Depending on your flight/train arrival time, it will take about 4 hours to reach Phuentsholing. The drive will pass through crowded Siliguri town over Tista river into various tea gardens finally emerging into foothills of Bhutan. The journey will be hectic and long, recommended to book the flight arriving before 3pm at Bagdogra if possible. After arriving in Phuentsholing, check into the hotel and relax. Phuentsholing- Phuentsholing is the border point for any goods and services entry/exit into Bhutan. Phuentsholing lies opposite the Indian town of Jaigon and cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang: It is a small temple located in the heart of the Phuntsholing town. The temple’s soothing premises also serve as park, a good place to relax for both local and tourist. Elderly citizens come to circumambulate around the temple. Overnight in Phuentsholing, altitude 300m

Complete the immigration formalities before starting the journey to Thimphu, the immigration office gets open at 9AM. The feeling of exhausted and crowded in Phuentsholing comes to the end after half an hour drive uphill, you will start feeling fresh and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nature. The journey will pass through some of the most beautiful broad leaves forest to temperate alpine zone, villages, towns, water fall, hills and mountains until we reach Thimphu, creating the history for you. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Arts and Crafts Vocational School- Arts and Craft School is where student learn 13 different techniques to master in Bhutanese Arts. Some of the skills required eight years to graduate. You can see live carving, painting, sculpture etc. You are allowed to take the pictures/make video. Products made by students are on display at the showroom for sales as well. The school is closed in July and December to February, beside their exams and events. Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar- Bhutan’s first ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel Taj Tashi showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and craft products with reasonable price range. Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3^rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at reasonable cost. Witnessing Archery Match- Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic games. Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market– An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. Clock Tower Square- Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is a popular venue for open ground events such as cultural festivals, concerts, fund- raising events, live shows and trade fairs. The place is bounded by shops, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants, making it one of the main attractions in the Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy smooth and most scenic drive to Paro. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by BHT herself and its free of cost for all BHT guests. Overnight in Paro

We recommend you to start early, you will have enough time on the roads to enjoy the immense beautiful of nature and landscape for the best photography. Phuentsholing is also good for buying inexpensive Bhutanese souvenirs and agro products for your relatives back home. Prepare yourself to exit from Bhutan. Roadside Stops: Leg stretch break for having tea/coffee, using restroom and taking photographs at scenic places like waterfalls, landscapes, and villages. Kharbandi Gompa (based on your interest)- Monastery is built by Royal Grandmother in 1967. It is located on a picturesque hill overlooking the whole Phuentsholing town and beyond Torsa River far into distant till the sight disappears into a mountain. The site serves as an idle place to take photos with the town and the mountains acting as a perfect background. Overnight in Phuentsholing.

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan