West to East Bhutan Traverse
The classic [and Indepth] west-to-east Bhutan tour typically involves traveling from the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang, Gangtey/Phobjikha, through the central heartlands of Trongsa, and Bumthang, and finally to the eastern districts of Mongar, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse, with departure from Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan or potentially Guwahati, India. The journey [road expedition] can be customized based on your interests and can include a mix of cultural sites, historical dzongs, ancient monasteries, vibrant festivals, village explorations, soft hiking and scenic drives.
West Bhutan
Day 1: The flight to Paro offers scenic views of the Himalayas. Arrive in Paro, transfer to your hotel, and explore Paro valley to get a sense of the place.
Day 2: Explore Paro, including a visit to Paro Dzong, National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Afternoon explore Paro market.
Day 3: Hike to the Iconic Tiger's Nest [Taktsang Monastery] and evening at leisure.
Day 4:Drive to Thimphu, the capital city, and begin sightseeing, including the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point and stroll in the city.
Day 5: Continue exploring Thimphu, School of Arts & Crafts, Takin Preserve, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Tashichho Dzong, National Stadium and Farmers Market.
Day 6: Drive to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass with its stunning Himalayan views, and visit a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple known for its fertility blessings.
Day 7: Explore Punakha further, including a hike to the majestic Khamsum Yuley Temple followed by exploration of Punakha Dzong [ Castle of Happiness], situated at the confluence of two rivers. Evening enjoy a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and unwind with cocktails[or mocktails] at a riverside café /bar.
Day 8: Drive to Phobjikha Valley, a beautiful glacial valley and a winter roosting ground for black-necked cranes. Enroute visit the imposing Wangdiphodrang fortress.
Day 9: Explore this beautiful valley, visit black-necked crane observation & research center, the magnificentGangtey monastery and enjoy walking on the scenic nature trail. In the late afternoon we explore a potato farming village and meet local folks
Central Bhutan
Day 10: Drive to Trongsa, passing through the Pele la pass, stunning landscapes, wayside towns, Chendebji stupa. Afternoon we visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan and the Tower of Trongsa Museum.
Day 11:Continue to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, and explore Jakar Dzong and wangdicholing museum. Afternoon enjoy a brisk walk to get a sense of the valley or enjoy a moment of relaxation at your lodge. Owing to its scenic beauty and charming villages. Bumthang is often regarded as Switzerland of the Bhutan.
Day 12: Full day exploration of the valley, we begin with a visit Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse to sample local deliciacies and to observe local life, and in the afternoon enjoy a short walk from Tamshing to Chamkhar. Evening we visit the famed Red Panda micro-brewery and cheese processing plant.
East Bhutan
Day 13: We enter the East today with a drive to Mongar traversing the Thrumshingla pass where we look out for the blood pheasants and red pandas [not the red panda beer] Along the way there will be plenty of photo-stops, rest room breaks and adhoc sightseeing. Mongar is an area well-known for its weaving traditions.
Day 14: Continue to Trashigang, the largest district of Bhutan, and visit Trashigang Dzong and Town. In the afternoon there will be options to enjoy a walk to a village in the periphery of your hotel or just hang around the town.
Day 15 : Enjoy a day excursion to the charming Tashiyangtsi valley where we visit the sacred site of Gom Kora, Insititutes of learning, crafts workshops and charming villages.
Day 16: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar the eastern frontier of Bhutan. The afternoon will be spent exploring the trading hub and also preparing for the exit to Assam, India tomorrow.
Day 17 : We transfer [3 hours drive] to Guwahati Airport, Assam for your onwards travels. We bid you farewell and happy travels !
