Bhutan

Reach Bagdogra airport by 2.00 pm. After a brief introduction, we will move towards the border town of Jaigaon. It is a 4-hour drive through acres of tea gardens and countryside. Once we reach the border a huge ornate gate welcomes us to Bhutan. We will spend the night at Jaigaon.

After breakfast, we will go to process our permit. After all the formalities, we will visit the Kharbandi Gompa monastery which provides great views of the Phuentsholing town and the plains of West Bengal before proceeding towards Thimphu, Bhutan's Capital. We drive through spectacular mountain views and peaceful countryside to reach Thimphu. After checking into the hotel, we will explore the city on foot. We will spend the night at Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will proceed to make permit for Dochula Pass and Phunaka for the next day and then go for local sightseeing. We will visit the National Memorial Chorten (you will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the chorten throughout the day, it is a great place to observe some Bhutanese tradition), Buddha Point (it has a massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world), Tashichho Dzong(A Buddhist monastery and fortress which is the office the Bhutanese government). We will visit the bustling Thimphu market late evening. Overnight at Thimphu.

In the morning, we will drive to Dochula pass (3080 m) after breakfast. It provides a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. Here we will stop at the 108 Dochula chortens which were built by Queen Mother to honour the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the rebels in 2003. Later we will drive to Paro to visit Punakha Dzong often referred to as the “Palace of Happiness” is arguably one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country, it is built at the junction of Pho Chu (Father River) & Mo Chu (Mother River). There is a beautiful suspension bridge (longest in Bhutan) near the Punakha Dzong and gives a breath-taking view of the surrounding area. We can also indulge in River Rafting in Phunaka at our own expense. Overnight at Punakha.

After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. We will visit the Chimi Lhakhang also known as the “temple of fertility” on our way to Paro and also stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park – The park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and features a huge species of plants and animals including endangered species. We can also see a Rhododendrons in the Park. After checking into the hotel visit the National Museum which has an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. In the evening we will explore some cafes in Paro or visit a Karaoke club. Overnight at Paro

After an early breakfast, we will hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Paro Taktsang. It hangs on a cliff and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons. it is a 6-hour hike both ways. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated. Tonight, we will explore the nightlife of Paro

After breakfast excursion trip to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.)– the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic beauty & memorable landscapes from Chele-La-Pass. Back to Paro. We will then leave for Phuentsholing. We will explore the town if we reach early in the evening. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing/Jaigaon.

Like all the good things this trip must also come to an end. After breakfast, check out from the hotel, and drive to Bagdogra Airport. Say your goodbyes, this brings us to the end of an EPIC adventure and beginning of an era of travel stories with Wandering souls. Come back for more and more