BHUTAN TOUR PACKAGES FROM KOLKATA

As the sun spread its warm rays across the beautiful Thimphu valley, begins your day with a hot cup of Suja (Butter Tea) and move towards the breakfast table to enjoy their delicious spread before leaving for Thimphu local sightseeing.

The National Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten - Also known as Thimphu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten was build in the third King memory, and it was continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. The idea to construct this landmark was proposed by Bhutan third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (the father of modern Bhutan), who has wished to erect a monument to the World for peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after Majesty's untimely death, it served as a memorial to the late King and a monument of peace.

The Clock Tower - Located at the centre of the Thimphu Town, the Clock Tower Square is an architectural wonder one can behold during Bhutan package tour from Bagdogra. This tower differs from every other construction or building in Bhutan. It is basically a tower with four clock faces in four directions. The tower depicts of Bhutanese architecture pattern which is basically painted or engraved on wood. The tower is decorated with many intricately carved floral patterns, paintings, and replica of dragons. The dragons on the tower are facing each clock in the tower, which is interesting to look at. The dragon is a holy animal in Bhutanese culture, and it stands for the country's independence. As this place is a prime attraction among locals and travelers in Bhutan, most people come here in the evening to see and enjoy the exquisite carvings and paintings. This tower is one of the busiest locations in town because there are numerous restaurants, gift shops, and hotels nearby. The square is in close proximity to a number of trade fairs, concerts, and other events. The area of clock tower and its surroundings occasionally hosts live music events, which makes the place vibrant and full of life and energy. You can buy gifts for your family and friends at one of the many shopping centers in the area. There is a little playground for children that are also a great place for a picnic and a fun evening activity.

Sakyamuni Buddha - On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Great Buddha Dordenma. The 51.5-meter long gilded bronze statue would surely attract you, and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spellbound. This site is also known as Buddha Viewpoint.

Changangkha Lhakhang - At Thimphu, you will come across several monasteries and temples, but Changangkha Lhakhang is the most important religious structure amongst all. The fabric is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, a sign of compassion dating back to the 15th century, the oldest in the region, and from here, enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valley.

Takin Zoo - In here, you will find the National animal of Bhutan, "Takin". Takin is one of the most endangered species of the World, and it is available only in Bhutan, preserved in open habitat.

Trashi Chhoe Dzong - Or the Fortress of the Glorious Region is another 'must visit' site on a Bhutan Tour from Bagdogra. Situated on the west bank of Wang Chhu River, the Trashi Chhoe Dzong is the formal coronation site of the fifth King that hosts the annual Tsechu festival. This Dzong was built in the year 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, later it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without the use of nails or architectural plans. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

The National Library - has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts that are priceless. It also houses the World's largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet.

Zorig Chusum - Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts.<

The Royal Textile Museum - Thimphu also introduces visitors to the culture and heritage of Bhutan. The Royal Textile Museum at Norzin Lam is a site where you will get introduced to Bhutanese textiles, some of which date back to the 1600s.

Simply Bhutan - Simply Bhutan is a unique and exciting project whose primary aim is to conserve the culture and tradition of the Bhutanese people while creating job opportunities for the young people who are job seekers. The infrastructure in this museum primarily portrays the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is decreasing at a high rate. A visit to Bhutan will bring you closer to an architectural design of its kind. The structure of the museum itself is built reusing old timber, door and window frames and numerous other materials from demolished houses. Simply Bhutan has so much to offer its visitors. First, you get the opportunity to experience the real Bhutanese feeling. Unlike numerous museums in Bhutan and all over the world where you aren't allowed to touch the artefacts or take photographs, things are done differently here. The guides give all visitors an excellent prehistoric experience and also let you immerse and experience the real Bhutanese culture and traditions. Some of the most interactive experience in this museum includes the following:

Wearing the Gho and Kira. All tourists are given a set of beautiful traditional dresses that you can even try while at the museum. You are even allowed to wear the beautiful Bhutanese traditional dress. They also offer the dress to children and allow you to take photographs of them for future reference. You will also get an opportunity to see how the traditional Bhutanese houses were constructed. You can also try a hand at the archery and the dart game that is locally known as Khuru.

This is the 3^rd day of your Kolkata to Bhutan trip. Today we will visit Phobjhika Valley - one of the picturesque yet pristine valley of Bhutan which is located in Wangdue Phodrang district. Situated at an elevation of 3000m (9,800ft) above the sea level, this less habitat bowl-shaped valley in central Bhutan has wide range of hiking trails. It offers breathtaking views of vast expanses of green meadows with Takins grazing happily here and there. Infact the Phobjikha valley is one of the most beautiful destinations of Bhutan and a must visit place.

So, complete your sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and say good bye to Thimphu city. Start for Phobjikha Valley Trip. This is a bowl-shaped glacial valley situated in the background of Black Mountains. This is a beautiful must visit place for Bhutan Tour enthusiast. The serene nature, lush green forestry is loved not only for travelers but also for adventure lovers. This valley is rich in wild life specially - Black-Necked Cranes, Sambars, Himalayan Black Bears, Leopards and Red Pandas and Takin. One the way, you can visit:

Dochula View Point - The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey is Dochu-La Pass around 3100 m high and way above the clouds. Only an hour's drive from Thimphu (20 km), it is a cluster of 108 memorial stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens". This pass offers visitors a beautiful glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan Range. Spend some time here, click some photographs and shoot video. During winter temperature can get down to -2°C and entire area became snowy white under thick carpet of snow which gives immense pleasure and excitement to visitors.

Then again proceeds for Phobjikha Valley, the largest and greenest valley in Bhutan. Unlike other valleys in Bhutan like Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang and Haa, there is no river flowing through the Phobjikha Valley. It is a very large valley with lush greenery. This valley is famous for Black Neck Crane - a very rare and endangered bird species in the world. These birds are migrated from Tibet during mid November to mid February and you can enjoy the Black Neck Crane festival on Nov 11, every year at the courtyard of Gangtey Monestary. Enjoy your time in the lap of pristine nature. Overnight stay at Hotel in Phobjikha Valley.

Following are the places one can visit during Phobjikha Valley Trip :

• Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
  
• Gangtey (Hilltop) Monastery or Gangtey Goemba
  
• Gangtey Nature Trails
  
• Dotsho (Traditional Hot Stone Bath)
  
• Experience Stay in Bhutanese Farm Stay
  
• Khewang Lhakhang
  
• Experience Archery with Local People
  
• Open Air Campsite at Phobjikha
  
• Picnic with Family And Friends
  
• Kumbhu Lhakhang
  
• Restaurant in Phobjikha
  
• Nyelung Dechenling
  
• Bird Watching in Phobjikha
  
• Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory (Phobjikha)
  

This is the 4^th day of your Bhutan tour packages from Kolkata. If you are an early riser, wake up before dawn and behold the enigmatic valley wrapped with gentle mist. Gradually the Sun will rise and the silence of the valley will cleave apart with chirping birds fluttering high. Among the chill wind enjoy a cup of hot tea standing at the courtyard of your resort and take a bath with the first rays of gentle Sun spreading its warmth of love across every small buds and leaves of the valley. It's a heavenly delight that you may experience in the morning far away from the noisy ambience that you are probably habituated. Enjoy it.

Then pack your baggage and complete breakfast. Before leaving this wonder land, if you can manage some time, stroll around the vicinity and click some photo. Then board the car and start for Punakha Tour. Phojhika to Punakha is almost 75km and 3 hrs drive. As your car runs among the scenic mountain roads beautifully decorated by nature with unconditional love and care, feel the breeze, smell the fragrance of wild orchids, see blooming rhododendron and Meconopsis - the flower of heaven. Innumerable prayer flags bearing sacred mantras fluttering in high winds welcome you throughout your way to Punakha.

Reach Punakha, hotel check in and get fresh. After lunch, set out to explore some of the most important landscape of Punakha :

Punakha Dzong : Also known as The Palace of Great Happiness, Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley. This Dzong is the most picturesque of all Bhutan ancient fortresses and it joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge that contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the Kingdom from this Punakha valley. The actual meaning of Dzong if Fort. Long before when Bhutan was invaded by Tibet, then these Dzongs were used as fort. But now it is used as the administrative offices and monastic center. During winter Punakha Dzong is turned as monastic capital. All administrative dignitaries and monks stay in Punakha Dzongs for 6 months and run the country from here only. Before Punakha was the capital city of Bhutan. Later the capital was shifted to Thimphu city. But every important royal function like coronation, the naming ceremony of 6th King, coronation of 5th King, Royal wedding all was arranged here. So in that way Punakha Dzong is the most important Dzong in entire Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge : This is one of the most important and most visited attractions in Punakha. In fact this is longest walking Suspension Bridge spanning about 180 meters over male river i.e. Mochu River. The view from the bridge over the crystal clear river with mountains all around is just awesome. On both side the bridge is draped with prayer flags and is a perfect spot for bird watching and photography. Walking on the bridge among the cool breeze and viewing the scenic beauty of Bhutan will be a life time experience during your Bhutan Package Tour from Kolkata.

Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) : Stationed at the top of a hillock, the Chimi Lhakhang is a site dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Known as the 'Divine Madman,' Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to use songs, humor, and outrageous behavior to preach his teachings. Chimi Lhakhang temple is believed to be the temple of fertility, and the Bhutanese hold a strong belief that childless couples are blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley if they visit the temple and pray for a child. The road to the temple follows a picturesque rural trail through the paddy field that takes visitors to the temple from the road, and after crossing the paddy field, you will find a tiny stream from where Chimi Lhakhang is just a short climb away. Overnight stayat hotel in Punakha.

In the morning, after breakfast, start for Paro trip. Situated in the western part of Bhutan, Paro is also a prime tourist destination. Every year thousands of tourist flock this little but picturesque town which is situated on the bank of Paro Chhu or Wong Chhu, which is also known as Raidak in the lower course. Due to its God-gifted geographical location, Paro is an amazing and romantic holiday destination. Paro is a verdant valley where you can see endless greeneries all around. The rural areas are almost forested and offer absolute tranquility that many people look for while choosing a holiday destination. If you are Nature lover, Paro will make you fall in love with her unadulterated natural beauty. Lots of travelers visit here for its rich history, glorious pasts, monuments, vibrant interiors of monasteries, temple complexes and other religious sites that stand as specimens of the bygone era. Let's explore some of the important places of Paro :

National Museum of Bhutan : Situated right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan is a house that showcases Bhutan's culture. Built in 1968, the museum stands inside the ancient Ta-dzong building. The museum houses the collection of finest specimens of Bhutanese culture and art and its highlights are paintings and some bronze statues, which are simply masterpieces. The items are demonstrated in large galleries and you can get to know a lot about Bhutan's art and culture from these objects.

Drukgyal Dzong : Drukgyal Dzong was a fortress and Buddhist Monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro Valley in Paro District of Bhutan. The Dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. Closed as of Now.

Ta Dzong : Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968.

Rinpung Dzong : Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first 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 Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam.

Nya Mey Zam Bridge : "The Bridge with No Fish" is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong. It is one of finest specimens in Bhutan and local believes if one sees a fish in the river, it is ill omen. The earlier bridge which could be folded during war was washed away by flood in 1969.

Paro Airport View Point : This is finest valley view point to look after Paro Valley and Paro Airport. This view point overlooking the Paro river along with the all the Dzongs and Monastry. Overnight in Paro.

This is the 6^th day rather the most important day of your Bhutan Trip from Kolkata as today we will witness the beauty of that place with our own eyes which we see everywhere - in the walls, the calendar, the journal, the Google even in the dream also. Any guess? Yes it is the enchanting Paro Taksang AKA the Tiger's Nest Monastery situated gorgeously on the high granite cliff.

So, when the Sun rays touch the beautiful Paro valley, wake up in the middle of Mother Nature and relish the beautiful view of the river and mountains in a single frame. Enjoy the gala breakfast but make sure to add some protein to it, as climbing to the top of the Taksang Monastery and back will require a good boost. Get prepared and as soon as the car reaches your hotel, set out for the hiking. It is going to be a tough day indeed.

Taktsang Monastery : After covering 1,200 meters on a fierce cliff, you will reach this sacred site known as the Tiger Nest. Once you climb to the top, take a deep breath of the fresh air and soother the eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying underneath-the Taktsang Monastery, established by Sain Guru Rinpoche, who came to Bhutan in 747 CE. Construction was of the complex was completed in 1694. After 3 hours of some adventurous trek, discover the Tiger Nest monastery, and if you wish, opt for a horse ride from the parking lot to reach the top. While trekking, witness the glorious view of the Paro town, with its lush green valleys, sparkling river, clear blue sky, and moving clouds, in short, enjoy nature at its best. Return back, rest of the day is fre for leisure and shopping. Overnight in Paro.

This is the 7^th day of this Kolkata to Bhutan trip and this day also going to be exciting one. Today it's an excursion day for Chele La Pass. As Bhutan is mountainous regions, many places are interconnected with one another with passes. Among several passes, the Chele la Pass is the highest motor able pass which connects Paro city with Haa Valley. There are many famous trekking and hiking trail also preferred by many travelers especially foreigners. Anyhow let's explore Chele La.

HOW TO GET TO CHELE-LA PASS?

To get into Chele La, you need to start early. As it is located at very high altitude (13,000 ft / 3,988 m), you will get almost nothing to eat there. So do a heavy breakfast and packed up your bags with heavy lunch and bottled drinking water. Soon after you leave the Paro City, you will notice the topographical changes and find yourself among the thick forest of pine, far and spruce. The road is smooth, heavily thick with evergreen dense conifers and beauty around it is mind blowing. On the way enjoy the scenic unadulterated beauty of nature and feel the freshness of air. It's amazing. Soon you will encounter with snow all around. As you go higher, more snow you experience on both side of the road along with trees gently covered with milky loose snow. Finally reach the highest point of the pass. Generally it is very windy and bone chilling cold. On a clear sunny day one can witness the spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari (2nd highest peak in Bhutan), Jichu Drake, other northern peaks. The view from here is really awesome. The place is heavily decorated with colorful prayer flags all around. You can stroll the adjacent area and capture the beauty through your lenses. There is a small shop run by local people where you can enjoy hot 2 minute maggi noodles and tea. After spending some memorable moment there, either you can proceed for Haa valley (25k,m / 1hrs) or return back to Paro. Rest of the time is free for leisure. Overnight at Paro hotel.

WHICH IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHELE-LA PASS?

Due to high altitude ((13,000 ft / 3,988 m) this pass is best visited between ends of April to end of June. This is summer season and best view of snow clad mountains, the magic of rhododendron, and vibrant landscape of the valleys surrounding the pass can be witnessed. This is best time for family vacation, picnic and trekking. After June i.e. from July to end of September monsoon will cover the area and travelling becomes risky. From October to March winter prevail the area and entire region comes under thick blanket of snow. Unbearable bone chilling cold ruin the normal life here and it become inaccessible too. So, if anyone wants to experience this pass, let's book your Bhutan package tour from Kolkata between ends of March to end of June.

Chelela Pass: all you need to know

• Paro to Chelela Pass distance is about 39.8 km.
• It takes amost 1hr and 30 mnts to reach Chelela Pass from Paro.
• Chelela Pass is situated at an altitude of 3,988 m.
• It is the highest motor able road of Bhutan.
• Bhutan's most sacred peak, Mount Jomolhari (22,000 ft) can be clearly seen from this pass.
• There are so many hiking trails that start from this pass.
• Mountain slopes of this region are bloomed with white poppy which can't be seen anywhere else in the world.
  
  
  

Some notable Hiking Trails that starts from Chelela Pass

Post breakfast bid farewell to the Last Buddhist Kingdom and start for Paro Airport with long-lasting sweet Bhutan Holiday memories, while chanting one mantra, "Life is short, and the World is wide".