Phuentsholing – Thimphu - Wangdue / Punakha – Paro - 9N/10D

by rengaholidays

DAY 01

IXB Airport - Phuentsholing

Departure from Chennai airport. Meet & Greet on arrival at IXB Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing (961 ft.) - The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India. It is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around the Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing

DAY 02

Phuentsholing - Thimphu

After breakfast, and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, stop at places to view scenery and for Photography. On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

DAY 03

Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). It is located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

DAY 04

Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong. 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”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

DAY 05

Excursion to Gangtey / Phobjikha or Punakha Sightseeing

After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.). On the way you shall come across different flora and fauna, monuments, villages and people. Stop at places for sightseeing and photography. While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. Then explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter roosting place for the endangered Black necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. You may choose to hike around the Valley. After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue. OR Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey / Phobjikha, you also have an option of spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breath-taking view of the Punakha Valley. After that visit Punakha Suspension Bridge which is one of the longest in Bhutan. Later visit The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a temple plus nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa village, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

DAY 06

Punakha/Wangdue - Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 07

Excursion to Taktshang Monastery

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.

DAY 08

Excursion to Chele-La-Pass

After breakfast, drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor-able Passes in Bhutan. The Pass is beautifully marked by hundreds of prayers flags and provides stunning views of Mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. The temple and numerous meditation huts dot a rocky cliff and is a serene, peaceful place. Drive back to Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro town shopping for souvenirs. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

DAY 09

Paro - Phuentsholing

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around the Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

DAY 10

Phuentsholing - IXB Airport

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to IXB Airport for your onward journey.

 

Inclusion & Exclusion

  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Additional Services
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional