Blissful Bhutan Tour – 9N10D

Day 01: Bagdogra – Pheuntsholing (150kms – 3 hrs) (L-D)

Board our vehicle at Bagdogra and start our journey towards Pheuntsholing which is a city on Indo-Bhutan Border. Overnight in Pheuntsholing.

Day 02: Pheuntsholing – Thimphu (160kms – 5 hrs) (B-L-D)

Post breakfast depart for Thimphu. Reach Thimphu and check in at hotel. Have lunch and visit Buddha point to have a wonderful view of Thimphu valley. Later visit the Takin Sanctuary which will give visitors a chance to glance at the National Animal of Bhutan.  In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong – the main secretarial building. The throne room of His Majesty and head seat of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan is located inside this Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha (1242 m – approx. 85kms – 2.5 hrs) (B-L-D)

Post breakfast, visit The Textile Museum & Folk Heritage Museum that provides a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Later leave for Punakha (approx 85 kms) via Dochu La (3050 m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high peaks toward the northeast. The recently built 108 chortens gives the ridge a very beautiful and charming presence. Reach Punakha in the afternoon. Visit Punakha Dzong – most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Check in at hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha – Bumthang (2600 m – approx. 220kms – 6 hrs) (B-L-D)

Post breakfast depart for Bumthang. Drive via the Pele La (3300m/ 10800ft) crossing the Black Mountains, the traditional boundary between west and central Bhutan. Crossing the pretty villages of Rukubji and Chendebji to reach the huge 18th century Chendebji Chorten patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Further drive to Bumthang, also known as Switzerland of Bhutan. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 05: Bumthang – Trongsa (2300 m – approx. 80 kms – 2.5 hours) (B-L-D)

Post breakfast visit Jampey Lhakhang – one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in 7^th century. Later visit Kuje Lhakhang – where Guru Rinpoche left the imprint of His body in the cave where he was meditating. Then explore the Tamsing Monastery which is a private monastery where we one can wash their sins by carrying the coat of nail thrice around the shrines. This coat of nail was made my Pemalingpa Himself. Later visit the Jakar Dzong, the Fortress of the White Bird, founded in 1549 by the Drukpa Lama Ngagi Wangchuck who saw a white bird landing there when he was looking for a place to build a temple. The headquarters of the Bumthang district is established here but there are no resident monks. Further, drive to Trongsa. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 06: Trongsa (B-L-D)

Post breakfast, visit the Trongsa Dzong and museum; dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar. The Dzong is located on a spur overlooking the Mangde River. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Return to our hotel. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 07: Trongsa – Gangtey Valley (3000 m- approx. 77 kms | 2 hrs) (B-L-D)

Post Breakfast depart for Gangtey valley. A beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snowcapped mountains. It is at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey is also the winter home for the famous Black-Necked Cranes who migrate here from Tibet during the winter months. Visit the Black-Necked Crane center where detailed info regarding the beautiful bird is narrated in a short documentary.

Day 08: Gangtey – Paro (approx. 165 kms – 6 hrs) (B-L-D)

Post Breakfast depart for Paro. We will cross Dochu La and Simtokha to drive towards Paro. Upon arrival, visit the National Museum which houses an impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, textiles, jewellery and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stamps for which the country is very popular. Check in at hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 09: Paro – Pheuntsholing (approx. 142km – 3 hrs) (B-L-D)

Those doing the Taktsang Monastery hike will wake early. Rest of you can wake up at leisure. Post breakfast enjoy shopping in Paro till lunch. Post lunch, leave for Pheuntsholing – our last destination on Indo-Bhutan border.

Day 10: Pheuntsholing- Bagdogra- Fly out (approx. 150 kms – 4 hrs) (B)

Post breakfast, say “Goodbye” to Bhutan and leave for Bagdogra for our onward journey to your hometown.