Bhutan: Thimphu Tshechu

seema paar, naye desh mein

• Morning: Land at Bagdogra and drive out through the Dooars, tea gardens rolling out on both sides at the foot of the eastern Himalayas.
• Afternoon: Walk across the border on foot at Jaigaon, through the Pedestrian Terminal and under the Bhutan Gate, the first step across you'll replay for years.
• Evening: Check in and have dinner in Phuentsholing, letting the first day settle before the drive north begins.

pahaadon ki pehli chadhai

• Morning: Finish immigration formalities and start the climb out of Phuentsholing, the plains dropping away behind as the road bends into the hills.
• Stop at Kharbandi Gompha, a hillside monastery with a wide view back over Phuentsholing, framed by prayer flags and statues of Guru Rinpoche.
• Afternoon: A short stop at Chukha Waterfall for the cool spray off the falls.
• Cross Chuzom Bridge, strung with prayer flags at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.
• Evening: Arrive in the capital with time to unwind before dinner.

aaj devta naachenge

• Morning: Stand beneath the Buddha Dordenma, 51.5 metres of gilded bronze looking out over the whole Thimphu valley.
• Meet the Takin at Motithang, a stocky goat-antelope hybrid and, improbably, Bhutan's national animal.
• Afternoon: Walk the whitewashed Memorial Chorten, raised in devotion to the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• The Tashichhodzong courtyard fills for Day One of the Thimphu Tshechu, masked cham dancers in ritual centuries old.
• Evening: Try ara, the local wine, take a turn at archery and share butter tea with wood carver Pema Tshering at Simply Bhutan, then browse the handicraft market near the Clock Tower before dinner.

108 stupa, ek jagah

• Morning: Climb to Dochula Pass, 3,150 metres up, where 108 memorial chortens stand in rows against a wall of Himalayan peaks.
• Afternoon: Descend into Punakha to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple built for the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.
• Reach Punakha Dzong, the second-oldest fortress in the kingdom, set right at the meeting point of two rivers.
• Evening: Walk back across Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest and oldest in the country, on the way to the hotel.

Paro mein pehla kadam

• Morning: Drive into the Paro valley past terraced fields and pine ridgelines.
• Visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong, a former watchtower holding centuries of Bhutanese history.
• Afternoon: Catch a bird's-eye view of Paro International Airport, one of the most dramatic approaches in the world.
• Cross Nya Meh Zam and try on traditional Bhutanese dress for a photo.
• Step into Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest monastery, then walk Paro Dzong itself, the fortress-monastery that hosts the annual Paro Tshechu.
• Evening: Browse the local market for dried yak cheese, herbal teas and handwoven textiles before dinner.

900 metre, sabse bada view

• Morning: Start the hike up to Paro Taktsang, easy to moderate, with horses available for part of the way if you'd rather ride than walk.
• Afternoon: Reach the monastery itself, clinging to the cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor, the view you'll keep coming back to long after the trip is over.
• Evening: Sit down to an authentic Bhutanese meal at a local farmstay, cooked the traditional way as you watch, with an optional self-paid hot stone bath or a round of archery after.

aakhri raat, seema ke paas

• Morning: Visit Kila Nunnery, Bhutan's oldest, perched on a cliff at 3,500 metres, quieter and more contemplative than the week's bigger sights.
• Afternoon: Drive back toward Phuentsholing, passing Paro Chu and Tacho Lhakhang along the way.
• Evening: Complete exit formalities and settle in for the last night in the kingdom.

phir milenge, bhutan!

• Morning: After breakfast, depart for Bagdogra Airport, NJP or Siliguri, bringing the tour to a close.