for the night

Foods to Try: One can try some sweets in Druk Wangyal Cafe in Dochula Pass, Khuruda Special Thali in Khuruda Town

Day 5  Day in Phobjikha valley / Gangtey valley

• Today you will explore the Gangtey Valley with your guide. Highlights include walking the Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail
• Visiting the black-necked crane research center.
• Visit Gantey temple
• Have lunch in between
• Night stay in Homestay in Gangtey valley, home-cooked Breakfast and Dinner included

Day 6 Leave for Paro from Gangtey valley

• Checkout , have breakfast in Homestay
• Chimi Lkhang temple
• Head to Paro, 5 hrs of journey
• Visit the national museum at Paro
• Social Evening
• Night Stay in Paro…
   

Day 7 Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)

• Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) is the top Paro tourist attraction and the most famous attraction of Bhutan.
• 2km hike through the pines to this breathtaking cliffside monastery. Enjoy the majestic mountain views and lush green valleys as you are drawn into the exciting tales of the ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
• For all the Alcohol aficionados can Taste Paro’s local flavors at its very own microbrewery, Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Don’t forget to try the new crafts – Bhutan Dark Ale and the Bhutan Red Rice Lager, a major hit among tourists and a shift from conventional tastes.
• Night Stay in Paro…

Day 8 Drop to Phuentsoling from Paro

• Spend the Morning in Paro. 
• Drop to Phuentsoling post Breakfast
• Social Evening

Day 9 Drop to Bagdogra from Phuentsoling

• Travel from Phuentsoling to Bagdogra
• Drop to Phuentsoling post Breakfast