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The Fascinating
Sights
6nights 7days
Day 01 : Bagdogra
/ Siliguri - Phuntsholing
Received by Etho Metho representative at Siliguri or Bagdogra airport
(Indian state of West Bengal) and drive for about four hours through lush
green tea gardens enroute arriving Phuntsholing, the gateway of Bhutan.
Phuntsholing lies directly at the base of Himalayan foothills and this
small town is Bhutan's commercial centre holding most of commercial organisations.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.
Day 02 : Phuntsholing
- Thimphu
After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. Five kms ahead of Phuntsholing,
visit to Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery built by Royal Grandmother
Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated in garden of tropical plants,flowers.
From the monastery garden there is a beautiful view over the plains and
town of Phuntsholing. Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable
bends, upwards to an altitude of approximately 2000m. You should occassionally
stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra
plains and the Toorsa river. After two hours drive through light mountain
jungle, displaying lianas and orchids, the first ridge has been passed
and the road descends slightly. The scenery and vegetation changes and
enroute you pass Chukha Hydel Project and the small town of Chimakothi.
Lunch would be served enroute. Near Chapcha the road reaches its highest
point approximately 2800m. Now it goes steeply down and along the Wang
Chu till the Chuzom (confluence). Shortly before entering Thimphu city,
visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shab
drung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist
studies. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at the
hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu
Once a rustic village, Thimphu today is the capital of Bhutan, sitting
in broad fertile valley of Wang Chu river. Thimphu's most impressive building
is Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence
of Chief of monk body. Also known as "fortress of the glorious religion"
and originally built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the
country's first official centre of social and religious education. Memorial
Chorten is town's another landmark, built in the memory of the Late King,
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Visit to Painting School is indeed pleasant experience where the age old
style of traditional Bhutanese painting is taught. Also visit the National
Library which houses vast collection of manuscripts and texts related
with Buddhist studies. The other places of interest are ; Traditional
Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practised and
Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven
and crafted products. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu's market area
visiting local shops and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel
in Thimphu.
Day 04 : Thimphu
- Punakha / Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast proceed to Punakha. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies
Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern
Himalayan range. A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the
capital of Bhutan untill 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter
months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has
played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed
four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully
restored in its original splendour. Also visit the valley of Wangdiphodrang
situated at the
junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Overnight at the hotel in
Punakha / Wangdiphodrang.
Day 05 : Punakha
/ Wangdiphodrang - Paro
Sightseeing in Wangdiphodrang which is typical small Bhutanese town,
with bustling market and well stocked shops. The place is also known for
its fine bamboo work, slate, stone carvings, yak dairy research station.
Wangdi Dzong is town's most visible features, situated majestically at
the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers.After lunch drive to Paro
enroute visiting village house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 06 : Paro
This beautiful valley, where nature and man conjured to create their
dearest image is home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries,
the National Museum and country's only airport. Situated strategically
and commanding spectacular view of valley, Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress
of the heap of jewelsm was built by Shabdrung Namgyal Namgyal in 1646
it now houses Paro monastic school and office of civil administration.It
is also the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring.
Above Dzong is Ta Dzong or National Museum which has vast collection of
Bhutanese art, artefacts, weapons and stamps. A short drive north overlooking
Paro river is Kyichu
Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating
from the introduction of Buddhism. Further ahead, at the end of valley
lies Drukgyel dzong, a symbol of all the unsuccessful attempts armies
from north made on Bhutan in the early past. The Dzong, built by Shabdrung
commemorates early victory.
Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight Paro.
Day 07 : Paro depart
After early breakfasst in the hotel drive to the airport for flight
to onward destination.
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