Bhutan Backpacking Trip

Arrive at Bagdogra and drive to Jaigaon. Take a walk to nearby Zangtog Pelri Lhakhang and spend the day at leisure and rest.

Process the Entry Permit, the early morning and after breakfast, we will drive to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic, once we climb up from the Indian plain to Bhutan foothills through beautiful forests, towns and roadside villages. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging into the only multicultural city in Bhutan. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast, first, we will process the Inner Line Permit and visit Memorial Chorten which was built by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) the third king of Bhutan. Kuensel Phodrang where you can see the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan which is about 169 feet tall. If time permits, we’ll explore Folk and Textile Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.

In the afternoon we’ll drive to the town for lunch and post lunch we will visit Trashichho Dzong, the beautiful fortress that houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Dinner and night halt at Thimphu.

Today we will drive towards Punakha and on the way, we will make a brief halt at Dochula Pass. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass After reaching Punakha and having lunch we’ll enjoy the breathtaking view from Hanging Bridge and proceed to explore Puankha Dzong which is built on the confluence of Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River) and considered as most beautiful dzong of Bhutan.  Then and on the way, will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through sex”). He subdued the demons with his Magical Thunder Bolt. The Temple is also known as The Temple of Fertility.

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Paro and in the afternoon, after reaching Paro we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first National Museum spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of the Paro district. Finally, we’ll end our day with Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century. In the evening stroll in Paro town. Dinner and overnight at Paro.

After early breakfast will hike to Paro Taktsang which is one of the most popular monasteries visited by tourists. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the Tiger’s Nest. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best-known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

After our breakfast, we will retrace our scenic drive back to Jaigaon. Relax in the hotel and get prepared for your departure the next day.

Time to fly back home! The trip concludes with happy memories!