Amazing Bhutan From East To West Incl. Domestic Flight

You'll be received at the only International Airport in Bhutan, Paro by our guide and the driver and begin the sightseeing by first visiting an auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in his quest to subdue the spirit of a demoness causing obstruction to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region.

Next, you'll visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower to get insights into the rich culture & traditions of Bhutan.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Paro International Airport and take a domestic flight to Yonphula, the only domestic flight in the eastern region of Bhutan. Then we drive to Trashi Yangtse via Trashigang town which was once the largest and bustling trade centre for merchants in the east.

En route to Trashi Yangtse from Trashigang, stop briefly at Gom Kora or Gomphu Kora (Gomphu means “Meditation Cave”) Lhakhang which is 23km from Trashigang and located just below the road amidst terraced rice fields and overlooking Dangme Chhu, one of the largest rivers in Bhutan. The temple was built in the 17th century on a sacred site blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the mid-eighth century AD who left body imprint on the huge rock just outside the temple after subduing a demon. A dazzling annual religious festival is hosted here sometime between March and April attracting lots of spectators not only from the neighbouring districts but also from Arunachal Pradesh. Continue driving for another hour and then enter the picturesque town of Trashi Yangtse set amidst the fertile paddy fields and Kholong Chhu river snaking through the gorge below.

Driving distance 83km, Driving time 3.5-hours

After breakfast at the hotel, you begin the sightseeing my first visiting one of the well-known landmarks in this region, Chorten Kora built in 1740 AD over the span of 12 years. Chorten Kora is believed to be the replica of the Boudanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Two annual festivals are hosted here Spring attracting hundreds of spectators from other parts of the country as well.

Also located in this town is the School of Traditional Arts where the six forms of traditional Bhutanese arts are taught – Painting, Pottery, Wood Sculpture, Wood Turning, Lacquer work and applique embroidery. After lunch, drive back to Transhigang.

On arrival in Trashigang, visit Trashigang Dzong (The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill) built by the First Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) Chogyal Minjur Tempa in 1659 AD. The Dzong stands on a ledge with very steep cliffs on three sides, overlooking the Gamri Chhu and one of the largest rivers in Bhutan, Dangme Chhu. The Dzong was expanded in 1680, 1694 and in 1936. Every year in November, a three-day-long festival is hosted at the Dzong with hundreds of people attending the celebrations on each day.

Leisure time to stroll the town and visit a local market.

Driving distance 65km, Driving time 2-hours

Today we will drive to the alpine village of Merak which was opened to tourism only in 2010 with great care to safeguard the unique customs and lifestyle of this small community. We may have to change the vehicle to a sturdy Indian Bolero 4×4 SUV as the road is unpaved. The road cannot be used during the rainy season (July & August).

In the morning, we begin our exciting journey along the Gamri Chhu River for 16km until we reach Rangjung, a small commercial hub of several villages in the area. Continue driving through Radhi, a village known as ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ for being the largest producer of rice in the east. The village of Radhi is also known for producing naturally dyed raw silk textiles in the country. If interested, we can visit one of the fine monastery located in the upper part of Radhi. The road takes you through the picturesque terraced rice fields and beautiful traditional rural houses. Continue driving for the next 2.5 hours or so till we reach our destination.

Driving distance approx 66km, driving time 3.5-hours, Merak Altitude 3500m asl

Today’s excursion around the village is one of the main highlights of the trip. The community of Merak and its neighbouring village of Sakteng which is a day’s walk away from Merak are popularly known as Brokpas (highlander). They speak a vernacular dialect called Mira Saktengpa or Brokpa Kha. They live a semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. So their primary economy is based on livestock. With development taking place, the lives of Brokpas have improved and their lifestyles evolving. One prominent change brought by modernization to their lifestyle is the way they conduct their trading. In the olden days, they travelled from village to village even across the border to Arunachal Pradesh, India carrying dairy products like meat, cheese, butter, wool, leather, etc. and barter it for essential food grains, oil, sugar, salt, chilies, etc.

With road infrastructure right up to their village and easy access to the market at Rangjung and Trashigang, the barter system is almost nonexistent. They sell their dairy and animal products for cash. However, their tradition and culture, mainly involving affairs within the village, passed down from generation to generation still remain undiluted and play an important part in the social life of the Brokpas.

You will visit some of the places of interest within the village that has historical and religious significance, visit the family home and observe their daily life and of course delight your taste buds with exotic local cuisine. You may also want to try on their unique traditional costumes which totally stand out from the national dress Gho (men’s dress) and Kira (women’s dress). Perhaps you can also visit the school where you can interact with weather-beaten but inquisitive and cheerful students. The whole village of Merak is a cluster of houses on a beautiful meadow surrounded by scattered dwarf rhododendrons.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the community and drive back to Trashigang. En route, visit Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery, a Buddhist monastic school built on a mound overlooking the town of Rangjung and the surrounding area. The head abbot of this monastery is His Holiness Dungsey Garap Dorji Rinpoche who has followers from all over the world. Drive to Trashigang for lunch.

After lunch in Trashigang town, drive to Mongar. The road distance is approximately 80km and the drive should not take more than 3 hours. From Trashigang, we drop down to the gorge through which one of the largest rivers in Bhutan, Dangme Chhu flows and cross the Chazam bridge. Dangme Chhu is joined by Kuri Chhu which flows from Lhuentse and together forms Manas river flowing through the southern part of the district of Zhemgang. Manas is a transboundary river flowing farther across the border into India and finally drains into the Brahmaputra river. We follow the Dangme Chhu river downstream all the way until we reach Sheri Chhu, one of the many tributaries of Dangme Chhu and then gradually climb up snaking through the picturesque village of Yadhi until we reach our destination, Mongar town.

Total driving distance 140km, Driving time 4.5-hours, Mongar Altitude 1600m

After early hearty breakfast, drive to Lhuentse via the village of Autsho where you may have to spend a night tomorrow (Day 8) if the accommodation at Trogon Village is not available. Continue the journey along the Kuri Chhu upstream all the way until we reach Lhuentse.

On Arrival in Lhuentse, traditional lunch will be served at one of the farmhouses. After lunch, visit Gangzur Village situated around 2 km from the proper Lhuentse. This village is famous for its pottery as its women folk are skilled artisans of this dying art and you will definitely want to witness the women displaying their skills. Earthenware pots were mostly used for cooking in the olden days. One particular pot you would see in every household especially in the east is the one they use for brewing the local alcohol known as ‘Ara’.

Visit Khoma Village: This village is known throughout the country for its signature handwoven textile, the Kishuthara. Not so long ago, many of the households would have at least one member of the family weaving. With modernization creeping into even the remotest villages, the art of traditional weaving is dwindling. The government has helped this community to set up a center to promote and preserve traditional weaving. The women weavers sit in a row of the makeshift textile cottage, weaving intricate designs and patterns. If you find any piece of textile you like, this is the best opportunity to buy at a much cheaper price than buying it from other handicraft shops elsewhere in the country.

Driving distance 78km, Driving time 2.5-hours, Lhuentse Altitude 1400m

After breakfast, visit the world’s tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan Buddhism. A 154ft statue of Guru Padmasambhava is located at Takila under Menbi Gewog which is about 1-hour drive from Khoma. You will have an opportunity to pray and spend some time. We will then drive to Yongkola where you will halt a night at Trogon Villa amidst nature. If the Trogon Villa is not available, you will stay at Phayul Resort.

From Lhuentse we will drop down to an elevation of 500 meters within less than 2.5-hours and cross the bridge over the Kuri Chhu river. We drive past Lingmethang, a small bustling settlement where Mountain Hazelnut Venture, one of the very few FDI enterprises in Bhutan, has set up their base.

Trogon Villa is a small and cozy eco-lodge that provides the comfort and luxury expected of a 3-star boutique hotel meant to cater to tourists. Yongkola, where Trogon Villa is located, lies in between Bumthang and Mongar. It is 142 kilometers away from Bumthang, 90 kilometers from Lhuentse and 50km from Mongar town. Yongkola has long been recognized as one of the hotspots for birding in Asia. If you arrive early, you will have a good opportunity to observe birds in the surrounding nature.

Note: If the rooms are not available at Trogon Villa, you will stay at Phayul Resort in the village of Autsho which you will pass by at about 1-hour drive from Lhuentse.

Driving distance 90km, Driving time 3-hours, Yongkola Altitude 1600m

After early breakfast, we begin overland journey to Tang Valley passing through several villages. The Kingdom of Bhutan has one of the most rugged mountain terrains in the world and this journey will give you an understanding of the natural geographic features of Bhutan.

The drive will be a gradual ascent through different vegetation, within 3 hours we’ll be crossing the second-highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan, Thrumshing La Pass at an elevation of 3,780m/12,400ft above sea level. From Thrumshing La Pass we descend gradually and pass through the village of Ura and soon cross Tang Chhu river before reaching our destination, Tang Valley.

Just after crossing the Tang Chhu river, there is a famous sacred Lake known as Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa, the most revered 15th century Saint from Bumthang, went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the mid-eight century AD with butter lamp still burning brightly held in his hand. Some treasures discovered from the lake by Terton Pema Lingpa include Zung (the inner offerings of the statues) and the statue of Guru Rinpoche, which can still be seen today at Tamshing Lhakhang which you will visit tomorrow (Day 10). On arrival in Tang Valley, you will check into the Ogyen Choling Guest House for overnight.

Driving distance 129km, driving time 5-hours, Tang Valley altitude 2800m

After breakfast, visit the Ogyen Choling Museum which was a palace owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan. It was turned into a private museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The museum gives a profound insight not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th century but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

We then drive for about 1.5-hours to Bumthang valley and visit the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. We'll also visit the 17th-century Kurjey Lhakhang built on a site where Guru Padmasambhave subdued an evil spirit that was harming the local people.

After lunch, we visit the Swiss Chees & Wine Factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, as Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. If interested you will visit the 14th-century Tamzhing Lhakhang. This temple is built by Terton Pema Lingpa, a patron saint of Bhutan who discovered treasures from the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Among the many treasures and religious artifacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armoury that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armoury.

Leisure time to explore the Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang district.

Driving distance 35km, Driving time 1.5-hours

Following an early breakfast, drive to the valley of Phobjikha. En route, stop briefly at Chumey village to see Yathra Weaving Center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. From there continue to drive gaining altitude gradually and reach a serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425m/11,235ft and then descend down to Trongsa.

Trongsa holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. If interested, we can visit the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong (Fortress).

After lunch, continue driving to Phobjikha valley. En route stop briefly at Chendebji, an 18th-century Buddhist stupa built replicating the Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu to subue the malevolent spirit that was said to inhabit the area in the form of a giant snake.

On arrival in Phobjikha valley, visit the famous landmark in the valley, Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (Gonpa literally means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance) founded in 1613. You'll opportunity to meet the monks and pray at the magnificent monastery.

Driving distance 155km, Driving time 4.5-hours, Phobjikha Altitude 3000m

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll go on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km long and takes approximately 3 hours including ample time to take photographs and observe pristine natural surroundings. The nature trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and leads through wonderful meadows, forests, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands, crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the community living there. A traditional lunch can be served in one of the farmhouses.

After lunch, drive to Punakha valley and visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". People from all walks of life, especially couples who are not able to bear offspring, visits this temple for blessings. There are many stories of couples who are blessed with a child after visiting the temple.

You'll explore the village in the neighbourhood and mingle with the local people.

Driving distance 80km, Driving time 2.5-hours, Punakha Altitude 1200m

Today, before we drive Thimphu, we will do a 2-hour return hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten a Buddhist temple built on the beautiful mountain ridge overlooking the fertile valley of Punakha. Visit the historic and the most beautiful Punakha Dzong considered as the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu via a sacred mountain pass, Dochu La (3,150m/10,330ft) and enjoy the panoramic view of some of the highest snow-capped mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting).

Thimphu is the capital city home to approximately 115,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights and commercial billboards.
Leisure time to explore the streets of Thimphu.

Driving distance 74km, Driving time 2.5-hours, Thimphu Altitude 2334m

Today you'll visit some of the main attractions in Thimphu and transfer to Paro in the afternoon.

After breakfast, visit the marvellous 169ft/51.5m tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located at Kuensel Phodrang, a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. From there drive to visit the national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang, a 13th-century temple built by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who played an important role in the early spread of the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan. His son, Nyima, extended and built many of the statues inside the temple which are invaluable national treasures of Bhutan. Apart from the magnificent statues and other holy scriptures, the temple also has Bum Gye Dring Due Sum (sixteen volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita) which is the original copy handwritten by Nyima himself.

Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts of Bhutan are taught. The traditional arts and crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that has been practised from time immemorial. If the class is in session when you arrive, you will be allowed to enter the classroom and observe students as they get hands-on training.

Traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Musuem Restaurant located nearby. After lunch, visit the Naitonal Library & Archives of Bhutan which is the fundamental source of Bhutanese history, medicine, arts & culture. Both National Library and Zorig Chusum opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

We then drive to Paro for overnight. Driving distance 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours

Today, on the last full day of your trip, you will hike to the famed Taktsang Monastery and in the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine.

Taktsang monastery or popularly known as Tiger's Nest is located on a steep 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. The round trip hike normally takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. You can hike at your own pace but it is recommended to start early. If you and your group are not interested to hike up, you'll visit Dzongdrakha monastery, an easier and smaller version of Tiger's Nest.

Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. If interested, you can take a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of US$15 per person charged by the owner.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.