DAY 1

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Phuentsholing (160 km approx. 5 hrs drive)
On arrival at Bagdogra Airport board car and transfer to Phuentsholing.
Later in the day *if time permits visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang. Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. 

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing (Altitude 300m).

DAY 2

Phuentsholing – Thimphu (155 km, approx. 4.1/2-hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu – the modern capital town of Bhutan. 
On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 1,30,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320 m).
 

DAY 3

After breakfast, drive to visit Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley.
Then, visit King's Memorial Chorten 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 has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity.
Then explore Centenary Farmers Market & Ka Ja Thom (local market Tue closed). Centenary Farmers Market, popularly known as Weekend market, is bustling, colourful market centre where farmers from different part of the country gather to sell their farm products.
Next, proceed to Sangaygang Viewpoint, home to the transmitter tower of Bhutan Broadcasting Services (BBS). This captivating viewpoint is renowned among photographers for its panoramic vistas.
Wrap of your sightseeing of the day with visit to Trashichhoedzong. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Evening time can be spent strolling through Thimphu city centre and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m)
 

DAY 4

Thimphu – Punakha & Wangdue (75 km, approx. 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. Visit to Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, Punakha Suspension Bridge and Punakha Dzong. Overnight at Punakha. 

DAY 5

 Punakha & Wangdue – Paro (125 kms, approx. 4.1/2-hour drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. 

Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong *Closed on Sundays & Govt Holidays originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
 

DAY 6

After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. 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’.
On the way back to hotel, visit 16th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom associated with the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
 

DAY 7

Paro – Phuentsholing (150 km, approx. 4.1/2-hour drive)
After leisurely breakfast, drive back to Phuentsholing. Evening explore Phuentsholing market and city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing. (Altitude 300m)
 

DAY 8

Bagdogra Airport Drop 
After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport for onward journey.