Trek to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan

From Bagdogra Airport, our representatives will drive you to Phuentsholing, the town where Buddhism first started out in Bhutan.

Proceed to work through the entry permit/visa formalities.

Spend the remains of the day at your leisure and retire to the hotel for the night.

(Inclusions – Dinner)
(Overnight at Phuentsholing)

After an early breakfast, head to the nearby Zangtog Pelri Lhakhang, a chapel built to replicate the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche, an eighth-century Buddhist master, considered second only to Buddha himself. Perched on a grassy hilltop, close to the centre of town, it offers you spectacular views of the town and plains of West Bengal.

Next stop at Kharbandi Gompa, the monastery Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche, set up by a royal grandmother in 1967, as her winter palace, surrounded by a huge garden, contains paintings depicting the life of Buddha, statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.

Set out towards Timpu, 174kms/5-6hrs, driving through, passing by gracious waterfalls, sprawling plains and quaint villages and towns. As the road starts ascending into the misty Gedu from where we pass the villages of Chukha and Chuzom and follow the River Raidāk into Thimpu.

On arrival at Thimpu, the perfect example to showcase how contemporary Bhutan, as a country, has very well learnt to balance the traditional and the modern, we shall check into the hotel and later on explore the colourful city.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Thimpu)

After a heartwarming breakfast, visit the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, known mostly for the monumental statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the bronze statue is sat atop a chapel which houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues. The entire complex is situated on a hill offers spectacular views of the town below.

Heading to the Folk Heritage Museum, we get to see the glimpse of rural Bhutan life, life as it would have been a hundred years ago, carefully demonstrated, the rural household comes alive, teaching young Bhutanese kids about traditional Bhutanese skills and customs.

The next stop would be at, The National Memorial Chorten, the white washed stupa with golden spires that catches the sun, is in traditional Tibetian style. It is built as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, the father of the modern era in the Last Shangri La.

After lunch visit the oldest temple in the valley, the Changangkha Monastery, located on a ridge in central Thimpu, on the banks of the River Raidak, serves to a popular pilgrimage, with panoramic vistas of the valley below.

Drive to the BBS tower at Sangaygang, a 2685 m high tower to take in mesmerising views of Thimpu, especially at sunset.

A short distance from the BBS Tower is the Motithang Takin Preserve, is the enclosure which houses Bhutan’s national animal – the takin.

Head back to the hotel for the night.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Thimpu)

After breakfast, leave toward Punakha and Wangdue stopping on the way at Dochu-La-Pass, a destination popular with the locals as well as tourists alike. Offering 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges, there is nothing like the view of snow-capped mountains on clear winter days.

Continuing to Punakha, stop at Chhimi Lhakhang, located in the hillock below Metshina–Punakha road is the temple of fertility, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley who single-handedly slew a demo with his bolt of wisdom. Famed to house a bodhi tree brought in from Bhodgaya, the temple sees a slew of visitors who come to pray to the fertility goddess.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the administrative centre of Punakha District. Once the seat of the government, it is now the winter residence of the King, home to the sealed caskets of tertons Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who died here in Punakha.

On arrival at Phunakha, check into a hotel. Rest of the day is spent at leisure, return to the hotel for the night.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Punakha)

After breakfast drive to Paro, via Dochula pass.

On arrival, check into a hotel.

The evening will be spent an assortment of outdoor activities at Souvenir House. Enjoy a game of darts, try your hand at archery. Try on traditional Bhutanese attire as well.

Outdoor activities at Souvenir House – additional cost (INR 500/head) .
Souvenir House offers whole rates for all our guests.

Head back to the hotel for the night.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Paro)

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche first arrived at Paro on a flying tiger and proceeded to meditate in the mountains, before he slew the local demons, and started to preach Buddhism to the Butsneses.In honour of this, the famous Monastery of Taktsang also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’, has been built at the very spot he used to meditate.

The climb to the tiger’s nest is slow and arduous, a rise by almost 3000 ft. The narrow stone steps, carved into the cliff, can be terrifying to the newcomer, but the surreal view, overlooking the chasm is worth it.

Head back to the hotel for the night.

For those who cannot go to Tiger Nest, we will give the optional visit to Drukgyel Dzong & Kitchu Monastery.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Paro)

Check out of the hotel, after breakfast.

Drive back to Phuentsholing, retracing the breathtakingly scenic route through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom.

Upon arrival prepare for tomorrow’s departure .spend the night at Phuentsholing.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Phuentsholing)

Check out of the hotel, after breakfast.

Drive to Bagdogra Airport, to continue the rest of the journey home.

(Inclusions – Breakfast)