Day 1: Arrive at Guwahati Airport, India – Transfer to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan.
- Distance: 110 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Samdrup Jongkhar: 300 m / 984 ft above sea level.
Today you will be greeted at Guwahati airport by our Indian ground operator. Transfer by private vehicle to the India-Bhutan border where you will be greeted by our Bhutanese guide and driver. Samdrup Jongkhar is your typical border town with little of interest, being slightly chaotic and generally lacking in the charms the rest of Bhutan will unfold to you. The remainder of the day is at leisure to wander about the small bazaar area.
So please prepare for a ‘hard’ start and your rewards will come as your travel into Bhutan’s heartland. Please also note that hotels in Samdrup Jongkhar are generally only a 2-star standard however from the Tashigang onwards you will notice a distinct improvement in hotel quality.
Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 2: Transfer to Tashigang.
- Distance: 180 km
- Driving time: 7 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Tashigang: 1,700 m / 5,577 ft above sea level.
An early morning departure from Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang. En-route visit the small and relatively undeveloped village of Womrong which will offer your first view of a small Bhutanese Dzong and soon after the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang (temple). Next stop is Khaling, the site of an historic battlefield and location of the National Handloom Centre, where young girls from all over Bhutan are trained in traditional hand weaving and vegetable dyeing. Finally, visit the university town of Kanglung. Trashigang is a lively and interesting town and the bars are worth a visit this evening although they do close early at 8.00pm.
Overnight in Tashigang.
Day 3: Tashigang sightseeing.
Day excursion to Radhi village.
Eastern Bhutan is the heartland of weaving in the Kingdom and Bhutanese weaving and textiles are generally acknowledged as amongst the finest in the world. You will have an excellent opportunity to both trade and interact with the weavers themselves on today’s excursion to the weaving village of Radi, approximately 2.5 hours (each way) eastwards from Trashigang.
For those who wish to have the day at leisure you are welcome to spend time exploring Trashigang on your own or to take a short hike. The Dzong is worth visiting and offers excellent views from a high promontory overlooking the confluence of the Drangme Chhu (river) and Gamri Chhu. Up until the beginning of the 20th century all of eastern Bhutan was governed from this Dzong.
Overnight in Tashigang.
Day 4: Transfer to Mongar.
- Distance: 91 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Mongar: 1,600 m / 5,249 ft above sea level.
Enjoy a leisurely start for your journey westwards to Mongar today. There are no major points of interest in Mongar however it is essential to stop here en-route to the central Bumthang valleys and avoid a tortuous 11.5-hour road trip. When you descend into the valley of the Kuri Chhu you pass extensive cornfields and at the valley floor rice terraces, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapples, flourish.
When traveling through eastern Bhutan the dominant language is Sharchop which is different enough from Dzongkha (the national language of Bhutan). The towns between west and east Bhutan also differ as in western Bhutan most towns are situated in valleys whereas in eastern Bhutan most towns, including Mongar, are situated at the tops of hills or ridges.
Overnight in Mongar.
Day 5: Transfer to Bumthang
- Distance: 190 km
- Driving time: 8 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Bumthang: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft above sea level.
Early morning departure to Tang valley, Bumthang for this second and final longer drive on your journey through the Kingdom. The route between Mongar & Jakar is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. When crossing the Thrumsing La (Bhutan’s highest pass at 3780 meters) you are now officially departing eastern Bhutan & entering western Bhutan.
En route visit the Ura valley, the highest valley in Bumthang, and believed by some to have been the home of Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants. The cobbled streets of the very traditional village of Ura give a medieval feel and the old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.
Tang is the most remote of the Bumthang Valleys and due to poor soil quality, agricultural yields are scanty. However, the people of the valley raise sheep and the area turns bright pink in October when the Buckwheat is in bloom. We can choose to spend a night at the guest house there.
Overnight in Ugyen Choling palace guest house, Tang valley.
Day 6: Bumthang sightseeing.
Before departure to Jakar in the Choekhor Valley, A full day excursion to Tang Valley can include a visit to the Ogyen Choling Palace which was recently turned into a museum, hike down to the valley and continue with the visit to Tang Rimochen Lhakhang as well as Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery It is a nunnery in Tang Valley with about 90 nuns aged eight to 40+ reside and study at the temple and Burning Lake.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Discover Bumthang.
Today your sightseeing includes visits to the Wangdicholing Palace and one or both of the Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang, these are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom and all the Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang. Other visits include the Tamshing Monastery where we can see the oldest wall painting in Bhutan. Lunch at Bhutanese Farm House.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Transfer to Trongsa.
- Distance: 68 km
- Driving time: 2 hrs 30 mins drive.
- Altitude in Trongsa: 2,200 m / 7,217 ft above sea level.
Today, we transfer to Trongsa via the Chhume valley for the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts and textiles. This region is renowned for its exceptionally High-quality weavings. Traverse the Yotong La (pass) and continue on to Trongsa where the Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan. The Dzong has recently added the excellent Tower of Trongsa Museum into its ancient watchtower, which you will visit this afternoon, followed by an excursion to the Trongsa Dzong itself.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 9: Transfer to Phobjikha valley.
- Distance: 92 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Phobjikha: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft above sea level.
Continue westwards via the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan. This is the best place in Bhutan to see yaks from the road. You will pass the village of Rukubji surrounded by extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley and wheat and keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques.
Until recently the Phobjikha valley’s only electricity came from solar or mini hydro plants. In 2011 underground, cabled electricity gradually connected the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop once exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also barking deer, wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes.
Overnight in Phobjikha valley.
Day 10: Phobjikha valley.
While in Phobjikha visit the Black Crane nature information center and the sacred Gangtey Goemba (Monastery) plus take a wander through the quaint village of Gangtey and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail.
There are many more wonderful strolls & hikes in the Phobjikha Valley and your guide will recommend a suitable hike for your fitness and to suit the conditions. Alternatively, just enjoy the serenity and beauty of this very special place.
Overnight in Phobjikha valley.
Day 11: Transfer to Punakha.
- Distance: 87 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Punakha: 1,300 m / 4,264 ft above sea level.
This morning departs westwards for the Punakha valley. As you pass the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (destroyed by fire in June 2012). Noticed the large cacti that cover the surrounding hillsides. These were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From this point you can also view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are stonemasons, originally from India, and sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Punakha holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the valley visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk), which is a pleasant, easy 20-minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk. Continue on to the local Nunnery which was built by the maternal grandfather of the king.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 12: Punakha sightseeing.
This morning we visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formally served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress, and a center of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use.
Visit also includes Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) built by the maternal grandfather of the king. The Nunnery also serves as a higher learning institute and meditation center for Nuns. It is perched on a ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangdi valley.
This afternoon travel, up the valley & hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten along the river bank and through tiny villages surrounded by vegetable fields and rice paddies. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince, today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, by his mother who was one of the 4 former Queens.
Overnight in a Farmhouse, Punakha.
Day 13: Transfer to Thimphu.
- Distance: 71 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Thimphu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft above sea level.
This morning transfers by road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, via Dochula (Pass). At the pass view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen, and a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2003 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the Eastern Himalaya.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong built in 1629, the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded Thimphu.
Take time to wander Thimphu’s main streets which are safe and do consider a visit to a local bar this evening.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 14: Thimphu sightseeing.
This morning you will visit the biggest sitting Golden Buddha statue offering wonderful views of Thimphu city. Continue with the visit to the National Memorial Stupa, the celebrated Royal Textile Academy. Next visit Zorig Chusum – the Institute for the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan where you can interact with the students (week days except holiday/exam time and has restricted hours.
This afternoon another visit options are the colorful weekend markets, the Craft Bazaar on main street, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Post Office where you can have a stamp produced with your image on it and the Handmade Paper Factory.
For those who have an interest in quality weavings and local art check out the Gagyel Lhundrup weaving center, where you can interact with the weavers.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 15: Transfer to Paro
- Distance: 54 km
- Driving time: 1hr 20 mins drive.
- Altitude in Paro: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft above sea level.
Depart Thimphu at leisure for your short drive on Bhutan’s best road to the Paro Valley with a few short stops for sightseeing en route. Take lunch at a Paro town restaurant followed by an orientation tour of Paro valley’s main sights including the Rinpung Dzong with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakang, a most revered temple boasting an Orange Tree that perpetually bears fruit and the Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is the site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory from which the Bhutanese effectively repelled constant attacks from Tibet.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 16: Bumdra camp.
Sangchoekor monastery – Bumdra monastery.
- Distance: 7 km
- Camp Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,464 ft above sea level.
- Difficulty level – Moderate.
This trek is 4 hrs climb from the road end. On route to Bumdra campsite we will trek past a handful of temples and hermitages. Bumdra monastery and the camp site is located in the mountainside 3800 meters above sea level overlooking the Paro Valley. Bumdra Monastery is another 8th century temple blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Behind the altar, you can see what is believed to be the footprints of a thousand angles. Many monks come to this peaceful place to engage in meditation.
Overnight at Bumdrak camp site, Paro.
Day 17: Bumdrak camp site to Taktsang Monastery
Today, in the morning we will explore the nearby campsite before descending our way back to the valley floor from our campsite. It will be the end of your Bhutan adventure on a high with a pilgrimage hike visit to the majestic Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tigers Nest’. This is a pilgrimage all Bhutanese Buddhists endeavor to make at least once in their lives and each step they make along the trail counts as credits towards a bright future.
Lunch at Farm House followed by Traditional Hot Stone Bath which will help easy your muscle pain from the climb.
Time permitting, we encourage a wander along Paro’s main streets for some final shopping for souvenirs or step into the best fresh coffee shop called Mountain café.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 18: International Departure.
