THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - PARO

Day 1:  Bagdogra International Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station - Phuentsholing (India-Bhutan International border)

Upon your arrival at New Jalpaiguri Rly Station (NJP) / Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) you will be transferred to Phuentsholing (176 km / 4.5 hrs). Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan, opposite to the Indian town of Jaigaon (situated in Chukha Dzongkang). Cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy; the town serves as headquarters for the Bank of Bhutan. Free at leisure.

Day 2:  Phuentsholing - Thimphu

After the emigration formalities you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of the Kingdom Bhutan (176 km / 7 hrs). It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan and the name of the surrounding valley is dzongkhag, the Thimphu District. The city became the capital of Bhutan in 1961. As of 2005 it had a population of 79,185, with 98,676 people living in the entire Thimphu district. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel and rest for overnight.

Day 3:   Thimphu local sightseeing

Local sightseeing in and around the smalles capital city of the world Thimphu which includes - Memorial Chorten, Emporium House, National Library, Handicraft Centre, Cherry Monastery, BBC Tower, SAARC Building & Bhutan’s Secretariat – The famous Dzong etc. Overnight at your hotel at Thimphu.

Day 4:   Thimphu - Punakha

Today you will be covering one of the most beautiful destination of the country, Punakha. On the way you will visit the Simtokha Dzong (Sangkak Zabdhon), the Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras. Overnight stay at Punakha. Punakha (The administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag), one of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is about 72 km away from   Thimphu and it takes about 3.5 hours by car from the capital Thimphu. Unlike Thimphu it is quite warm in winter and hot in summer. It is located at an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level and rice is grown as the main crop along the river valleys of two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Dzongkha is widely spoken in this district.

Day 5:   Punakha - Paro

Morning transfer to picturesque Paro. Paro District is the name of a district (dzongkhag), valley, river and town (population 20,000) in Bhutan. It is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the  pass at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district. The dominant language in Paro is Dzongkha, the national language.

Paro contains the only active international airport in Bhutan, the Paro Airport, a beautiful small green-roofed facility in a valley, served only by Drukair (Bhutan's National Airline) from India and some other countries in Southeast Asia.

Day 6:  Paro loca sightseeing

Half day local sightseeing covering National Museum, Airport (Only Airport of Bhutan situated on the Banks of Paro Chu (in Bhutanese language Chu means River), Dungayal Dzong, Kichu Resort Valley. Mt. Chomolhari (7,300m) or mountain of Goddess reigns in white glory at the  northern end of valley. Nighthalt at Paro.

Day 7:   Paro - Lataguri (Gorumara National Park, India)

After early breakfast check out from your hotel and transfer to Lataguri, in Gorumara National Park (India). Rest of the evening and overnight free for rest.

Day 8:  Lataguri - Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri (Check out)

Early in the morning Jeep Safari in the park and back to hotel for breakfast. After that check out transfer to IXB- Bagdogra / NJP- New Jalpaiguri for your flight / train via- Gajoldoba.