Bhutan Serenity Escape

On arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra (IXB) Airport, meet and greet your tour representative who will assist you in your journey to Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan. Located at an altitude of 293 meters (961 ft), Phuentsholing is a bustling town on the northern edge of the Indian plains and serves as a major commercial hub. Upon reaching, check in to your hotel. In the evening, you may relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, complete the immigration formalities and proceed towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, located at an altitude of 2,350 meters (7,710 ft). The journey offers breathtaking views and several picturesque spots ideal for photography. On arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Thimphu with a visit to Kuenselphodrang, where the magnificent Buddha Dordenma statue sits overlooking the valley. Next, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases traditional Bhutanese rural life. In the afternoon, head to Sangaygang View Point for panoramic views of the valley, then visit the Takin Preserve Centre, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Continue to Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient hilltop temple frequented by locals seeking blessings for their newborns. In the evening, explore the majestic Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that serves as the seat of the government and summer residence of the Chief Abbot. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha/Wangdue at an altitude of 1,310 meters (4,298 ft). En route, stop at the famous Dochu-La Pass, located at 10,334 ft and adorned with 108 chortens (stupas), fluttering prayer flags, and spectacular views of the snow-covered Himalayas on a clear day. Upon reaching Punakha, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong, once the seat of the Bhutanese government, remains the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo. Afterwards, enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built by the revered “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight stay in Punakha or Wangdue.

After breakfast, depart for Paro (2,280 meters / 7,483 ft). On the way, stop at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park, a paradise for nature lovers featuring 36 species of rhododendrons and around 220 bird species. Upon arrival in Paro, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now serving as Bhutan’s National Museum. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, also known as the "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels," which serves as the administrative and monastic center of the district. The evening is free for relaxation. Overnight stay in Paro.

After an early breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. Begin your hike uphill (approximately 2 to 3 hours) to reach this sacred site, dramatically perched on a sheer cliff at an elevation of 900 meters above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, hence the name. The monastery, built in 1684, surrounds the Guru’s meditation cave. After descending, and if time permits, visit the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 to commemorate a victorious battle. On a clear day, enjoy majestic views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m) from the site. Before returning to Paro, stop by Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Phuentsholing. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The evening is free for relaxation or a final stroll through the local markets. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey, carrying cherished memories of your time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.