Fly to Bagdogra and transfer to Phuntsholing by road (4 hrs) where we complete immigration formalities. Overnight hotel.
Early next day drive through scenic Bhutan to Paro, approx 4 hour drive plus photo / lunch stop. We drive to our hotel overlooking the beautiful Paro Valley. We’ll have a late afternoon visit to the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery). The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. Night at hotel (Namsey Chholing Resort / Tenzinling Resort / Gangtey Palace Resort) in Paro.
Drive above 9 miles north of Paro town to the trailhead where you start a 1 ½ hr hike to the viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery (aka “Tiger’s Nest) perched on a cliff 2700 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the back of one of is consorts who was in the guise of a flying Tigress sometime in the 7th century. Hence the name “Taktsang” (Tiger’s Nest). After a short tea break, the options are to sit back and read a book for a while or if you feel energetic enough, to continue another 45 minutes up to the monastery. After the day trip up to Taktsang drive on to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel (Dragon Roots, Wangchuk Hotel, Hotel Pedling, Chomolhari/ Hotel Riverview) in Thimpu.
Morning Thimpu sightseeing, visit Memorial Chorten, Painting School, National Library, Bhutanese Hand Made Paper factory. After lunch drive 3-4 hrs to Punakha across the Dochula Pass (Alt. 3050 m) where one can see the beautiful views of Eastern Himalayan Ranges. The Punakha valley till today serves as the winter seat for central monastic body of Bhutan headed by HH the Je Khenpo. Weather permitting, one get a picturesque view of the eastern Himalayan range from the top of the Dochu La pas (10000 ft). Enroute visit the Chhimi Lhakang: The Temple consecrated in honor of Lam Drukpa Kuenley aka “The Divine Madman.. by Keith Dowman” It is here that couples wishing to have children go to for blessings…. And believe it or not… it works.. the blessings are given by the caretaker with a wooden phallus. The short 25 minute hike to Chhimi Lhakang goes through a serene village and paddy fields.
Overnight at Hotel (Meri Phuensum/ Zangtopelri/Damchen Resort) in Punakha.