Dooars with Bhutan

Sited on the fringe of the Gorumara National Park, home of famous Asiatic one-horned Rhino, is a quaint village called Lataguri. It is one of the villages located at the periphery of Gorumara National Park. Lataguri is bounded on North and East by Gorumara Forest in the South by Moulani more and in the West by Neora River. Located 85km from the bustling city Siliguri on the National Highway 31, the unique location of Lataguri has made it a tourist hub for the nature lover who want to explore the raw beauty of Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary while traveling to Dooars region.

Nestled on the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, journey towards Lataguri in itself is an unforgettable experience. The road leading towards Lataguri take the tourist through the lush valley of tea garden and semi-tropical forest which is a visual treat for them. The view of roaring river Teesta meandering through the mountains valley seen while crossing the iconic Coronation Bridge has put many travelers in a trance. Strategically located at the entry point of Gorumara National Park, Lataguri is blessed with a serene ambiance which is only broken by the alluring chirping of exotic birds. Lataguri acts as the base for the travelers who want to explore the deep forest of Dooars region and one of the best way to enjoy the beauty of pristine forest is by opting for jungle safari which take the visitors towards some of the watchtower. The watchtower are located in the vantage point which lets the visitor witness a panoramic view of the green lush emerald forest and meandering river stream. There are lodging facilities available in Lataguri for the tourists who want to spend a peaceful night while listening to the chirping of crickets and partake in the jungle safari at wee hour when the chances of sighting animals like leopard, rhino, bison and elephant is maximum. Beside the jungle safari there is more do during the visit to Lataguri. River Murti meandering through the verdant forest of Gorumara and Chapramari is another scenic destination which is at an easy accessible distance from Lataguri. The river bank of Murti is an ideal place for taking a relaxing evening stroll while watching the awe-inspiring sunset and it is also a perfect spot for birding. Camping and angling on the river bank of Murti are few other activities which may hype the interest of tourist visiting Lataguri and during winter season it is a famous picnic spot of Dooars. The inquisitive visitor of Lataguri can learn more about the flora and fauna of Gorumara National Park through the nature Interpretation Center located within the quaint village Lataguri. The nature Interpretation Center of Lataguri houses information about the different type of species which can be found in Gorumara National Park. The beauty of Lataguri lies behind the verdant forest area which encloses the quaint village and the serene ambience.

OVER NIGHT STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING

The Gorumara National Park is home to multiple species of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. The park is the most famous for its one horned Indian rhino. Other commonly found animals here include leopards, elephants, Indian Bison, Rock Python, deer and Malayan Giant Squirrel. In all, there are approximately 48 species of carnivores and herbivores in the park.

The park is also the dwelling spot of 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, and 27 species of fishes. Minivets, Pheasants, Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Pigeons and Mynas are some birds that you can see here. During the winter season, migratory birds such as teal, stork and ibis can also be seen here. The night hunters in Gorumara are the Nightjars and the Owls.

OVER NIGHT STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING

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

Places of interest in and around Thimphu:

Memorial Chorten
Simtokha Dzong
National Library
Institute for Zorig Chusum
Traditional Medicine Institute.
The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
National Textile Museum
Trashichhoedzong
Handicrafts Shops
Weekend Market
Changangkha Lhakhang
Craft Bazaar
Junghi Handmade Paper Factory
Zangthopelri Lhakhang
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang)
Simply Bhutan Museum
Drubthob Goema / Zilukha Nunnery

OVERNIGHT STAY AT THIMPHU

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
Excursions around Punakha
Chimi Lhakhang
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery mbukha
Talo
Punakha Ritsha Village
Nalanda Buddhist College

OVER NIGHT STAY AT PARO

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
Drukgyel Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang
Farm House (traditional village house)
Druk Choeding
Dungtse Lhakhang
Ugyen Pelri Palace
Jangsarbu Lhakhang
Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)

OVERNIGHT STAY AT PARO

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.

Places of interest in and around Phuentsholing 

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang
Kharbandi Goemba

OVER NIGHT STAY AT PHUENTSHOLING

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport to onwards your destination.