Bhutan - The Happiest Country

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport by 11:30 AM to avail group pick up at 12:30 PM. From airport we shall embark on a beautiful drive to Phuentsholing (4 hours), crossing many rivers, verdant forests, sprawling tea gardens and jungles that doors in Himalayan foothills, of Northern West Bengal is famous for. On the way, we shall stop for lunch. Upon reaching Phuentsholing, the border town between West Bengal and Bhutan, we shall clear entry immigration formalities and check in to the hotel. Don't miss to click some photos at huge wood-crafted ornate gate that marks the border between India and Bhutan, and welcomes you to Bhutan. Post delicious supper wrap yourself in your blankets for a good night sleep.

In the morning, post breakfast, proceed to a very scenic drive on meandering road, twisting and turning through spectacular landscapes of mountains, river valleys, picturesque villages, waterfalls, sacred monasteries to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way visit Chuzom, Confluence of two rivers, Thimphu and Paro which is also the tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of Bhutan's King and Queen placed at Chuzom to welcome you to visit Bhutan. We shall have lunch on the way, and upon reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy your leisure time to shop at local markets for Lungta Handicraft, trinkets of turquoise and coral and winter clothes. Return back to hotel for dinner and good sleep. Note: If you want to avoid road journey from Bagdogra( Siliguri) to Thimphu, you must arrive by international flight to Paro Airport today (Day 2). You can take direct flight from Delhi or Kolkata to Paro in Bhutan. We shall share flight schedule with you, would be happy to assist you for flight booking. Your pick up from Paro airport to Thimphu hotel shall be arranged.

Look out for a misty morning in Thimphu from the window of your room. See how the white foggy curtain draped over the valley slowly disappears, giving way to astonishing range of snow clad and ever green mountains. Enjoy delicious breakfast and then get ready for an exciting day ahead. We shall visit Memorial Chorten which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan and People from all walks of life come and worship for the sentient beings. Proceed to Buddha Dordenma the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world and Changangkha lhakhang, an early medieval Buddhist temple situated on a ridge overlooking the city, near Mothithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. The temple is the oldest temple in Thimphu and was constructed by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo in the 12 century AD. The temple offers an excellent view of the city of Thimphu from its courtyard. Enjoy a Bhutanese style lunch and in the afternoon drive through blue pine and poplars to Tashichho Dzong. It is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu valley and was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu. It has historically served as the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan's government.

After a delicious breakfast, our journey continues to Punakha through Dochu La, a mountain pass at 12,000 ft height offering 270 degree gorgeous view of snow capped mountains. At a small cafeteria there, enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea admiring the spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. Admire the tranquillity of Druk Wangyal Chortens, 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. As we proceed to Kingdom's richest agricultural land and most dramatic river valley, stop over at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery dedicated to Divine Madman. This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. As dusk settles, check in to your hotel located next to the river Mo Chum, enjoy your dinner and spend the night at leisure.