Eastern bhutan cultural tour
Looking to experience the true essence of Bhutan ? Take a trip to the Unexplored Eastern Bhutan that embodies Bhutan in its authentic glory.
Embarking on an expedition to Eastern Bhutan presents an enchanting experience, encompassing the splendid natural landscapes and captivating cultural landmarks of the country. This extraordinary voyage commences from the western region, reaches the remote eastern Bhutan, traverses through the central part, and ultimately ends at western region, revealing the profound historical significance at each stop along the way. Immerse yourself in the rural traditions and historical narratives of various regions, each possessing its own allure and distinctiveness, during a delightful two-week excursion.
Undertaking the journey towards the east unveils an awe-inspiring adventure, characterized by the traversing of picturesque roads in Bhutan adorned with cliffs that plunge dramatically, breathtaking waterfalls, and a handful of deep river valleys. Furthermore, as you drive through dense forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, you will encounter a myriad of bird species. The settlements, predominantly situated atop hill summits, feature arid farmlands, creating a remarkable views against the backdrop of nature’s abundance.
Duration: 14 Nights/ 15 Days
Location:Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Trongsa and Merak
Day 01 : Arrive At Paro
Discover the great Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro Airport. On arrival you will be received by your private guide with a traditional white scarf of auspiciousness and escort you for sightseeing.
Traverse the traditional wooden cantilever bridge to reach Paro Rinpung Dzong or the fortress on Heap of Jewels and explore the astonishing architecture and paintings before visiting the National museum to discover the artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE. The National Museum or the Ta Dzong served as a watch tower to protect the Paro Dzong in the olden days.
Later take a leisure hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong. The trail offers enchanting view of the verdant Paro valley, Paro Dzong and the Ta Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 02: Hike To Taktshang
The legendary Taktsang hike is the focus of today’s activities. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest – one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
Relax your muscles with healing traditional hot stone bath and game of local archery
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 03: Domestic Flight To Tashigang
Take a 30 minutes domestic flight to Trashigang. Upon reaching Yonphula Domestic Airport, you can have a first glimpse of Eastern Bhutan.
Eastern Bhutan is a less touristy region of Bhutan, with rich cultural heritages, beautiful landscapes, immense wealth of flora, fauna, several ethnic groups, myths and legends.
Drive to Trashigang . On the way you can stop at Yonphula Lhakhang .
Stop at Kanglung for cup of tea and visit one of the the oldest college of Bhutan(Sherubtse).
Upon reaching Trashigang visit Trashigang Dzong. Stroll the town in evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Tashigang
Day 04: Tashigang – Tashi Yangtse
Today we will do a day excursion to Tashi Yangtse. On the way, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river (24km) from Trashigang. Gom Kora is a famous place, as Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon, trapping it in a rock. We continue our journey to Doksum village, where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and chain-link Swing Bridge dating back to the 15th century. The road turns into the hills here, running up the side of a winding river valley to Tashi Yangtse. In former times, Tashi Yangtse was an important centre because it lies on one of the caravan routes leading from western and central Bhutan. The area is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful souvenirs of a visit to this remote region.
Visit Tashi Yangtse Dzong, Which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. If time permits, we will also visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town and the nearby School of Traditional Art. Pack lunch will be served. In the evening return back to Trashigang .
Overnight at hotel in Trashigang
Day 05 :TRASHIGANG- RADHI(21Km/1Hr);RADHI-MERAK(40Km/3Hrs)
Morning drive to Rangjung (1,200m) and explore Radhi village, yet another place very famous for traditional hand weavings. Radhi is a well-known community in the east for the production of bura (raw silk) textiles.
Then head towards the village of Merck which is 40 Km drive through dirt road from Radhi.
Overnight at Homestay in Merak.
Day 06 : EXPLORE THE VALLEY OF MERAK
After breakfast, today the whole day will be devoted to visit in and around the Merak village. It involves visit to the local home, interaction with people and delving deeper into their social, cultural and religious structure of this unique community. Merak is a large village with about 60 or so households, located at an elevation of 3480m.
Late afternoon return to Trashigang
Overnight at hotel in Trashigang
Day 07 : Trashigang To Mongar
Drive towards Mongar.
On the way stop at Drametse Monastery (2400m), which is 12 Kms from Sherichhu. This temple is situated on the flat top of a hill, founded by Choeten Zangmo towards the end of 16th century and is the one of the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. The famous masks dance with drums originated from here.
After detouring Dramtse we will drive back to the main road to continue our journey to Mongar.
Along the drive we will come across beautiful villages like Yadi Village and other small villages.
We will also pass by Kori la pass (2,450m), marked by a pretty chorten and a Mani wall.
Visit Mongar Dzong, which was rebuilt in 1953, still, maintaining its architectural traditions of old Dzongs
Overnight at hotel in Mongar
Day 08 : MONGAR –LHUNTSE (77KMS/3.5 HOURS DRIVE)
Today, we will do a day excursion to Lhuntse, which is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests and remote villages. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family and this region is famous for its weavers, in dim light of their homes, make superb dresses called KISHU THARA.
On arrival at Lhuntse, visit Lhuntse Dzong built in the 17th century.
You can watch the women of Khoma Village weave silk into the intricate designs of Kishuthara. Khoma is also one of the few locations where you can observe silk being dyed using the traditional method. This ancient process uses various types of plants, leaves, tree bark and flowers to produce colorful and long lasting dyes.
We will also stop at Gangjur village which is famous for pottery and also pay a short visit to Takila and witness the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche.
There are also several households where you can see a home life style for a true taste of Bhutanese hospitality and the authentic rural lifestyle.
Evening drive back to Mongar.
Overnight at hotel in Mongar
Day 09 : MONGAR-BUMTHANG (193 KMS/8HOURS)
After early breakfast, drive to the valley of Sengor, with wonderful views of waterfalls and the hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. Sengor is also very popular for birding.
An hour and half later you will reach Thrumshing La pass (3,750m). From the pass, the road gradually leads you through Ura village . Stop at Ura village for a short while before heading to Bumthang.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 10: BUMTHANG EXPLORATION
- In the morning, visit Kurje Lhakhang. It is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three building.
- From the Kurje Lhakhang, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This temple was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kichu Lhakhang in Paro).
- After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region) then take a stroll through local market area before returning to hotel.
- The Chu Dzong (Water tower) that has a sheltered passage that leads to a well which served as the access point to water during invasions in the olden days.
- Later visit Tamzhing Monastery, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 11: BUMTHANG- PHOBJIKHA Via Trongsa (137KMS/5-6HOURS)
Today’s journey onward to Phobjikha is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces.
Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums.
- We can also take a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit. Continue our drive to Phobjikha
After reaching Phobjikha just soak in the tranquility of the place.
Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha
Day 12: Gangtey Valley Exploration & Drive To Punakha (80Km/3 Hrs)
In the morning explore Gangtey Nature Trail Hike
Gangtey Valley Exploration: The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds –
Visit the stunning Gangtey Monastery and take part in Evening prayer with the monks or have a discussion on Buddhism with learned teachers of Gangtey Buddhist monastery.
Journey to the golden valley of Punakha
Upon reaching Punakha stop for lunch. A short drive through the valley floor leads to the grand Punakha Dzong, the palace of Great Bliss located magnificently between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River).
Later walk across farmhouses and rice paddies through the village of Phallus to reach Chimi Lhakhang better known as the fertility temple. It is a popular pilgrim site for couples hoping to start a family.
Wind your way up to Wolakha village before reaching the thriving Sangchen Nunnery in Punakha; participate in an intense butter lamping offering with the Nuns.
Overnight at hotel
Day 13: Punakha To Thimphu
Drive towards Thimphu on the way stop at Dochu La Mountain pass at 3,100 meters marked by 108 Buddhist Shrines. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. Hoist prayer flags on one of the highest point and make aspirations to benefit of all being.
After reaching Thimphu situated at 2,300 meters sprawled along the Wang Chhu (Thimphu River)
- Capture spectacular view of the Thimphu valley from the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang.
- Immerse in a sensory experience at the Thimphu Weekend Farmer’s market before visiting the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit.
- Later explore the only city in the world without a single traffic light before returning to your resort surrounded in pine forest.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
Day 14: Explore Thimphu & Drive To Paro
Meet monks on hilltop monastery. Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside of Begana village before reaching the traditional bridge at Dodena. After crossing the crystalline river on the oldest wooden cantilever bridge of Bhutan, enjoy your hike through the off-beaten tracks leading to the tranquil surrounding of the hilltop Chari monastery where you can often see mountain goats mingling freely with monks. It is a place where monks after they complete their studies go under three year’s meditation retreat.
Later on the way back to Thimphu visit the Buddhist College of astrology at Pangrizampa before visiting the temple of the 21 Tara Devi in a serene setting next to it.
Drive to Paro
On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the medieval surrounding of this place. The cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags is a feast to the eye.
Overnight: Hotel at Paro
Day 15: Departure
Your transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the Western Valleys:
- Venture into the captivating valleys of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phobjikha.
- Embark on a hike to the mesmerizing Paro Taktsang Gonpa, nestled atop a mountain cliff, 900 meters above the valley. This revered site is Bhutan’s iconic symbol.
- Visit the exquisite Thimphu Tashichoedzong, an architectural masterpiece.
- Capture the awe-inspiring sight of the colossal Buddha Dordenma Statue, which overlooks the Thimphu valley.
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the National Memorial Chorten, where people from all walks of life come to circumambulate the monument.
- Experience the wonder of Dochula Pass, situated at 3,100 meters, where 108 memorial stupas called “Druk Wangyal Chortens” form a magnificent ensemble. Delight in the breathtaking panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayas.
- Marvel at the golden panorama of Punakha valley from the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
- Feast your eyes on the intricate carvings, sculptures, and architecture of Punakha Dzong.
Delve into the Central Valleys:
- Discover the beauty and spiritual heartland of Bhutan in Bumthang Valley, often referred to as the “Switzerland of the East.” It is home to revered Buddhist teachers.
- Unearth the fascinating tales and legends surrounding the ancient constructions of Jambay Lhakhang and Tamzhing Lhakhang.
- Gain insights into the significance of Kurje Lhakhang.
Explore the Remote Eastern Villages:
- Unwind at a yak herder’s camp while savoring hot butter tea.
- Experience the warm hospitality of the people in the East.
- Test your culinary skills with organic cooking, using a selection of your favorite organic foods.
- Indulge in the pure freshness of the air surrounding you every day.
- Engage in traditional weaving with the Bura community.
- Discover the intriguing stories connected to Chorten Kora.
- Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of nomadic lifestyles in Merak.
- Take a detour to Dramtse Gompa, one of the most significant monasteries in eastern Bhutan. It is the birthplace of the renowned Naga Chham (Drums of Dramtse), a mask dance accompanied by drums. This vibrant dance is a prominent feature in many festivals and has been recognized as part of UNESCO’s list of oral and intangible heritage.
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 3710
PACKAGE INCLUSION
A Sustainable Tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education, helath, road sectors, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3-star property
All Meals (Breakfast- Lunch & Dinner)
Internal Transportation (excluding Internal Flights)
A licensed Bhutanese Tour guide for the extend of your stay
Entry Fees to Monuments
Bottled water while traveling
Complementary from the company
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver