Royal Bhutan Tour Programme
Itinerary for 6 nights 7 days


HOTEL CATEGORY : STANDARD, DELUXE
MEAL PLAN : BREAKFAST , DINNER

PICK UP , DROP : BAGDOGRA AIRPORT / NJP STATION
VEHICLE TYPE : INNOVA / XYLO / ERTIGA

DAY 01 : RECEIVING FROM BAGDOGRA AIRPORT/NJP STATION & TRANSFER
TO PHUENTSHOLING .
Phuentsholing (alt. 300m / 985 ft) - The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial
centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where
different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the
border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and

also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.OVER
NIGHT STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING.
DAY 02 : AFTER BREAKFAST , COMPLETE IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES &
TRANSFER TO THIMPHU 
Thimphu (alt. 2400m/7875ft) - 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. Although not what one expects from
a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants,
expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its
architectural style.
 OVER NIGHT STAY AT THIMPHU 

DAY 03 : THIMPHU CITY FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING , NIGHT STAY AT THIMPHU.
Places of interest in and around Thimphu 
Memorial Chorten
This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and
statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Simtokha Dzong
This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down
the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The
most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate
carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
National Library
The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library.
Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic
books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Institute for Zorig Chusum
Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year
course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning
the various skills taught at the school.
Traditional Medicine Institute
In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal
medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and

dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The
complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and
view it from outside.
The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations,
educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is
a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid
19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area
during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the
building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and
equipment that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The
the museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various
domestic purposes in the rural households.
National Textile Museum
With the opening of the Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi
Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textiles have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct
art form. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern
weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles
from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan's Kings, namzas
(dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal
family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for
textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles. 
Trashichhoedzong
Also known as "fortress of the glorious religion", it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its
present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat
building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National
Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong.
During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo,
makes its home in the Dzong.
Handicrafts Shops
A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for
purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around
the town.
Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers
congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to
visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.
Changangkha Lhakhang

It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of
Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom
Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11
heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. 
Craft Bazaar 
Organised on Tuesday and Wednesday in Centenary Farmer’s market, under patronage of
Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture,
tourism council and the department of agriculture marketing and cooperatives, this market offers
genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of
traditional arts.
Junghi Handmade Paper Factory
Junghi Paper factory comprises of two enterprises ; the unit in Thimphu produces traditional
handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species which is insect-
resistant. The other unit in Jimina, 22 km from the centre Thimphu town, recycles waster
papers. The traditional handmade papers are widely used for religious scripts, packing
materials, hand-carry bags, lampshades, envelopes, calendars . The paper looks a lot like
Japanese washi, and in fact a lot of Bhutanese paper is exported to Japan also.
Zangthopelri Lhakhang 
The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the
older temples, Zangthoo pelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures
and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the
temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang)
Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of
the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your
obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then
walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Simply Bhutan Museum 
Simply Bhutan is an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund
(YDF), built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio
encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of
Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive
here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and
other spheres of life. The fund generated through Simply Bhutan is utilized to run many
of the youth development programmes for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth under
YDF.  Hence as a visitor, while you get to experience and enjoy this special place, you
are also helping to ‘make a better today’, ‘a brighter tomorrow’, for the youth of Bhutan.
Drubthob Goema / Zilukha Nunnery 

Perched on a promontory, overlooking picturesque Trashichhoedzong and Golf course,
it is the only nunnery in capital known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang, once belonged to the
Drubthob (Realized one) Thang Thong Gyalpo often referred to as The King of the open
field (In the early 15th century with his multiple talents he popularly became the
Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas). You may interact here with some of the
nuns who have devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism. OVER NIGHT STAY AT
THIMPHU.   
DAY 4 : THIMPHU - PUNAKHA VIA DOHULA PASS SIGHT SEEING, OVER NIGHT
STAY AT PUNAKHA.
Punakha (alt. 1300m/4265ft) - Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the
winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its
natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley
produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at
Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha road.
Places of interest in and around Punakha
Punakha Dzong
Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha
Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and
an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for
visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Excursions around Punakha
Chimi Lhakhang
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to
Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and
outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine
Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that
couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are
usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the
road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana,
meaning "field". It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields
before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was
built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the
changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding

views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and
beyond.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery 
Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and
Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup
Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara
(Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa,
Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and
Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the
country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.   
The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for
nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring,
embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
Limbukha
Drive towards Punakha Dzong and later walk across the suspension bridge (about
200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the
farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu,
Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is
another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red
rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean
mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is
also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars
the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is
also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying
peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.
Punakha Ritsha Village
Bhutan’s Punakha valley is famous for rice farming where both red and white rice are
grown along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu, two of the most prominent rivers in
Bhutan. ‘Ritsha’ meaning ‘at the base of a hill’ is a typical village in Punakha. The village
houses are made of pounded mud with stone foundations. Each house is only two
storey high surrounded with gardens and the rice fields. The gardens also usually have
fruit bearing plants like oranges and papaya among the organic vegetables. In the
recent years, the farming work is mechanized and power-tillers instead of bullocks are
used to plough the fields and villagers have become relatively prosperous. This is a
model rice growing village in western Bhutan.
Nalanda Buddhist College
Locals call this place ‘Dalayna’ while the monks refer it as ‘Nalanda Buddhist College’. 

Drive here in the afternoon and enjoy your evening tea supplemented by the ravishing
view in front, along with interaction with local monks.OVER NIGHT STAY AT
PUNAKHA.

DAY 5 : PUNAKHA - PARO LOCAL SIGHT SEEING, NIGHT STAY AT PARO. 
Paro (alt. 2200m/7218ft) - The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich
culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of
Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only airport.
Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and
its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also
one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red
rice from its terraced fields.
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. A walk through the bridge, over
a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well
as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th
century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds
fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite
postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed
over several floors.
Drukgyel Dzong
This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically
and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide
National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its
was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of
Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang
It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th
century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is
composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo
in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the
second temple in original pattern.
OVER NIGHT STAY AT PARO

DAY 06 : PARO FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING & EVENING TRANSFER TO
PHUENTSHOLING, NIGHT STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING.
Places of interest in and around Paro   
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. A walk
through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural
wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held
once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th
century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds
fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite
postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed
over several floors.

Drukgyel Dzong
This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically
and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide
National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its
was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of
Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang
It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th
century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is
composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo
in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the
second temple in original pattern.
Dungtse Lhakhang 
To the west of the road is Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple. This unusual
building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three

floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some
of the best in Bhutan. 
Beyond Dungtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny Pana Lhakhang is quite old
and is believed to have been built in the seventh century.
Jangsarbu Lhakhang
Located behind Paro Dzong, this small temple is home to a magnificent statue of
Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa and also houses the
protector deity of Paro. Legend has it that the statue of Sakyamuni was destined for
Paro Dzong and merely placed in the temple for overnight safe keeping. However, when
the time came to move the statue, it proved impossible to lift. As a result, it became a
permanent feature of the lhakhang. 
Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)
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". This
site has been recognized as a most
sacred place and visited by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their
lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but
now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. OVER NIGHT
STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING.

DAY 07 : DEPART PHUENTSHOLING TO BAGDOGRA AIRPORT / NJP STATION
DROP.
After breakfast , drive to Bagdogra Airport / Njp Station to onwards yor destination

      TOUR ENDS WITH CHERISH MEMORIES