SPLENDOUR OF BHUTAN - WITH PUNKAHA/WANGDUE slg 2

On arrival at (IXB) Bagdogra Airport, (500Ft / 150Mts) / NJP Railway Station â€“ you will be greeted by our official and transfer to Thimphu post immigration formalities at Phuenstholing (India -Bhutan border). Thimphu lies at an elevation of 2300m, a beautiful valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu Chhu River and has a total area of about 1,809 sq. kms. Check In. Evening at your own leisure. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Be sure to sink your teeth into momo kopi, steam dumplings filled with finely chopped cabbage, onions, cheese and butter. Overnight at Thimphu.

After breakfast go for Thimphu City  Tour Covering -Art & Craft school,National Institute of Traditional Medicine , National library, Handicraftcenters, The  Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme DorjiWangchuck, Tashichoo dzong ,Buddha Dordenma statue ,Bhutan  Simply Museum, Folk and Heritage  Museum, Handmade  paper  factory, BBS Tower, SAARC building, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight at Thimphu.

After breakfast checkout and drive to Punakha/Wangdue(70 kms / 2 -3hrs)  Enroot visit Simtokha  Dzong proceed to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. In Wangdue, stop at Mehsina village & visit Chime Lhakhang - The Temple of Fertility built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kinley. (This monk is popularly known as the Divine Madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through sex”). Have your lunch and in afternoon drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Also visit the Punakha Suspension bridge - The second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, its perchec over the  Mo – chhu and Po  Chhu river and is about 160-180meters in length –its one of the  oldest bridge in the world  that connects PunkahaDzng to the rest of the valley- Overnight at Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast transfer (Approx 2 hrs) to Paro, covering some on way sightseeing. Every turn on the way comes with surprise and scenic view of the mountain and nature. Visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Also visit the Paro airport view point and. Paro‟s Main Street features shops on both sides, all crammed with brasswares, silk and cotton scarves, incense sticks, silver filigree jewellery, gho (Bhutanese National Dress for Men) which can be matched with elaborately embroidered boots, kira (wrap-around sarong worn for Bhutanese Women) and prayer flags that one could string across any open space to seek blessings for loved ones and friend - Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast drive 12kms north of Paro to visit Taktshang: or “Tiger’s Nest” is one of the most famous places to visit in Bhutan and one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. It is perched on a steep granite cliff at 2950 metres overlooking northern paro valley. The place is especially venerated because of its association with Guru Rimpoche and is believed that more merit is gained if we meditate even for a minute in Tasktshang than many months in other places.  If not interested to hike it one can have a view from the parking point and proceed for local sightseeing – covering Ta dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Dungtse Lhankhang, Nya-meyZam, Ugyen Pelri Palace, Kychulhakhang monastery (one can visit here to explore the cultural and traditional heritage by Dressing up in the local attire and various other traditional dresses which are available at this location) - back to hotel - Leisure - Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing (Approx 155km / 5 hrs drive). Phuentsholing (298Mts / 977Fts) is a small town at the Indo-Bhutan border - leisure. Overnight at Phuentsholing

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drop to NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport   - Service ends with sweet memories.