Bhutan Happiness Index

After breakfast, you’ll start an incredible journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Along the way, you’ll stop at Chuzom, where the rivers Thimphu and Paro converge. Here, you’ll find three distinct styles of stupas – Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese – creating a harmonious spiritual confluence.

Upon your arrival in Thimphu, you’ll check in at your hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Later, you’ll visit the remarkable Tashichhodzong, a grand fortress and monastery that houses the Secretariat building and the King’s throne room. It also serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body. Spend the night in the comforts of your hotel in Thimphu.

Insight – It’ll take you around 4 to 5 hours (163 km) from Phuentsholing to Thimphu.

After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu, taking in the serene beauty of Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). This point offers breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley, and you’ll have the opportunity to pay your respects to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan.

Next, you’ll visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, a place of continuous prayer and a symbol of world peace and prosperity. King’s Memorial Chorten was continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

You’ll also explore the National Library, home to an extensive collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts. A visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, known as the Painting School, will give you insights into Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Here students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Textile Museum, which showcases one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art forms. Lastly, Simply Bhutan, a living museum, offers you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

Later drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as the Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, household items, and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts. Following this, you’ll take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), a fortress with a long and fascinating history. The interior wooden galleries feature exquisite wall paintings that depict Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.

You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Paro.

Insight – It’ll take you around 1.5 hours (55 km) to reach Paro from Thimphu.

After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. This iconic monastery is one of Bhutan’s most renowned landmarks, perched on the side of a cliff, 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Though a fire severely damaged the main structure in 1998, it has since been restored to its original glory.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The approach road to the Dzong provides a spectacular view of sacred Chomolhari, the mountain of goddesses.

Your day concludes with a visit to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples established in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It marked the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and adventures, you’ll return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.

Insight – It’ll take you around 45 minutes to reach Taktsang Monastery from Paro.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel & enjoy the scenic drive to Phuentsholing. Upon arrival; check into the hotel. The gateway to the south, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, it is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of the mingling of people and their cultures.

The Indian side of the Bhutan border offers an array of shops with Bhutanese and Buddhist souvenir items. You’ll have time (1-2 hours) for some souvenir shopping in the evening before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Insight – It’ll take you around 4 hours and 30 minutes (145 km) to reach Phuentsholing from Paro.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel and completing the immigration clearance, you will be dropped at Bagdogra airport to board your flight for the onward journey.

Insight – It’ll take approx. 03 to 04 hours (155 km) to reach Bagdogra from Phuentsholing.