16 Days Amazing Bhutan From East to West

Our guide and the driver will pick you up upon your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan and drive to visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. This unique watchtower built in 1649 was converted into the National Museum in 1968.

From there drive to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong originally built in 1646 as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of the Paro district and head of the district monk body. After visiting the dzong we take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge built across Paro river (Pa Chhu) just below the Dzong. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridge is called Bazam.

If time permits, drive to visit Sang Choekhor Monastery located on a hilltop overlooking the Paro Valley presenting grand panoramic views. It takes about 30 mins drive from the main Paro town to reach the monastery.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll take a mountain flight to Yonphula Domestic Airport, Trashigang in the east of Bhutan and drive to Tashiyangtse for overnight stay.

Domestic flight service has helped visitors to cut short traveling time from a strenuous 15 hours drive to just 45 mins. The mountain flight presents you with stunning aerial views of the pristine mountainous topography of Bhutan. Upon arrival at the Yonphula Domestic Airport, you will be transferred to Trashigang town which is just 20km away and takes 1 hour to drive.

After lunch at Trashigang, we drive to Trashiyangtse which as bifurcated from Tashigang District in 1992 and became new district. The District of Trashi Yangtse is ethnically and culturally diverse and has some of the revered historical and cultural sites.

En route, we stop briefly at Gom Kora, a sacred site blessed by the 8th-century Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan Buddism. The temple that stands on the sacred site was built in the 17th century. A famous annual festival is hosted here during the Spring attracting hundreds of spectators not only from the other parts of the country but also from the neighboring Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Continue driving for 1.5 hours and then enter the picturesque town of Trashi Yangtse set amidst the fertile paddy fields and Kholong Chhu river cutting through the gorge below.

Distance from Yonphula Domestic Airport - Trashiyangtse 85km, Driving time 3-hours, Trashigang altitude 1065m, Tashiyangtse 1715m

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Karmaling

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the sightseeing by first visiting one of the well-known landmarks in this region, Chorten Kora (Chorten means ‘Buddist Stupa’ and Kora means ‘circumambulation’) built in 1740 AD over the span of 12 years. Though smaller in size, Chorten Kora is believed to be the replica of the Boudanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The people of Trashi Yangtse are well known for their incredible skills in woodwork and paper making. The items they produce such as traditional wooden cups and bowls known as Dhapa are prized throughout the country.

Also located in this town is the School of Traditional Arts where the six forms of traditional arts are taught – Painting, Pottery, Wood Sculpture, Wood Turning, Lacquer work and applique embroidery.

After lunch at the hotel, drive back to Trashigang. Distance from Trashiyangtse - Trashgang 55km, Driving time 2-Hours

On arrival in Trashigang, visit Trashignag Dzong which was built in 1659. The Dzong houses the office of the district governor and head of the district clergy. Trashigang was once the largest and bustling trade center for merchants in the east. It is one of the largest Dzongkhag (district) in the country. Although new development is taking place as time changes, we still see the quaint old-fashioned town of the 80s due to its location in the gorge with very limited space for expansion.

Dinner and overnight at Lingkhar Lodge or Hotel Druk Deothjung

Today we will drive to the alpine village of Merak which was opened to tourism only in 2010 with great care to safeguard the unique customs and lifestyle of this small community. We may have to change the vehicle to a sturdy Indian Bolero 4×4 SUV as the road is unpaved. The road cannot be used during the rainy season (late Jun - Aug) and during winter (Dec - Feb) as of 2021.

En route, we pass through Rangjung, a small commercial hub of several villages in the area. Continue driving through Radhi, a village known as "Rice Bowl of the East" for being the largest producer of rice in the east. The village of Radhi is also known for producing naturally dyed raw silk textiles in the country. If interested, we can visit one of the fine monasteries located in the upper part of Radhi. The road takes you through the picturesque terraced rice fields and beautiful traditional rural houses. Continue driving for the next 2.5 hours or so till we reach our destination.

Approximate distance from Trashigang - Merak Village 66km approx of which 30km is a dirt road as of 2021, Driving time: Approx. 3.5-hours, Merak Altitude 3,500m/11,485ft.

Dinner and overnight at Merak Homestay with the local family

Today’s excursion around the village is one of the main highlights of the trip. Merak and its neighbouring village of Sakteng which is a day’s walk away from Merak are popularly known as Brokpas (highlander). They speak a vernacular dialect called Mira Saktengpa or Brokpa Kha. They live a semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. So their primary economy is based on livestock. With development taking place, the lives of Brokpas have improved and their lifestyles evolving.

One prominent change brought by modernization to their lifestyle is the way they conduct their trading. In the olden days, they traveled from village to village even across the border to Arunachal Pradesh, India carrying dairy products like meat, cheese, butter, wool, leather, etc. and barter it for essential food grains, oil, sugar, salt, chilies, etc.

With road infrastructure right up to their village and easy access to the market at Rangjung and Trashigang, the barter system is almost nonexistent. They sell their dairy and animal products for cash. However, their tradition and culture, mainly involving affairs within the village, passed down from generation to generation still remain undiluted and play an important part in the social life of the Brokpas.

You will visit some of the places of interest within the village with historical and religious significance, visit the family home, observe their daily life, and delight your taste buds with exotic local cuisine. You may also want to try on their unique traditional costumes which totally stands out from the national dress Gho (men’s dress) and Kira (women’s dress).

Perhaps you can also visit the school where you can interact with weather-beaten but inquisitive and cheerful students. The whole village of Merak is a cluster of houses on a beautiful meadow surrounded by scattered dwarf rhododendrons.

Dinner and overnight at Merak Homestay with the local family

After breakfast, bid farewell to the community and drive back to Trashigang. En route, visit Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery, a Buddhist monastic school built on a mound overlooking the town of Rangjung and the surrounding area. The head abbot of this monastery is His Holiness Dungsey Garap Dorji Rinpoche, who has followers worldwide. Drive to Trashigang for lunch.

After lunch in Trashigang town, we drive down to the gorge through which one of the largest rivers in Bhutan, Dangme Chhu flows and cross the Chazam bridge. Dangme Chhu is joined by Kuri Chhu which flows from Lhuentse and together forms Manas river flowing through the southern part of the district of Zhemgang. Manas is a transboundary river flowing farther across the border into India and finally drains into the mighty Brahmaputra river. We follow the Dangme Chhu river downstream all the way until we reach Sheri Chhu, one of the many tributaries of Dangme Chhu and then gradually climb up snaking through the picturesque village of Yadhi until we reach our destination, Mongar town.

Distance from Merak - Mongar 140km, Driving time 5 hours, Mongar altitude 1,600m/5,250ft

Dinner and overnight at Wangchuk Hotel or Druk Zhongar Hotel

After an early hearty breakfast, drive to Lhuentse via the village of Autsho where you may have to spend a night tomorrow (Day 8) if the accommodation at Trogon Villa is not available. Continue the journey along the Kuri Chhu upstream until we reach Lhuentse.

On Arrival in Lhuentse, traditional lunch will be served at one of the farmhouses. After lunch, visit Khoma Village which is known throughout the country for its signature handwoven textile, the Kishuthara. Not so long ago, many of the households would have at least one member of the family weaving. With modernization creeping into even the remotest villages, the art of traditional weaving is dwindling. The government has helped this community to set up a center to promote and preserve traditional weaving. The women weavers sit in a row of makeshift textile cottages, weaving intricate designs and patterns. If you find any piece of textile you like, this is the best opportunity to buy at a much cheaper price than buying it from other handicraft shops elsewhere in the country.

Visit Gangzur Village situated around 2 km from the proper Lhuentse. This village is famous for its pottery as its women folks are skilled artisans of this dying art and you will want to witness the women displaying their skills. Earthenware pots were mostly used for cooking in the olden days. One particular pot you would see in every household especially in the east is the one they use for brewing the local alcohol known as ‘Ara’.

Distance from Mongar - Lhuentse 78km, Driving time 2.5 hours, Lhuentse average altitude: 1,400m/4,590ft

Dinner and overnight at Ugyen Gaki Pelzom Guest House or Chimi Yuden Homestay

After breakfast, visit the world’s tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. A 154ft statue of Guru Padmasambhava is located at Takila under Menbi Gewog which is about 1-hour drive from Khoma village. The main statue was completed and consecrated in 2015. It was constructed with prophecies from Buddhist luminaries like Terton Lerab Lingpa and Dudjom Jidrel Yeshey Dorji. It is for the peace and prosperity of Bhutan and also as a monument of world peace. You will have an opportunity to pray and spend some time. We'll then drive to Yongkola where you will halt a night at Trogon Villa amidst nature. If the Trogon Villa is not available, you will stay at Phayul Resort.

From Lhuentse we will drop down to an elevation of 500 meters within less than 2.5-hours and cross the bridge over Kuri Chhu river. We drive past Lingmethang, a small bustling settlement where Mountain Hazelnut Venture, one of the very few FDI enterprises in Bhutan, has set up its base.

Trogon Villa, located at Yongkola on the way to Bumthang is a small and cozy eco-lodge that provides the comfort and luxury expected of a 3-star boutique hotel meant to cater to tourists. It is 142 kilometers away from Bumthang, 90 kilometers from Lhuentse and 50km from Mongar town. Yongkola has long been recognized as one of the hotspots for birding in Asia. If you arrive early, you will have a good opportunity to observe birds in the surrounding nature.

Distance: 90km, Time: 3 hours, Yongkola Altitude: 1,8550m/6,085ft

Overnight at Trogon Villa Lodge. If the rooms are not available at Trogon Villa, you will stay at Phayul Resort in the village of Autsho which we passed at about 1-hour drive from Lhuentse.

After early breakfast, we begin our long but enjoyable journey to Tang Valley passing through several villages. The Kingdom of Bhutan has one of the most rugged mountain terrains in the world and this journey will give you an understanding of the natural geographic features of Bhutan.

The drive will be a gradual ascent through different vegetation, within 3 hours we’ll be crossing the second-highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan, Thrumshing La Pass at an elevation of 3,780m/12,400ft above sea level. From Thrumshing La Pass we descend gradually and pass through the village of Ura and soon cross Tang Chhu river before reaching our destination, Tang Valley.

Just after crossing Tang Chhu river, there is a famous sacred Lake known as Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa, the most revered 15th-century Saint from Bumthang, went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the mid-eighth century AD with butter lamp still burning brightly held in his hand. Some of the treasures discovered from the lake by Terton Pema Lingpa include Zung (the inner offerings of the statues) and the statue of Guru Rinpoche, can still be seen today at Tamshing Lhakhang which you will visit tomorrow (Day 10).

Distance from Trogon Villa - Tang valley is Approx. 129km, Driving time 5.5 hours, Tang Valley Altitude 2,800m/9,186ft

Dinner and overnight at Ogyen Choling Guest

After breakfast, before we drive to Bumthang valley, visit a privately owned Ogyen Choling Museum. Although Ogyen Choling was a palace owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan, it was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance.

The curator, Kunzang Choden, is the owner of the museum and the direct descendant of the original family. If Kunzang Choden happens to be at home, she herself will guide you through the museum giving you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

We then drive to Bumthang valley also known as Jakar which will take about 1hr 15min. Arriving Jakar, visit 17th-century Kurney Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism.

Check into the hotel and settle for lunch. After lunch, visit the Swiss Cheese & Wine Factory and Tamzhing Lhakhang. Swiss Cheese Processing Unit & Winery was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. After that visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory. This is one activity enjoyed by all visitors with fun and a sense of veneration.

Leisure time around Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang.

Overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge

Following an early breakfast, drive to the valley of Phobjikha. En route, stop briefly at Chumey village to see Yathra Weaving Center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand-woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights into the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang.

Continue to drive gaining altitude gradually and reach a serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425m/11,235ft and then descend down to Trongsa which holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th century. Arriving Trongsa, visit the Royal Heritage Museum which provides fascinating insights into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history. If interested, you can also visit the largest fortress in Bhutan, 17th-century Trongsa Dzong.

After lunch, we drive to Phobjikha valley passing 18th-century Chendebji built to subdue the malevolent spirit in the area. Continue driving to Phobjikha, a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,800ft and a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibet by the beginning of spring season.

Distance from Bumthang - Phobjikha valley 188km, Driving time 5.5-hours, Phobjikha altitude 3,000m/9,840ft

Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Yue-Loki Guesthouse

Today you'll visit Gangtey Monastery and do an exhilarating hike in the valley and after lunch transfer to Punakha valley.

Gangtey Monastery is an important landmark in Phobjikha valley and is one of the biggest monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa founded in 1613 (gonpa literally means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance). We'll offer prayers and then begin the exciting hiking adventure.

Gangtey Nature Hike is about 5km long and takes approximately 3 hours including ample time to take photographs and observe pristine natural surroundings. The nature trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and leads through wonderful meadows, forests, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands, crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the community living there.

After lunch, transfer to Punakha valley known for growing rice owing to its favourable climatic conditions. Just about 11km before reaching the proper Punakha town, you'll visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility" which is associated with 15th-century Tibetan Lama Drukpa Kunley who is affectionately known as Devine Madman. One of the relics of the temple among other invaluable Buddhist artefacts, is a wooden phallus used to bless visitors especially women who are unable to conceive. Married couples often come to this sacred temple seeking blessings from the Devine Madman and there are true stories of many couples who were blessed with a child after visiting the temple.

Distance from Phobjikha - Punakha 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Punakha altitude 1,200m/3,900ft

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resor

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll do a beautiful hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, visit Punakha Dzong and after lunch transfer to the capital city Thimphu.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the picturesque and fertile Punakha valley with the Mochu River meandering through the valley gorge. The round trip hike begins from the nearest road head after crossing the suspension bridge over Mochu River and takes about 3 hours through the terraced rice fields and a short hike uphill before reaching the sacred site.

After the hike, we return to the road head and drive to visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th-century Punakha Dzong which serves as the office of the district governor and head clergy of the Punakha district. You'll spend some time appreciating the ornate woodwork and sacred wall paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist luminaries.

After lunch, transfer to the capital city Thimphu via Dochula, a mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m above sea level. On a clear day, you can see the grand panoramic views of some of the highest snow-capped mountains of Bhutan. From Dochula, we descend for about 45mins until we reach Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights.

Distance from Punakha - Thimphu 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Thimphu altitude 2,334m/7,600ft

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Today, you'll visit some of the main attractions in Thimphu and then transfer to Paro after lunch.

We begin by visiting the largest sitting Buddha Dordhenma statue located at Kuensel Phodrang, a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley. The 169ft statue was built in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the Great Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Visit the national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 13th century by Tibetan Lama Drugom Zhigpo who played an important role in the early spread of the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism to Bhutan. His son, Nyima, extended and built many of the statues inside the temple which are invaluable national treasures of Bhutan. Apart from the magnificent statues and other holy scriptures, the temple also has Bum Gye Dring Due Sum (sixteen volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita) which is the original copy handwritten by Nyima himself.

From there we go to visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where special training is provided to students in 13 traditional Bhutanese arts & crafts. After a traditional lunch at the nearby Folk Heritage Restaurant, we drive to the Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu streets (OPTIONAL). We pass by Centenary Farmers' Market where farmers from across the country bring their farm produce during the weekend. You'll see food cultures and preferences in Bhutanese society. Then go to Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery where you'll archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

We then drive to Paro for overnight stay. Distance from Thimphu - Paro 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Paro altitude 2,200m

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After an early breakfast, we drive to the base of the Taktsang Monastery and do the hike which takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. We encourage our guests to start early before the sun gets stronger.

Paro Taktsang or popularly known as "Tiger’s Nest" is built on the face of a sheer 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. The round-trip hiking normally takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also “a must-visit” place for tourists.

Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse which can carry one person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it.

After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we follow our steps back to the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time or directly to the hotel.

Later in the evening, we visit a beautiful farmhouse for dinner comprised of local cuisine. If interested, you may take a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an extra fee of about USD20 charged by the owner.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.