Bhutan - The Dragon Kingdom

Welcome to your 'Bhutan - Dragon Kingdom' tour! On arrival at the railway station in New Jalpaiguri / airport in Bagdogra, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Phuentsholing, the border town in southern Bhutan. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Phuentsholing. (Meals on your own)

You can stay at-

Economy- The Orchid Hotel Or Similar

Standard- Hotel Druk Or Similar

Deluxe- Tashi Namgay Grand Or Similar

After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Enroute visit Kharbandi Gompa -The Kharbandi Gompa monastery is located amongst garden of tropical plants and flowers. It was set up in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. Later, continue your drive to thimphu. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu. (B)

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Today, after breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Thimphu visiting places like National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum and Tashichho Dzong. The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten, with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king.

Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded, that have been placed within the main statue.

A wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan, Motithang Takin Preserve was initially a preserve as the animals were unable to adapt to the nearby forest when released into the wild.

The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts and promote the cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan.

Housed in a restored three storied, 19th century building, the Folk Heritage Museum provides a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle through exhibits, demonstrations and documentation of rural life. It has on display typical household objects, domestic tools and equipments that were used by rural families of that period.

Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress, which was originally built in 1641 and refurbished in 1965 in traditional style, without nails or architectural plans. The dzong serves as the administrative headquarters for the government and the religious order. The northern portion is the summer residence of His Holiness, the Je Khenpo and the central monastic body. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu. (B)

You can stay at-

Economy- Wangchuk Resort Or Similar

Standard- Hotel Migmar Or Similar

Deluxe- Taj Tashi / Le Meridian Or Similar

After breakfast, drive to valleys of Punakha, en route visit the Dochu La Pass and Chimi Lhakhang temple Dochu La Pass - a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas. The Pass on a clear day offers a magnificent view of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas.

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Located atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields, Chimi Lhakhang is a fertility temple built in 1499. It is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, popularly known as the 'Divine Madman', who used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Punakha. (B)

You can stay at-

Economy- Kingaling Hotel And Spa Or Similar

Standard- Khuru Resort Or Similar

Deluxe- RKPO Green Resort Or Similar

This morning, drive to Paro, en route visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Built in 1637-38, this massive architectural edifice is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In addition to its structural beauty, it is renowned for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani, a self-created image of Avalokiteswara. On arrival, checkin to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Paro. (B)

After an early breakfast, you will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktshang Monastery or Tiger Nest (5hrs to 6 hrs hike (up and down). Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley.

The people who will not able to visit Tiger Nest, we have some other places to visit:

Kyichu Lhakhang: The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest shrines in Bhutan. The temple complex is composed of two temples - the first was built to subdue a giant demoness and the second temple dedicated it to Guru Rinpoche.

Drukgyel Dzong: Drugyel Dzong is the best example of a fortified Dzong built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian army, which attempted several invasions to the country. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight, reflecting unique and intriguing design and construction techniques.

National Museum: (open till 4 pm) housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Paro (B).

You can stay at-

Economy- Pelri Cottages / Rema Resort Or Similar

Standard- Tashi Namgay Resort Or Similar

Deluxe- Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront / Naksel Boutique Hotel And SPA Or Similar

Today, after breakfast drive back to Phuentsholing - the gateway to the south and thriving commercial trade centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Phuentsholing (B)