Gomkora Festival is a major event in eastern Bhutan, attracting visitors even from Arunachal Pradesh, India. According to legend, a demon fleeing Tibet hid in a large rock at the site, where Guru Rinpoche meditated for three days and transformed it into a guardian deity. The festival’s highlight is the circumambulation of this sacred black rock, with young locals walking around it at night, celebrating with music, dances, and often finding romance.
13 Days>
2 & above
Easy>
Hotels / Homestay
4–5 Hours
Mar-may, Sep-Oct
Upon arrival at Guwahati, our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to Samdrup Jongkhar. The scenic drive passes through lush tea gardens, crystal-clear rivers, peaceful villages, and charming townships rich in local culture. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk around the town.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Trashigang, the commercial heart of eastern Bhutan. The drive offers stunning landscapes, transitioning from tropical forests to broad-leaved vegetation, dotted with villages and farmlands. Stop along the way at Narphung, Wamrong, Khaling, and Kanglung to interact with locals and experience rural life.
Spend the day immersed in the vibrant Gomkora Festival, celebrated with devotion and color. People gather from across eastern Bhutan, including the Dakpa community from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. The highlight is the sacred circumambulation, inspired by the local saying: “Go around today, for tomorrow may be too late.”
Travel to Mongar, passing picturesque villages and following the Gamri River through cornfields and banana groves before gradually climbing toward Yadi. Pause for tea, then continue over Kori La Pass, a popular bird-watching spot, before descending into Mongar. Spend the evening exploring the town at leisure.
Today’s drive takes you to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The six-hour journey crosses Thrumshing La, one of the country’s highest passes, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the top. En route, visit Ura village, known for its cobbled streets and traditional homes.
Explore the spiritual and historical treasures of Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Later, stroll through town and mingle with the friendly locals.
Drive toward Punakha. On the way, visit Trongsa Dzong, an architectural masterpiece perched dramatically on a ridge. Stop for lunch at Chendebji to see the Nepalese-style chorten. After crossing scenic mountain passes, continue to Punakha for the night.
Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic body. Drive to Lobesa and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility. Later, walk across the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for spectacular valley views.
Drive to Thimphu, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass, where panoramic Himalayan views await. Visit Druk Wangyal Monastery before continuing to the capital. Enjoy an evening stroll around the city.
Discover Thimphu’s cultural highlights including King’s Memorial Chorten, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Buddha Dordenma, Motithang Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong. You may also watch locals enjoying Bhutan’s national sport at the archery grounds.
Drive to Paro, stopping at Chhuzom, the scenic river confluence. Visit Rinpung Dzong and walk across the traditional wooden bridge. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. Spend the evening exploring Paro town.
End your journey with a hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,180 meters. This revered pilgrimage site is associated with Guru Rinpoche’s meditation. Enjoy lunch at the halfway cafeteria before exploring the monastery and hiking back.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Our team will bid you farewell and wish you a pleasant journey home.
