Explore Eastern Bhutan

Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and driven to Samdrup Jongkhar. The journey passes through scenic tea gardens, clear flowing rivers, peaceful villages, and lively small towns rich in culture. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the town.

Following breakfast, you will set out for Trashigang, the main commercial center of eastern Bhutan. The drive is a scenic one, taking you through a beautiful range of landscapes—from tropical forests to lush broadleaved vegetation—alongside picturesque villages and diverse ecological zones. Along the way, you will stop at Narphung, Wamrong, Khaling, and Kanglung, offering great opportunities to meet and interact with local communities.

Drive to Rangjung, a small town set along the riverbank, and visit Rangjung Monastery, founded by Garab Rinpoche. Continue a short distance to explore the villages of Radhi and Phongmey, well known for producing “bura” gho and kira—traditional textiles woven from raw silk. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a local farmhouse, and if you’re lucky, you may meet Brokpas—semi-nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng—who come to trade yak butter, cheese, and dried meat for essential goods. Later in the evening, return to Trashigang for an overnight stay.

Travel onward to Mongar, passing through a series of charming villages. The journey follows the Gamri River, winding through cornfields and banana groves before gradually climbing toward Yadi, where you can pause for a refreshing cup of tea. Continue the ascent to Kori La Pass (2,450m), a well-known spot for bird enthusiasts, and then descend into Mongar. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the town and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Mongar.

Following breakfast, set out for Lhuentse, one of Bhutan’s most remote districts, renowned for its vibrant and intricate weaving traditions. Formerly called Kurtoe, this region is also the ancestral home of the royal family. The journey offers striking scenery, with dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and thick coniferous forests. Visit Khoma Village, where you can observe skilled women weaving beautiful textiles with remarkable precision, and enjoy warm interactions as many households welcome visitors inside. In the evening, return to Autsho for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Begin your journey toward central Bhutan, where the pace of life and level of development contrast with that of the east. Today’s drive takes around six hours and is especially thrilling as you cross Thrumshing La Pass, rising to 3,750 meters. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the pass while taking in the stunning surrounding views. Along the way, you may choose to walk short stretches to stretch your legs, with your vehicle following close by. The route also takes you through Ura Village, known for its medieval charm, cobblestone lanes, and the distinctive traditional attire worn by the women.

Spend a full day exploring Bumthang Valley, with visits to important landmarks such as Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang—closely linked to Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet—Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples dating back to the 8th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed stroll through Bumthang town, where you can meet and interact with the local community.

Today’s journey takes you to Punakha. Along the way, stop at Trongsa Dzong, a remarkable example of Bhutanese architectural brilliance. Enjoy lunch at Chendebji, known for its uniquely designed chorten in Nepalese style, featuring painted eyes on all four sides. After an exciting drive over two scenic high passes, you will reach Punakha.

Following breakfast, explore Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monastic body. Then drive to Lobesa and take a short 20-minute hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the “Divine Madman,” widely known as a fertility shrine. After lunch, cross the suspension bridge and continue on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, passing through rice fields, farms, and lush pine forests. The panoramic view from the chorten is truly breathtaking. Finally, walk back down to the road where your vehicle will be waiting.

Drive to the capital, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. At Dochula, you can also visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. In afternoon, enjoy a stroll in Thimphu city.

Spend the day exploring Thimphu, starting with visits to the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the School of Arts and Crafts (also called the painting school), the Folk Heritage Museum, the Buddha Dordenma Statue, and the Motithang Takin Preserve. In the afternoon, head to Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” You can also stop by a local archery ground to watch Bhutanese locals enjoying their traditional game.

Following breakfast, drive towards Paro, with a stop at Chhuzom, the confluence where you may see local farmers along the roadside selling fresh vegetables, apples, and dried cheese. After lunch, begin sightseeing in Paro with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. From the dzong, take a short walk down to the road, crossing a traditional wooden bridge. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in the country. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk around Paro town.

End your journey in Bhutan with a hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, the country’s most iconic pilgrimage site, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,180 meters. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century spiritual master, flew to this sacred spot on the back of a tigress to meditate. Enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant located midway up the mountain, then explore the monastery before making your way back down to Paro.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure, where our representative will warmly see you off.