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Gomphukora Festival

Experience authentic Bhutan with Tarema Tours.

Overview

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 12 Nights
Tour Route Map
Route Map

Duration

13 Days>

👥

Group Size

2 & above

🎒

Tour Grade

Easy>

🛏

Accommodation

Hotels / Homestay

🚶

Walking Hours

4–5 Hours

🌤

Best Season

Mar-may, Sep-Oct

Tour Highlights

  • Scenic countryside drive from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar through tea gardens and rivers.
  • Experience authentic eastern Bhutan and the vibrant Gomkora Festival in Trashigang.
  • Cross breathtaking mountain passes on the way to the cultural valleys of Bumthang.
  • Visit majestic dzongs including Trongsa Dzong and Punakha Dzong.
  • Discover the charm of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu and beautiful Paro valley,Hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

PREVIEW THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar
Bhutan

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.

DAY 2 Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang
Takin Reserve

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.

DAY 3 Gomkora Festival
Punakha

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.”

DAY 4 Trashigang to Mongar
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 5 Mongar to Bumthang
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 6 Bumthang Sightseeing
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 7 Bumthang to Punakha
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 8 Punakha
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 9 Punakha to Thimphu
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 10 Thimphu Sightseeing
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 11 Thimphu to Paro
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 12 Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Punakha Valley

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.

DAY 13 Departure
Punakha Valley

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Our team will bid you farewell and wish you a pleasant journey home.

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