Tour Overview

This 15-days overland journey across Bhutan combines the best cultural and natural aspects of eastern, central and western Bhutan. It gives an opportunity to discover the lesser known areas in far eastern Bhutan along with the notable sights of central and western Bhutan.

The journey takes you from Guwahati Airport (Assam, India) through Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern gateway to Bhutan) traversing the rugged terrain of the east (Samdrup Jongkhar, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtsi, and Mongar) and the gentle valleys of central and western Bhutan (Trongsa, Bumthang, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro).

This journey spans over six major passes and covers a distance of about 900 kilometers/ 535 miles.

Day 01 :

GUWAHATI AIRPORT – SAMDRUP JONGKHAR (184 km)

On arrival Guwahati Airport, you will go through the Immigration formalities and meet with Bhutan Journeys associate from Guwahati.
3 hours’ drive through Assam to Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern gateway to Bhutan).

Overnight: Hotel

Day 02 :

SAMDRUPJONGKHAR – TASHIGANG (180 km)

Depart to Trashigang, takes about 7 -8 hours drive.
Pass through Deowathang, military base in eastern Bhutan
Enjoy the lush tropical vegetation Wamgrong to Kaling.
Visit weaving center started by Women Association of Bhutan.
Kaling Blind School and passes through Yonphula Domesstic Airport
Shebrutse or Kalung college, 1st university in Bhutan
Trashigang (3,375ft.), the biggest and most populated districts in the country.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 :

TASHIGANG – TASHIYANGTSE ( 54 km)

Morning: visit Trashigang Dzong
Depart to Tashiyangtse and takes less than 3 hours
Visit Gomphu Kora, and Doksum village
Evening leisure.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 04 :

TASHIYANGTSE VALLEY EXPLORATION

Morning visit Chorten Kora
Institute of Art and Craft
Afternoon visit Bumdeling National Park Information Center, National Park Center
Stroll through town.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 05 :

TASHIYANGTSE – MONGAR ( 120 km)

Depart to Mongar crossing Chazam Bridge and Kolung River.
Take a diversion road to visit Dametse, a temple perched on top of steep hill founded by Chorten Zangmo, the most sacred monastery in eastern Bhutan.
Pack lunch along the way.
Drive through Radhi Loop and explore the Radhi village.
Drive to Mongar.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 06 :

MONGAR – LHUNTSE – MONGAR (75 km)

Day excursion to Lhuntse to see the country side and rural life style
Spectacular landscape with cliffs
Coniferous forest turpentine is extracted and lemon grass grown in abundance.
Pass village Autsho and steep ascent drive to Lhuntse Dzong and its town
Visit Khoma village to see the weaving of superb dress for woman called “kushuthara” woven with the brocading techniques.
Return to Mongar.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 07 :

MONGAR – URA ( 150 km)

Transfer to Bumthang, “the spiritual heartland of the kingdom”.
Drive takes around 4-5 hours and it is a long driving day.
Enjoying the most breathtaking drive with great watching cascading waterfalls through lush forest to Sengor.
Pass the highest motorable pass in the kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4000m/12, 465ft).
Botanical garden of Rhododendrons, where 23 types of Rhododendrons are available during the flowering season.
Descend to URA village through a rugged terrain.
Leisure time to experience the local living.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 08 :

URA – JAKAR, BUMTHANG ( 48 km)

Morning visit Ura Monastery, drive to visit Sombrong village
Depart to Jakar over Shetrangla pass(3590m)
En-route visit Mebartsho( flaming lake) where Guru Rinpoche reveal the hidden treasure from these lake.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 09 :

BUMTHANG VALLEY EXPLORATION

Most spectacular valley and an ideal place for hiking easily accessible to visit some of most sacred sites in Bhutan.
Visit JampayLhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery, Red Panda Brewery and Jakar town.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 10 :

BUMTHANG – TRONGSA(68 km)

Morning depart to Trongsa.
Visit Yathra/woolen weaving center
Drive through Chumey Valley over Yongtong lass pass (11,800ft).
On arrival at Trongsa, visit Ta Dzong “The Tower of Trongsa” resorted into an elegant museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity
Lunch at the Museum Cafeteria
Afternoon visit Trongsa Dzong, the most massive in structure and its architecture.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 11 :

TRONGSA –PUNAKHA ( 135 km)

Depart to Punakha and drive take about 4-5 hours
Enjoy your journey through the stunning views of the amazing forest and villages.
Meadows of Yak herders over Phelepass (3350m 11000ft) surrounded by Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
Descend to Punakha, and experience the beautiful sceneries of Bhutan.
Drive further to Punakha about 30 minutes from Wangdue.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 12 :

PUNAKHA – THIMPHU (71 km)

Morning, visit Punakha Dzong (winter residence of Je-Khenpo “Chief Abbot” and central monk bod) architecturally impressive * Dzong in the country, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel.
Picnic lunch at the riverside.
Drive to Thimphu, over Dochula pass (350m, 10,000ft.) which offers a magnificent view of eastern Himalayas.
Descend to Thimphu.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 13 :

THIMPHU – PARO (54 km)

Visit following places of cultural interest: