Extended Bhutan 09 Days Ex Bagdogra

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you and then complete the Pre-registration formalities of the individual at the Immigration counter. After that transfer to hotel. Check into the hotel and relax.

1. Later drive to Thimphu .Enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.
2. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
3. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
4. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

1. Breakfast
2. Thimphu Sightseeing
3. King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
4. The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
5. Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art forms.
6. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
7. Overnight in Thimphu

1. Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.
2. Dochula Pass- The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
3. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan.
4. Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river.
5. Overnight in Punakha.

1. Breakfast & check out for a beautiful & scenic road trip to the Valley of Phobjikha with photo stops in between.
2. A perfect getaway for nature and wildlife lovers, Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan is one of the most spectacular natural settings one may find in Bhutan. Located on the incline of Black Mountains Park, this bowl-shaped glacial valley is an important wildlife preserve land of the country as it sits on the edge of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
3. Arrive in Phobjikha the valley of Black Necked Cranes and rhododendron.
4. Visit Gangtey Gompa – The temple was built over the hilltop, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year.
5. This is also the place for the black-necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Black Necked Crane Information Centre- The Royal Society runs this place for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrate to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region.
6. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

1. Breakfast & Check out
2. Say goodbye to the Phobjikha Valley, the entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great mountain views of the Himalayas.
3. Arrive in Paro and continue sightseeing in Paro
4. Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point- The Paro International Airport is among the top 10 most stunning and challenging airports in the world. The viewpoint offers an exquisite view of the Paro Valley.
5. Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.
6. The Dzong also offers an administrative seat in the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong it was a watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making it worth a visit.
7. Check in to your hotel.
8. Overnight in Paro.

1. After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5-6, hours walk/hike –2 way in total): (please wear good hiking shoes & carry water & a stick)
2. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
3. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
4. Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
5. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

1. Today we head back to Phuentsholing after your breakfast. On the way back,
2. Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artefacts, Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
3. Overnight at Phuentsholing.

After Breakfast & with packed bags, it’s time to bid goodbye to a wonderful week in Bhutan. After that we head back to Phuentsholing Terminal and exit and continue to Bagdogra for your flight. The trip ends here.