Historically Bhutan has been a country of two halves - the west and the east. Everything east of the Thrumshing La is regarded as east Bhutan.Now with the availability of domestic flight, Bhutan - west to east tour has become easy and affordable. It would give good experience of travelling by road all the way to remote eastern Bhutan and then taking the domestic flight back to save the time.
As you travel by road through western valley of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdi, central valleys of Bumthang and Trongsa, and then finally Eastern valley of Mongar, Lhuentse, Trashi Yangtse and Trashigang, you will have a chance to explore the ancient temples, Dzongs, towns and villages with incredible scenic drive. Eastern Bhutan is famous for its intricate and colorful weavings, simple lifestyle of the peopleand distinct cultures. The pace of life slows down even further as you set your foot in eastern Bhutan. there is an almost indefinable atmosphere of 'old Bhutan'. Very few westerners get out this far. Politeness is even stronger this side.
Trip Facts
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Our guide and driver will receive you at the Paro airport. If your flight is in the morning, you will visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress built on the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. This fortress is visible throughout the valley with its high walls, big stone-paved festival ground, and chapels with striking architecture. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill to the road point crossing a traditional wooden bridge.
In the afternoon drive to Thimphu. On the way, a short stop to view Tamchog monastery built by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
In the morning visit the king’s memorial Chorten and join the pilgrim of chorten kora (going around) which is a great opportunity for taking pictures. Drive to Budda statute and hike around. Visit national postal museum, craft bazaar, textile museum, school of 13 arts and crafts.
In the afternoon, witness the archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
In the evening, visit Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat.
In the morning, drive to Punakha valley, an ancient capital of Bhutan. On the way, visit Dochu La Pass (3140m) and enjoy the panoramic view of Himalaya peaks. Then later in Punakha visit Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley. The temple is popularly called the temple of fertility. He was known as the divine madman for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism often with sexual overtones.
Afternoon – Visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952.
Then hike to the beautiful KhamsumYulley Namgyal Choling monastery. In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).
Following breakfast, you will head to remote Gangtey with short stopover in Wangdue to get a glimpse of WangduePhodrang Dzong that dramatically sits on the ridge. After Wangdue, the road winds up through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons till Lawala pass. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Drive downhill for little while and you will be awestricken by the stunning views of GangteyGoenpa and Phobjikha Valley spread out. Phobjikha valley is the home to the rare Black Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter.
Later visit GangteyGoenpa, a Nyingmapa monastery and do the Gangteynature trail hike right through the valley.
In the morning, drive to Bumthang. On the way, visit Trongsa dzong, built in the year 1648. Then visit Ta dzong, built in 1652 by Chogyal MinjurTempa. It is now converted to a royal heritage museum.
In the morning Visit Jambaylhakang, 7th century Monastery and then hike through farm land to Kurjey Lhakhang. The story of how Gururinpoche visited Bhutan for the first time in 8th century will unfold from here. After Kurjey take another 20 minutes hike to Tamshing where you will discover a person known as Pema Lingpa from whom descended the ancestor of our royal family.
After lunch visit burning lake and then a nunnery.
In the morning, drive to Mongar. On the way, visit Ura valley and Ura temple. From Ura you will drive through Thrumshing la literally entering eastern Bhutan today.
Then visit Jarung Khashor chorten and Yagang lhakhang.In the evening, free to stroll in the town of Mongar. Mongar means Happy Dream Land. Zongar dzong, the central administrative building, now in ruin was very hot place and not suitable for living. The head monk saw in his dream a beautiful place suitable for living. Later people shifted to this place and called it Mongar.
Trace back 12km to Gangola road junction and drive 65km to Lhuentse following the upstream Kuri Chhu River. En route you will pass a small township of Autsho and several other villages. From Lhuentse, drive for another 40km on unpaved road to the historic Dungkhar village. One of the main sites in the region is the ancestral home of the Royal Family, Dungkhar Naktshang, which is a centuries-old traditionally built mansion. It is the birthplace of the first King’s father and from this house sprung the current Royal Family of Bhutan. You will explore some of the farmhouses and even lunch at a local farmhouse. Later you will drive to Takila for a night halt.
After breakfast, you will explore Khoma Village, a unique village with an ancient cluster layout of traditional farmhouses. This village is renowned for its high-quality production of the handwoven silk textile — the kishuthara. It is high-priced not only because of the material but also because of its intricate and meticulous designs that fill up the entire textile. The kishuthara is highly celebrated by the Bhutanese, worn only on special occasions, celebrations and festivals. Weavers from Khoma village are praised for their nimble hands. This is how they make a living — weaving the whole day every day. Watch the women weave in their makeshift textile cottage. In the olden days, weavers from Khoma were hired in the court to weave for the Royal Family. Witness this ornate textile come to life as you walk in the streets of the village, and maybe even purchase one. Travel back to Takila for the night.
You will trace your journey back to Mongar and continue to Trashigang. From Mongar, the road ascends for a while to Kori La pass at 2400m marked by a Chorten and a few prayer flags. As you descend from the pass you will cross Yadi, a small town. Continue your drive to cross the Sherichhu river bridge at 600m. The road from here is almost flat till Dangme Chhu River Bridge from where you ascend till Trashigang. You will notice that Trashigang is a compact and bustling town that acts as a business hub in eastern Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.
After breakfast today we will go for a full day excursion to Khaling village in the Trashigang district. En route you will come across the village of Pam, Rongthung, Kanglung where you will spot the first college in the country and the road climbs through potato and maize fields till Yonphula pass. Descend from the pass till Khaling through Barshong and Gomchu village. After 5km, you will reach Khaling. In Khaling we will pay a visit to the National Handloom Center, a non-governmental organization, a pioneer of enforcing and preserving the weaving culture in Bhutan. Shop for authentic Bhutanese textiles produced using ancient indigenous dyeing and weaving techniques. Khaling also has the first and only school for the differently abled students, Muenselling Institute established in 1973. You will also get to explore the small town of Khaling. Later in the evening, head back to Trashigang. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.
A day excursion to the Radhi Village awaits you today. After the visit to Rangjung Monastery and an exploration of Rangjung, you will drive to Radhi and Phongmey villages. They are renowned for two things — their ample rice fields and for being pioneers of the production of “Bura” textile — made of fine raw silk. Almost all households in the Radhi village make their living from Bura textiles. Using traditional weaving and dyeing techniques the village residents are skilled in producing this famous textile. If lucky, you may come across a few Brokpas; semi-nomadic yak herders from Merak and Sakteng who have come to barter their Yak butter, cheese, and dried meat with other food commodities. Later in the evening, you will drive back to Trashigang for your night halt.
In the morning, drive to Tashi Yangtse and visit the dzong, chorten Kora and Gom Kora. In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.
Drive to Yangphula, domestic airfield of Trashigang then to Paro airport.The 35-minute flight offers spectacular views, the stunning views of the northern Himalayan and the lateral highway and rivers flowing down the valleys.
Check into the hotel and rest.
Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery and the most clicked sight situated at 3100m. The steep hike is worth it with beautiful views of Paro valley and southwest towards Drugyel Dzong. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to Paro. This is a fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure. Our guide will bid you farewell.
