Bhutan 7N/8D (1N Kolkata, 1N Thimphu, 2N Wangdi, 3N Paro )

Itinerary -

Day 1: Arrival at Kolkata Airport

Arrive Kolkata airport by flight. On arrival meet assistance at the airport & board your vehicle. The representative will detail you about your tour program for Kolkata. After Lunch (on your own) at around 1430hrs proceed to a Half Day City Tour covering British Colonial Area (well known as Dalhousie Square where we see Raj Bhawan, General Post Office Building, Kolkata High Court, Kolkata Town Hall, Writers Building etc), then proceed to Victoria Memorial (The best building made by the British in India, Which was inaugurated on 1921 by Prince of Wales in memories of Quinn Victoria), Then we will see the Indian Museum (largest in Asia & Third largest in the World) founded on 1814 on the basis of the collection of the Asiatic Society & at last come to River Side to experience the panoramic view of both the famous bridges of Kolkata. Dinner & over night at the Hotel.

Day 2: Kolkatta Airport- Paro- Thimphu            

After breakfast transfer to Kolkata International airport to board Drukair flight for Paro. Arrive Paro by Druk air the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities meet assistance at the airport & transfer to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. On arrival c/in at the hotel & freshen-up. At around 3.30 proceed to visit the famous sightseeing of Thimphu – the Memorial Chorten - the Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Mothinthang zoo and Viewpoint. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening & even visit the local market of Thimphu. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu- Wangdi           

After breakfast go for half day Thimphu sightseeing – visit the indigenous hospital , art & craft school & National Museum. Afternoon drive to Wangdiphodrang (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts), the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. The drive over Dochu La pass is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Wangdi- Gangtey- Wangdi          

After breakfast go for Full day Gangtey excursion. Gangtey Gompa in the Phobjikha Valley is a 16th century monastery. It is the only monastery in Bhutan, which follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Phobjikha valley is home to rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winters. About 250-300 of these reside in this beautiful valley. Return to Wangdiphodrang in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Wangadi- (Punakha) - Paro            

After breakfast leave for Punakha, the valley that lies amidst snow-capped mountain peaks, served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. The Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. One can also enjoy River Rafting at the Mo Cho River which is close to the Punakha Monastery. Drive to Paro (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts). On arrival c/in at the hotel & freshen-up. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Paro

After breakfast go for Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours – whole week - 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed on National Holidays, which was built in 1651 as a watchtower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative centre and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7: Paro         

Start the day early for a full day excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass(3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or earlybreakfast. Drive for 4 Kms away at Bondey village the road to Haa divertstowards the right hand side and ascends towards the Chele-la pass starts.After driving through Blue Pine & Rhododendron Forest for 45 km, reachChele-la pass (3988Mts / 13081Fts). From this point one can have a panoramic view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts) & Mt. Jichu Drake (6989Mts /22924Fts). This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoyingthe view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (underan hour’s drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupiedby military, but the view from outside is stunning. visit the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) The Central Shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have nodifference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the LakhangKarpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result theplace came to be locally known as "Hay" meaning" surprise" which laterbecame "Haa" due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations ofdifferent people over time. The three giant hills looming over the fringesof Haa valley were called "Me Rig Puen Sum" especially after the incidenceof the Lhakhang Karpo construction. Today the three hills are popularlyknown as "Rig Sum Goenpa" signifying three deities-Jambayang, Chana Dorjiand Chenrizig. Later, other Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche and "MachiLabdorn" came to the Jungney Drag in Haa and blessed the locality. Theprincipal religion followed is Drukpa Kagyupa. After the arrival ofShabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became, APChundu. One can also visit Wangchulo The construction of the Wangchulo Dzong wascommissioned by Gongzim Ugyen Dorji, the Grandfather of the RoyalGrandmother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck.

Day 8: Paro- Onward Connection

After breakfast transfer to the Airport for onward connection with the beautiful memories of Bhutan.

                                       Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!