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Day 01: NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Phuentsholing (APPROX 170Kms. / Driving Time: 5Hrs)
Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. It is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. On arrival check in at the hotel.
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Day 02: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (Approx 176Kms. / Driving Time: 6Hrs)
After breakfast complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion)
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Day 03: Thimphu - Phunakha / Wangdue Via Dochu-La Pass (Approx 70Kms / 2.30Hrs)
After visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue), National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon transfer to Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.), via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang.
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Day 04: Punakha - Bumthang Via Trongsa (Approx 220Kms / 8Hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.) traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan, there is an adrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop Enroute Chendbji Chorten – built in the style of the great Bodhanath Choten of Nepal. Further ahead visit Trongsa Dzong – It was the seat of power over central & eastern Bhutan and Ta Dzong – An ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Then drive further to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory – It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Bumthang.
* Please note that the road condition after Punakha/Wangdue is poor due to road widening work going on. Travel time may be more than the standard time mentioned above.
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Day 05: Bumthang
After breakfast, 1st half visit Jakar Dzong: Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Lamey Goemba: A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi Jambay Lhakhang: built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. Chakhar Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Iron Castle, the original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”. Kurjey Lhakhang: Named after body print of Guru Rimpoche. Afternoon 2nd half Visit Tamshing Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. Membarstho: Literally meaning, “The burning Lake”. The evening ends visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.Return to hotel.
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Day 06: Bumthang - Punakha / Wangdue (Approx 220Kms / 8Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Punakha. Reach Punakha by late afternoon. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha/ Wangdue.
- Rest Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 07: Punakha / Wangdue -Paro (Approx 160Kms / 4Hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel with bag & baggage’s and visit the Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. After noon drive to Paro. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening is free for leisure
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Day 08: Paro
After breakfast start full day sightseeing covering Ta Dzong – National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities, Rinpung Dzong – the administrative seat of the district of Paro. Afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong – The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site & Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the oldest Buddist temples in Bhutan
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Day 09: Paro – Phuentsholing (Approx 200Kms. / Driving Time: 7Hrs)
After breakfast After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.
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Day 10: Phuentsholing – NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport (Approx 170Kms. / Driving Time: 5Hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to the airport for your onward flight, taking away happy memories with a promise to “Let’s Journey’ again.