DAY 1 PHUENTSHOLING

Our Druk Explorer representative will meet you on arrival at NJP Railway Station in the Indian state of West Bengal. After a drive of about three hours along roads lined with lush green tea gardens you will reach Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan. This rapidly growing town is Bhutan’s commercial centre. We will immediately proceed for the IMMIGRATION office as directed by the representative. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Phuentsholing

DAY 02: PHUENTSHOLING – THIMPHU

After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, stopping enroute at Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the monastery gardens of tropical plants and flowers. From this point the road climbs steeply up and down mountainous ranges through light mountain jungle displaying lianas and orchids and small townships such as Chukha and Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route. After passing through Chapcha, the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m, then descends steeply and runs along the bank of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where ir meets Paro Chu. From here it is only 2 hours’ drive up the valley to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 04: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA Friday

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo (Dharma Raj) and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA – PARO/THIMPHU Saturday

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Take lunch at the hotel in Wangduephodrang/Punakha. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Drive back to Thimphu and evening outing in Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu/Paro.

DAY 06: PARO

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor.The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan.

In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, a historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. On the return drive to Paro, visit Chele La (mountain pass) at a height of 3,988 metres(13,084 ft), and is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. . The mountain pass offers views of surrounding peaks and the Paro and Ha valleys. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 07: PARO – PHUENTSHOLING – New Jalpaiguri

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to Phuentsholing to your onward destination and see off at the NJP railway station.