”Take the road less traveled through an incredible overland journey across Bhutan. This 13 day tour pulls together the best of western, central and eastern Bhutan. Our journey starts in the gentle valleys of the west (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue), through central Bhutan (Trongsa and Bumthang) and ends in the rugged eastern valleys of Mongar, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar. It covers a distance of about 850 kilometres (528 miles) and crosses six major passes. Exit in the south-eastern corner of Bhutan, at Samdrup Jongkhar, then fly out from Guwahati in Assam”
| DAY 01 | ARRIVE PARO (by Druk Air), THIMPHU |
| On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of eastern Himalayan peaks. Afternoon visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. | |
| DAY 02 | PARO |
| Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest). The beautiful excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While returning to hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro | |
| DAY 03 | PARO – THIMPHU |
| After breakfast drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in Bhutan built in 1627). If time permits visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and Handicrafts Emporium. Evening free and overnight at the hotel. | |
| DAY 04 | THIMPHU - PUNAKHA |
| Morning visit the National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo. After lunch drive to Punakha (an ancient capital of Bhutan). Stop en route at Dochula pass (3050 m) for refreshments. On a clear day this pass often offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Late afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong (the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body) Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. | |
| DAY 05 | PUNAKHA – GANTEY – TRONGSA |
| After breakfast drive to Trongsa is via Wangdue and across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft). The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. Enroute visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Then continue onwards, reaching Chendebji Chorten in time for lunch. Arrive at Trongsa in afternoon and check into the hotel for the night. | |
| DAY 06 | TRONGSA – BUMTHANG |
| After breakfast, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Then drive to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley of Bumthang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang. | |
| DAY 07 | BUMTHANG |
| This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where the saint Guru Pasmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock) and Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa). We also visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the town and villages. Overnight in Bumthang. | |
| DAY 08 | BUMTHANG (Excursion to Tang) |
| Tang is the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys. Its agricultural yields are meagre and people there mostly raise sheep and, at higher elevations, yaks. It provides opportunity to visit the local village and farm houses. We also make a short hike to visit Ugyencholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which houses a small eco-museum. On the way back to Jakar, we can visit the Member Tso “Flaming Lake” one of Bhutan’s a most sacred pilgrimage site where devotees float small-lighted butter lamps on the water. | |
| DAY 09 | BUMTHANG – MONGAR |
| The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain. The drive with spectacular views will take about 7 hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4,000 m). The descent stops at 700m, on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forest, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar. | |
| DAY 10 | MONGAR – TRASHIGANG |
| After breakfast drive across Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chorten and a stone wall. The first part of the journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving the famous ziazags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement. About 40 km onwards lies Trashigang at 1000m. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang. | |
| DAY 11 | TRASHIGANG (Excursion to Trashi Yangtse) |
| Drive 24 km from Trashigang, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. Further ahead reach to Doksum village where you can see women busy in weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and a chain bridge dating of the 15th century. Visit to Trashiyangtse Dzong, situated at the alt. of 1,850 m. In former times Trashiyangtse was important centre because it lies on one of the caraven routes leading from western and central Bhutan.The dzong is new and near by are the Art school and the famous chorten Kora. Evening return to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Trashigang. | |
| DAY 12 | TRASHIGANG – SAMDRUP JONGKHAR |
| Trashigang — Samdrup Jongkhar road completed in 1965 and the journey takes about 6 hours. Along the way, pass by Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. Also visit the Zangtho Pelri temple built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. It represents Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. Driving ahead, reach to Khaling to visit the Blind School and Weaving Centre. Deothang, 80 kms from Khaling is the centre of Technical training college and road maintenance head quarters for the east. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns. Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar. | |
| DAY 13 | DEPART SAMDRUP JONGKHAR (by Road) |
| After breakfast transfer to Bhutan border where you will be picked up by Indian agent for onward destination. Drive to Guwahati airport, to board flight to Kolkata / Delhi. | |
*Itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and schedules, email us for detailed itinerary.*
