Description
Thimpu-Punakha-Paro-Haa-Chele la Itinerary: 8 Days/7 Nights
Day 01: Reach Alipurduar Rly Stn
Pick up from Alipurduar and drive to Jaigaon. Check into hotel. After lunch, walk around phuntsholing. Overnight in Jaigaon.
Day 02: Jaigaon to Thimpu
Get permission (with support of our representative) at Phuntsholing check post and start for Thimpu (7,500 ft), the capital of Bhutan. On the way, enjoy the beauty of Bhutan Himalaya. On arrival at Thimpu check into your respective hotel. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 03: In Thimpu
Visit Buddha Point, Folk Heritage Museum, Tashichodzong, BBS Tower, National Takin Zoo and National Memorial Chorten. Overnight in Thimpur.
Day 04: Thimpu to Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha (135 km), another serene beauty of Bhutan via Dochula Pass. On a sunny day, you may witness the famous Mt. Zumolhari peaks from here. After reaching Punakha visit the famous monument of Bhutan Punakha Dzong. Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss”. It is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monument is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. Alternatively, Chimi Lakhang, located at Lobesa Village of Punakha Dzongkhag. It is known as fertility temple where women seek blessings for children. Built by the monk Lama Kunley. Overnight at Paro.
Day 05: Punakha to Paro
Drive to Paro (75 km), another serene beauty of Bhutan. Enjoy evening shopping in the local market at your own. Overnight in Paro.
Day 06: Taksang Monastery
On the second last day, make an excursion to the Taksang Monastery– the place that offers the most spectacular view of Bhutan. Located on a sheer vertical cliff at an altitude of 800m, it defies all engineering logic. Climb for about 2-3 hours to the monastery to set the pace for adventure. (The hike can be quite hard and you can arrange for a pony ride. In the afternoon, simply enjoy the beauty of Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 07: Chele la and Haa valley
Set out for Haa (75 Kms). Enroute visit Chella Pass (Highest Point 3688 ft), HAA Dzong, Monastery and IMTRAT (Indian Army Head Quarter). Evening Return to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 08: Drop for Onward Journey
Depart Paro and drop for onward destination.
Things you must know about Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the southern foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, sandwiched between the People’s Republic of China in the north and the Republic of India in the south.
It is a sovereign nation, with a total land area of 38,394 km² and a total population of 771,608 (2020 estimated).
The country was originally known by many names including Lho Jong, ‘The Valleys of the South’, Lho Mon Kha Shi, ‘The Southern Mon Country of Four Approaches’, Lho Jong Men Jong, ‘The Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs and Lho Mon Tsenden Jong, ‘The Southern Mon Valleys where Sandalwood Grows’. Mon was a term used by the Tibetans to refer to Mongoloid, non-Buddhist peoples that populated the Southern Himalayas.
