This is a very long and suitable itinerary for tourists with enough holidays and who wish to see the varieties of cuisine, nature, culture and tradition of the whole Bhutan. Bhutan being the last surviving Mahayana Buddhism country in the Himalayan region, sandwiched between two powerful neighbouring countries gives you the high end-tourist destination where the people are guided by the values in everyday life. This tour will take you from the western to the furthest eastern part of Bhutan where you would be able to see unique and humble settlements with happy innocent people enriched with social and cultural values in their own manner. Even in such a small country you will be surprised to see the influence of western culture between the two extremes in their living style. By the end of the tour you will get a very good and then you may weigh between two extremes in any parameters.
Activities: Tours & Sightseeing
Duration: 15 Nights 16 Days
Season: Almost all season except monsoon (June, July and August)
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Altitude: 2200m/7260 ft
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative at the arrival gate. Today, take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on the heap of jewels). In 1644, its construction was ordered by Zhabdrung Rinpoche on the foundation of the monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Take a leisure walk down from the dzong cross through the oldest wooden cantilever bridge which is still in use. In the afternoon, visit Kichu Lhakhang, which is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day. And then drive to the ruined historic Drukgyel Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. Conclude your day with a leisurely evening walk.
Overnight: Paro
Day 02: Day Excursion to Haa
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2700 m/ 8810 ft
Distance: 68 km/ 40.8 miles
After breakfast, smoothly drive to Haa valley. Haa town sprawls along the Haa Chhu and forms two distinct areas. Much of the southern town is occupied by the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) camp and a Bhutanese army training camp. Near here is the dzong and monastery.
The three hills to the south of town are named after the Rigsum Gompo, the trinity of Chenrezig, Chana Dorji and Jampelyang; they also represent the valley’s three protector deities. Then explore Haa town and visit some of the spiritual sites in Haa valley.
Overnight: Paro
Day 03: Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, the car will drop you to the basement of the excursion to view spectacular and the most famous Taktshang monastery. You can climb up to the monastery through beautiful pine forests, many of the trees with the beautiful hanging of mosses (also called Old man’s beard) and pass through an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at Taktshang Cafeteria for a stunning view of the monastery and break for coffee as well. Then after some time resume your hike and continue until you see clearly within reach of the monastery. It is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe to Taktshang to subjugate demons and all evil spirits obstructing to flourish Buddhism and blessed them as the protector of the doctrine. It is also believed Guru Rinpoche has meditated here for three months and took his last manifestation in the form of Guru Dorje Dragpo (fierce thunderbolt) during subjugation. Later in the evening go around in the town and grasp some souvenirs from Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 04: Paro to Thimphu
Drive: 1 Hour
Altitude: Around 2300m/7590 ft
Distance: 65 km/ 39 miles
Afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit Royal Textile Academy (Textile Museum), next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday). In the evening take a picturesque evening walk in a town and later, in the evening you will get the privilege for Q&A on Buddhism with Rinpoche.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 05: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) which was built in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (also called father of modern Bhutan) in 1974. Then proceed further to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), which is undergoing construction and then to Takin Zoo (where national animals are kept) and to the one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan (also called Drubthob Goemba). Afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit weaving centre, next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 06: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive: 3 Hours
Altitude: 1350m/4455ft
Distance: 76 km/45.6miles
Drive through Dochula pass, which is at the elevation 3140m above the sea level. When the weather is sky blue clear, you can enjoy a scenic view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world in Bhutan and Himalayan ranges stretching almost 180 degrees. Sooner you can break for tea for some time and resume your way to Punakha via sub-tropical Forest. Afternoon, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (known as temple of fertility), which was built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in his honour after he subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Then take a visit to Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness) which is arguably the most stunning dzong in the country and construction was foretold by Guru Rinpoche. Then it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and was completed in the following year.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 07: Punakha to Phobjikha
Drive: 3 Hours
Altitude: 2900 m/9570 ft
Distance: 78 km/ 46.8 miles
After breakfast drive to the roosting ground of black-necked crane in Phobjikha valley. Black-necked cranes are one of the most endangered species of birds in the world. These birds winter in south-central Tibet, north-eastern Yunnan province in China and in some parts of Bhutan as well. After you enter Phobjikha valley, visit Gangtey Goenpa, in 15th century treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa prophesied that a Goenpa named gang-teng (hill top) would be built on this site and that his teaching would flourish far and wide from here. Gangtey is the only Nyingma monastery found in western Bhutan. Then take a Phobjikha Nature Trail hike from the Goenpa which takes around 1 ½ hours. It is simply a very beautiful hike and you can have a breathtaking view down in the valley and suppose you are lucky and in the right season you could see the black necked cranes in the valley. Thereafter, enjoy the way back to Punakha.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 08: Phobjikha to Trongsa
Drive: 5 Hours
Altitude:1900 m/ 6270 ft
Distance: 120 km/ 72 miles
Check out from the hotel, further drive to Trongsa over the Pelela pass which is at elevation 3420 m/11286 ft which forms the part of the Black Mountains that divides the country into east and west. Stop at Rukhubji and Chendepjee for a photo. Then drive towards Trongsa. Later in the evening visit Trongsa Dzong. The majestic Trongsa Dzong which has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. In 1541 a small meditation room on the site was carried out by Lam Ngagi Wangchuk after discovering the self-manifested hoof-prints belonged to the horse of the protector deity Pelden Lhamo. Later, the dzong was built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan. Then visit the defunct Ta Dzong (watch tower), which now displays the statuary and royal memorabilia. Then relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Trongsa
Day 09: Trongsa to Bumthang
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2600 m/ 8580 ft
Distance: 68 km/ 42.5 miles
In the morning, drive via Yutong La pass, which is at height of 3425 m/11302 ft. above the sea level. En route, visit the sacred holy place of Green Tara (Choeday Pung monastery) in Chumey, which was recently renovated and repaired by Choni Rangshar Rinpoche. On the way, stop at Yathra (wool) weaving place, near the roadside. It is very typical to Bhutanese people living in Bumthang Valley. Afternoon, leisurely exploring the tiny town of Chamkhar. Even Bumthang is one of the best places to taste typical cuisine called buckwheat noodles and pancakes of the central region of Bhutan. Have a total relax in the hotel.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang Sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lhakhang. Jampay Lhakhang is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day. This is the home of the naked dance which is still performing annually. Then further take a way to Kurjey Temple. The temple complex is named after the body imprint left by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century after taming the local deity and turning him into the protector deity of Bumthang valley. Then, take a walk across the suspension bridge and visit the Dorji Bee Farm house. Afternoon, visit Tamshing Goemba, it was built by Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Gonpa in the country. Finally end your day with a walk towards the Swiss farm. Evening take a leisure spree in Jakar town and try some typical local food in the restaurant.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 11: Bumthang Sightseeing
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to the famous Ugyen Choling Palace which is around 33 km away from the main road. Ugyen Choling is the 16th century naktshang (country manor), built by Tsokye Dorje, the one-time governor of Trongsa and a descendent of the Terton (treasure discoverer) Dorji Lingpa. The family that owns Ugyen Choling has turned the complex into a museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research and solitude. These traditional living quarters are recreated to exhibit the realistic atmosphere of the ancient lifestyles and living style of the people. En route, visit to the Mebar Tsho (flaming lake), where the Terton Pema Lingpa said to rediscover several treasures from the lake and then to the newly built paradise of Guru Rinpoche. Interior of the paradise was chiefly designed by Choni Rangshar Rinpoche.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 12: Bumthang to Mongar
Drive: 7 Hours
Altitude: 1800 m/5940 ft
Distance:198 km/118.8miles
Today’s drive takes you to Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country at 3700 m/12210 ft making this the most spectacular drive in the country through the natural rhododendron garden. En route visit a clustered village of Ura which is dominated by the temple and gives it a medieval atmosphere in a country. Then continue the journey to Mongar.
Overnight: Mongar
Day 13: Day Excursion to Lhuentse
Drive: 3 Hours
Distance:76 km/45.6 miles
After breakfast, make an excursion to Lhuentse district. Lhuentse is one the most important districts and it is the ancestral home of the royal family of Bhutan. The king of the treasure rediscoverer Pema Lingpa’s son Kuenga Gyaltshen settled in the north of Lhuentse and it is through him that the Bhutan’s Royal family, the Wangchuck Dynasty, traces their ancestry to the Kurtoe region. Shortly visit Lhuentse Dzong which sits high on the rocky outcropped cliff overlooking Kuri Chhu, with near vertical drops on all sides. Then visit Khoma Village. This village is very popular in the most expensive Kushuthara weavings. The weavings are so elaborate that it resembles embroidery and are generally used as Kiras (women’s traditional dress), though bags and other pieces are produced using back strap looms. Later, visit magnificent Takeyla Guru Rinpoche Statue, built by Khenpo Karpo Rinpoche and grandly consecrated coinciding with the descending day of Lord Buddha in 2015. Then retrace back to Mongar.
Overnight: Mongar
Day 14: Mongar to Trashi Yangtse
Drive: 5 Hours
Altitude: 1900 m/6270 ft
Distance:130 km/78 milesIn the morning, set off to Tashi Yangtse through famous Yadi loops and switchbacks. Here it is very popular for wooden containers made using water-driven and treadle lathes. En route, visit Gomphu Kora. It is a sacred meditation site of Guru Rinpoche. The Guru meditated here and even left a body imprint on a rock. Later visit Chorten Kora. It was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday in memory of his late uncle and to subdue local spirits. The lama went to Nepal personally himself and brought back a carved model of Bodhnath stupa. During the first month of the lunar calendar there is a kora (circumambulation) here, it is believed that people gain merit by walking around the chorten. It is celebrated on two separate dates, 15 days apart. The first day is for the people from Dakpa community in Arunachal Pradesh, India, who make the pilgrimage here on fifteenth day of the first month of lunar calendar to honor the sacrifice of the fifteen year old girl from Arunachal Pradesh who was enshrined in the chorten during construction to appease a troublesome demoness. The second kora is for the Bhutanese and is celebrated on the thirtieth day of the first month of the lunar calendar, who come from all over eastern part of Bhutan. Then take a leisure time in a very small town to see distinct traditional houses in Tashi Yangtse.
Overnight: Trashi Yangtse
Day 15: Trashi Yangtse to Trashigang
Drive: 2 Hours
Altitude: 2100m/6930 ft
Distance: 55 km/33 miles
In the morning, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum ( Arts and Crafts Institute). This art and craft institute was opened in 1997 to provide privileges in vocational training for those drop outs in the system of higher education and cultivate the richness of culture and tradition of Bhutan. This institute produces technically proficient craftspeople, while providing them with a basic educational basis. Then drive to Trashigang. Afternoon visit Trashigang Dzong. This dzong is on the high promontory that overlooks the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, the third secular ruler of Bhutan. The whole eastern region was reigned from this dzong from the late seventeenth century until the beginning of the twentieth century. Then take a total rest in a hotel.
Overnight: Trashigang
Day 16: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
Drive: 7 Hours
Altitude: 180 m/594 ft
Distance:180 km/108 miles
In the morning, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Pass through Sherubtse College, the first college in Bhutan. The late Father William Mackey, a Jesuit priest, was instrumental in setting up Sherubtse (A peak of Learning), Bhutan’s one and only college, in the late 1970’s. The government of India aided in the construction of the original modern school in 1964 as a part of the construction of road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar. Then proceed further, on the way to visit the National Handloom Development Project, operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. It contracts out weaving and provides cotton yarn on credit to villagers, who then return the finished products to be sold here or several places in Bhutan. Later in the evening, relax in your hotel and enjoy the last moment here in Bhutan.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 17: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati (India)
Drive: 2 Hours
Distance:110 km/66 miles
Transfer to the Guwahati Airport for your departure flight. Our team will bid you farewell from the Airport
