Bhutan: A Journey of Mindfulness

DAY 01:   BAGDOGRA/NJP-  THIMPU : IMMIGRATION PROCESS Welcome to Bagdogra/NJP then drive to Thimpu on your 5days in Bhutan    Move for immigration formalities after done with immigration transfer to Thimphu, on arrival check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.   Also take a walk to the Coronation Park. Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.   Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.   Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m) Distance from IXB to Thimphu : 300.4 km Travel time: 7 hrs 48 minutes (approximately)

DAY 2: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING AND TRANSFER TO PARO   Visit enchanting local sites as part of your Bhutan tour itinerary   Savor a delectable breakfast and gear up for local sightseeing in Thimphu.   1. Visit Buddha Dordenma: At more than 50 meters high, Buddha Dordenma is a giant statue of Lord Buddha and one of the most significant landmarks in Thimphu. It is considered a sacred site and a symbol of peace, happiness, and prosperity.   2. Explore Memorial Chorten: A stupa or chorten is a sanctified Buddhist monument that Thimphu has in abundance. The Memorial Chorten is one of the most popular sites and is dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. It acts as a focus for daily devotion and attracts devotees from all over the country.   3. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang: This 12th-century fortress-like structure is another important destination in Thimphu, which is located in a serene, elevated spot overlooking the town. It is an excellent place for tourists to understand the Bhutanese approach to spirituality and religion.   4.The Takin Preserve in Thimphu, Bhutan is a unique attraction that showcases the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The zoo is located in the Mothithang area of Thimphu and is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.   5.TashiChhoDzong - or the Fortress of the Glorious Region is another 'must visit' site on a Bhutan Package Tour. Situated on the west bank of Wang Chhuriver, the TrashiChhoeDzong is the formal coronation site of the fifth King that hosts the annual Tsechu festival. This Dzong was built in the year 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal, later it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without the use of nails or architectural plans.   Later on transfer to Paro and overnight stay at Paro.   Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)   Optional: Shopping (charges extra) Distance from Thimphu to Paro: 48 km Travel time: 1 hour (approximately)  

DAY 3: PARO: A REMARKABLE TREK TO TIGER’S NEST   Enjoy a thrilling trek to Tiger’s Nest today as per your Bhutan travel itinerary.   Arise fresh amidst unpolluted expanses and gorge on a delicious breakfast. The day presents you an incredible trek to Tiger’s Nest. The ascent is an easy one and you can reach the top in almost 2 hours, if you are an enthusiastic trekker. Beginners might take a little more time.   Tiger’s Nest: Also known as TaktshangGoemba or Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest is a monastery that is perched on a cliff and offers you a spectacular scenery of blue pine and rhododendrons forest. Legends state that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to mollify a local demon. Later, he meditated here for three months.   Once you have enjoyed the adrenaline rush with this Bhutan trekking, come back to the hotel and relax your weary self.   Tip: Clicking pictures is not allowed inside the monastery. So, make sure you hold back the photographer in you.

DAY 4: PARO - PHUENTSHOLING   Half day Paro sightseeing later drive to Phuentsholingon Day 4 of your Bhutan tour itinerary After Breakfast visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.   Then walk down the trail to visit RinpungDzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.   Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing Optional: Shopping (charges extra) Distance from Paro to Phuentsholing: 160 km Travel time: 4 hour 30 minutes (approximately)  

DAY 5: PHUENTSHOLING: THE TRIP ENDS After a hearty breakfast, check-out from the hotel and head to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station /Bagdogra Airport

LOCATION NO.OF ROOMS NO OF NIGHT MEAL PLAN THIMPHU 01 DBL ROOM + 01 EXTRA MATTRESS 1ST NIGHT BREAKFAST & DINNNER PARO 01 DBL ROOM + 01 EXTRA MATTRESS 2ND& 3RDNIGHT BREAKFAST & DINNNER PHUENTSHOLING 01 DBL ROOM + 01 EXTRA MATTRESS 4TH NIGHT BREAKFAST & DINNNER

VEHICLE NAME NO FO VEHICLE DESCRIPTION SWIFT DZIRE/WAGONR 01 FOR BAGDOGRA/NJP PICK AND DROP KIA SELTOS/CRETA 01 FOR COMFORTABLE TRANSPORTATION IN BHUTAN