Explore Bhutan with LBTT - 12/13days

After arrival Bagdogra Airport our representative/driver will receive and drive to Jaigaon – Bharat, West Bengal last border town, our office sales executive will meet and welcome grid. And enter Bhutan – Phuentsholing by walk through pedestrian to Bhutan Immigration office and have to do normal entry for overnight stay at Phuentsholing. And transfer to pre-booked hotel for overnight stay at Phuentsholing (Border town). If time will permit you can walk evening market and Zangtopelri.

Morning after breakfast, Bhutan guide will meet at hotel and welcome grid and brief about the trip and check out from hotel, he will take you all to Bhutan Immigration. Guide will assist you all for how to enter to Bhutan Immigration via pedestrian for taking tour permit/visa. Guide will do all formalities for permit (It will take 30 – 45 minutes). After getting permit you can visit Phuentsholing market, and proceed your journey to Thimphu. On the way you can visit Kharbandi Monastery and enjoy Natural beauties of Bhutan, you can take photo on the road, Gedu town, Dam View point, Water fall near Chuzom. On arrival check in a pre-booked hotel and overnight stay in Thimphu.  Capitan City of Bhutan, evening you can stroll around the city. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Morning, after breakfast proceed for Sightseeing in Thimphu : Memorial Chorten: There are beautifully designed memorial structures called Chorten. These structures are designed in such a way that they evoke good symmetry of Lord Buddha himself. It is considered lucky for the people who pass these structures on the left. This Chorten structure was constructed in 1974. It was made in the memory of Jigme Dorji , who was Bhutan’s 3rd king. He is always considered as the birth giver of what Bhutan presently is.  Visit Buddha Point (Boddha Dordenma), the biggest statue of Lord Boddha.  Mini zoo: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. This animal is found in the Mini zoo of Bhutan. It is a very rare animal and belongs to the family of goats. They eat grass and often bamboo as their staple food. It weighs 550 pounds. Keepers look after these animals, following the principles of Buddhism.  Sangaygang View Point: There is a beautiful view point in Bhutan called Sangaygang. It is the location for the tower which transmits the national television channel of Bhutan called BBS. A wonderful view of Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan, can be observed from this view point. On clear, cloudless days, a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city from point of view can be captured with a camera. Thousands of prayer flags can be seen, fluttering in the air. Handicraft Emporium: There is a Handicraft Emporium in Bhutan. Bhutan is a shopper’s paradise. All traditional clothes, handicrafts, jewelleries, books, wall hangings and paintings are available in the shops. Foreign currency exchange facility is also available in the shops.  Paper factory: There is a famous paper factory in Bhutan. Hand making of paper is practised in these factories. It is a very famous age-old practice in Bhutan. These kinds of papers are famous worldwide. There is a Government paper factory in Bhutan called Jungshi. It is an important handmade paper selling unit of Bhutan. Wang Chu River, Clock Tower Square – Free, Thimphu Vegetable Market Simply Bhutan is an interactive 'living' museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local Arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. It's touristy, but a good family experience.There are also souvenir stalls, and a restaurant serving Bhutanese set meals for Nu 500. Folk Heritage museum: Museum of Folk heritage in Bhutan was established by Ashi, queen of Bhutan. She was the founder of this museum in 2001. The collections in the museum reflect the rural life of Bhutan. All farming equipment, tools, daily use household utensils and products, dresses, ornaments are displayed here. National Library: The National Library in Bhutan was inaugurated in 1967. The library is a rich collection of very old Bhutanese scripts. Extensive research work is done in the library. It is a modern library. Huge collection of rare manuscripts, printouts, hand written notes, religious books etc are available in the library. This library is the biggest centre of Mahayana sect of literature on Buddhism in the whole world. These books are written in “dharma language”. Many books related to tourism, culture, religion and tradition in Bhutan, written in English, are available in the library. This Library is the pride of Bhutan. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong: A fortress called Tashichho Dzong was constructed in 1641 by Zhabgrung Ngawang. It was again reconstructed as present by a late king named Jigme Dorji in 1969. Some places of interest are the king’s palace, his room, his office and a secretariat building and a central body for monks.  And overnight halt at same hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Punakha/Wangdue tour;  On the way you can visit: Simtokha Dzong: Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is a great builder of Bhutan. He is famous for his construction of Dzong. He constructed six numbers of Dzongs to protect himself from his enemies. The name of the first constructed Dzong was Simtokha.The place where Dzong is constructed has a lot of significance in History. The place is a crossroad of three numbers of the most prominent regions of the west. These three regins are Sha, Wang and Pa. The construction of Dzong was completed in 1631.  After visiting Simtokha Dzong drove to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. A superb view, you can feel you are in the sky level. On arrival, check in pre-booked the hotel. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and later visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and evening free. (Optional activity – you can do Punakha River Rafting It's direct payable).Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast,drive to Gangtey for sightseeing : Gangtey Goempa: The 17th century holy establishment was built by Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa who was one of the greatest Nyingmapa saint in Bhutan, and is believed to be the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. Kumbhu Lhakhang:A 17th century Buddhist temple, Kumbhu Lhakhang is probably one of the most unique sites to visit in Bhutan. This ancient temple is dedicated to Sipey Gyalpo, who is known to be the main deity of Bon religion. The temple is decked with several ancient statues, religious scriptures, and historical artefacts. Tenkhor Yuetshe: The journey to Tenkhor Yuetshe is quite an enthralling one! It takes the visitors through dense forest areas, country terrains, dirt roads, marshlands, and several remote areas. Nyelung Dechenling:Nyelung Dechenling is among the most pious Buddhist temples in the entire Gangtey Valley . Revered as one of the eighth residences of Nyingma Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam, this holy temple is located within a proximity to Amankora Gangtey Resort. The temple is mostly known for its friendly monks who takes the visitors around the temple with great enthusiasm and also narrate ancient tales about the Gurus and the kings of Bhutan. Kuenzang Chholing Shedra: In local terminology, ‘shedra’ translates to a ‘Buddhist college’. Kuenzang Chholing Shedra in Bhutan is located towards the north of the holy Gangtey Goempa; around 10 minutes’ drive away. If you want to learn more about Buddhism, its importance, and influence across Bhutan, you must visit this ancient Buddhist college called Kuenzang Chholing Shedra. The college currently houses around 300 monks from the nearby regions. Damchen Lhakhang: Built by Tibetan craftsmen under the commission of Trulku Penjor Gyeltshen, the temple resonates Tibetan influence throughout its architecture. Khewang Lhakhang represents three two-storied statues of the past, present and future Buddha. Its inner walls have beautiful murals and intricate pieces of paintings that depicts religious tales from the past. Khewang Lhakhang also hosts an annual tsechu on the third day of every ninth month of the Bhutanese calendar. Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory :Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory is that it employs only female weavers from across the valley. The owner of the factory trains all the workers by herself; teaches them how weave carpets with bare hands or without using any modern machines. Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory is also known for its organic handmade carpets. During a visit to here, visitors can also buy souvenirs or carpets produced in this factory. Overnight  stay in Gangtey.

After breakfast,drive to Trongsa for sightseeing: Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park:A perfect example of serenity in nature, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is one of the country's largest national park area wise. Chendebji Chorten: It is located on a beautiful gorge and is believed to be located where the three ridges and the three edges of the sky meet. It is an important site for religious practices and bears resemblance to the Bouddhanath stupa in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Thruepang Palace: It  is situated just a little ahead of the Trongsa Dzong near the local vegetable market. This palace was built by the second King Jigme Wangchuck and is the birthplace of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight stay in Trongsa.

Morning  after breakfast , visit Dzong:Trongsa Dzong is the largest and one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and is a magnificent structure located on a ridge that overlooks the Mangde Chhu river. To it's South, it drops sharply into clouds and mist. There are two ways to reach this Dzong- Mangdue foot trail, which is a steep climb towards the Eastern gate and the other is a more leisurely walk to the Western entrance.Trongsa, is important adminstrative building the master piece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation.overnight halt at bumthang

After morning breakfast , proceed to Bumthang sightseeing : Bumthang : It is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Then Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, JakarDzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places.  Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Evening visit local shops.Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Morning after breakfast, visit Bumthang market, and drive to Punakha . Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town. Evening take a stroll around Wangdue town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people.WangduephodrongDzong looks like a sleeping elephant, overlooking the convergence of the Dangchu and Punatshangchu Rivers.  Overnight  stay in Dochula.

Little early have breakfast and drive to Paro and on arrival you can do Paro Trekking Tigernest or after check inn hotel.  Excursions to TAKSANG (Tigernest Monastery). It will tak aprox. 4-5hrs. up & down trekking time. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery or "Pako Taktsang" is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The Tigers Nest Monastery in Bhutan is popularly known as Pako Taktsang in local accent which is a sacred site for Buddhist lying in the cliff of Himalayas. This perched temple is one of the breathtaking spot situated in upper Paro valley of Bhutan. This Buddhist place is built on the rock of a mountain around 1962 AD. The ingenious temple was erected by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye which became the iconic symbol of Bhutan. It is believed thatGuru Padmasambhava have meditated in Taktsang Senge Samdup cave for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in 8th century where later Pako Taktsang was constructed. Padmasambhava is the first person to introduce Buddhism in Bhutan. A day in the month of March or April is celebrated as a Tsechu festival in the memory of Padmasambhava in Paro valley.overnight halt at paro Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. or you can do You can do left over sightseeing.halt at paro at same Hotel.

Starting the day early for the drive to Chele-la pass 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverted towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass ( 4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb view of Mount. Chomolhari Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for a few minutes enjoying the view.  And after lunch drive to Haa valley. Haa town is known for its ancient traditions and rituals, and with its thinly populated valley region, this place gives you the tranquil feel of a lesser place in the past. Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) from the 7th century lie nestled in the foothills of the Meri Puensum mountains. The valley is located in close proximity to Doklam or Zhoglam – a plateau enveloped by Tibet’s Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan’s Haa Valley to the east and India’s Sikkim state to the west. This place is of strategic importance to India and China and the armies of both the nations were in news because of the 73-day-long military standoff in Doklam. Talking about the way of life, the valley and surroundings follow the Shamanistic rituals. Drive back to Paro. Overnight halt at Paro. 

After breakfast , proceed for sightseeing : Ta Dzong:  Here is the watch tower used for guarding the region during the Tibetan invasion.  After the year 1968, this has become the National museum.  It includes a good collection of religious thangkas, Bhutanese arts, paintings of various important things of the region, arms, stamp collections, etc. Rimpung Dzong:  This means a fortress with a bulk of jewels. The construction took place in the year 1644 during the period of a spiritual as well as political leader known as Zhabdrung. The house has monastic and administrative features.  During spring, this is the place for festivals in Paro.  Kichu Lhakhang:  During 15th century, this was constructed. One among the ancient paintings is found in the temple. The authority has covered the painting with a thin lining so that it can remain unspoiled. One among the prettiest artistically designed paintings is found here. Three floors of the temple are named as heaven, human world and hell. Farm house Visit: The farmhouse will provide a picturesque ambience along the hillside and among the fields.  Paro farmers’ hospitality is really amazing.  Framers with genuine smiles will thrill you. You will definitely enjoy the Bhutanese farm house with 2 or three stories.  Decoration of the outer portion as well as the inner portion of Bhutanese farm house is really amazing.  You will be happy to know the lifestyle adopted by such a farming family. Later, drive back to Jaigaon via Phuentsholing. Bhutan exit formalities will be done by Bhutan guide and drop at pre-booked hotel at Jaigaon. Overnight halt at Jaigaon.

Morning after breakfast, journeying home with lots of enjoyment, our driver will drop  at Bagdogra airport. ----- End the trip ------