Sacred Bhutan: Phuentsholing to Paro Experience

Morning route permit process, then drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, via the scenic mountain roads through Chukka. Check in to the hotel. In the evening, explore Clock Tower Square.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Experience Thimphu’s charm—no traffic lights but unique traffic policemen with elaborate hand gestures. Highlights include:

• Folk Heritage Museum
• National Library
• Handicraft Centre
• Indigenous Medicine Hospital & Painting School
• Glimpse of Tashichho Dzong
• Takin Zoo (home to Bhutan’s national animal)
• National Memorial Chorten and Buddha statue
  Evening walk around Clock Tower Square.
  Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Drive to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas (weather permitting). Visit:

• Thinleygang Village en route
• Punakha Dzong – historic fortress at the confluence of Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers
  Evening at leisure.
  Overnight stay at Punakha.

Drive to Paro, stopping at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park. En route, you may see red pandas and various bird species. In Paro, visit:

• Drukgyel Dzong ruins
• Base of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (optional hike)
  Evening at leisure.
  Overnight stay at Paro.

Visit:

• Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)
• Ta Dzong (National Museum)
• Kyichu Lhakhang – 7th-century sacred monastery
  Afternoon at leisure, with optional shopping in Paro town.
  Overnight stay at Paro.

Drive back to Phuentsholing, stopping at Kharbandi Gompa. Check in to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.

Morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.