Best of Bhutan

Today we proceed to Coonoor – The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. En route we visit Doddabetta Peak. We also visit Sim’s Park – it houses beautiful terraces with colourful flowers. Later we proceed to Dolphin’s nose – an enormous rock formation.

This morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. Proceed down towards Punakha. On the way stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang – The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. Check in the hotel. Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Punakha.
Note:
Restricted Area Permit is required to visit Punakha / Wangdue from Home Ministry of Bhutan. No charge will be applicable for this permit. Please bring 02 passport size photographs and Voter ID card or Passport of each person including child. This special permit will be given only after guest has entered Bhutan. Permits are not issued on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. holidays.

This morning drive to beautiful Gangtey valley via Wangdiphodrang Dzong strategically located on a ridge 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that fork to the east and south of the country. This is an old town with Narrow Street with single storied shops and also the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. The Gangtey valley is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan and is the winter home to the endangered black necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis) which migrate to this valley around mid November from Tibet. The Gangtey village is small dominated by the yellow roofed Gangtey monastery .Late noon return to Punakha. Overnight at Punakha.

Today drive to Paro via Semtokha entering the Babesa express highway. Upon reaching Chuzom check post, stop for a while at the bridge, stretch your legs and walk through the bridge. Proceed towards Paro and check in the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Paro.