Eastern Bhutan Tour

The 17-day Eastern Bhutan tour is the most extensive journey that encompasses western, central, and eastern Bhutan. In addition to exploring the sights in the western and central regions, this tour delves into the unique charm and beauty of the far eastern part of the country. The visit to the villages of Merak and Sakteng stands out as the highlight of this Eastern Bhutan tour, offering a glimpse into the lives of the nomadic yak herders of the eastern Himalayas and showcasing ecological hotspots.

Eastern Bhutan Tour

Trip Highlights:

  • Ancient monasteries, monuments & dzongs.
  • Museums and government institutions.
  • Archery matches.
  • Scenic landscapes.
  • Panoramic mountain flight.
  • Meet the Brokpas (Nomadic people of eastern Bhutan).
  • Visit to the beautiful Merak and Sakten village.

Sketch Itinerary:

  • Day 01. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 02. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 03. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
  • Day 04. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
  • Day 05. Gangtey – Trongsa sightseeing – Bumthang | 186 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 2600 m.
  • Day 06. Bumthang sightseeing | Altitude: 2600 m.
  • Day 07.  Bumthang – Mongar |198 km | Drive: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
  • Day 08. Mongar – Trashigang sightseeing | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1160 m.
  • Day 09. Trashigang – Excursion to Tashi Yangtse | 56 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1750 m.
  • Day 10. Trashigang – Excursion to Sakteng | 40 km | Drive: 1 1/2 hours.
  • Day 11. Trashigang – Excursion to Kanglung and Yonphula Gompa | 35 km | Drive: 1 hour.
  • Day 12. Trashigang – Mongar | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
  • Day 13. Mongar – Bumthang | 198 km | Drive: 7 – 8 hours.
  • Day 14. Bumthang – Paro sightseeing | By Mountain Flight | 25 minutes | 2200 m.
  • Day 15. Paro – Excursion to Haa valley | 60 km | Drive: 2 hours.
  • Day 16. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | 4 hours.
  • Day 17. Departure (End of Eastern Bhutan tour):
 
 

Eastern Bhutan Tour

Arrival at Paro airport, followed by a drive to Thimphu. En route, a brief pause to admire Tamchog Monastery constructed by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

During the afternoon, explore the Memorial Chorten, the towering Buddha statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang Viewpoint, and Dupthop Nunnery.

In the evening, enjoy leisure time to wander through the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning exploration includes a visit to the National Postal Museum, Craft Bazaar, Textile Museum, and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.

Enjoy lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum.

Afternoon activities involve observing an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.

In the evening, explore Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Secretariat.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Embark on a morning journey to Punakha valley, the former capital of Bhutan during the reign of the second king.

En route, make a stop at Dochu La Pass (Altitude 3140 m).

Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to pay homage to Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman” for his unconventional Buddhist teachings, often with sexual overtones.

In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This site witnessed the inaugural national assembly in 1952 under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Embark on a hike to the exquisite Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.

Conclude the day with an evening stroll across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Embark on a morning journey to Gangtey, with a brief pause en route to admire Wangdiphodrang Dzong. Note: The upper part of the valley is known as Gangtey, while the lower part is referred to as Phobjikha.

While in Gangtey, explore Gangtey Monastery, constructed in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Center.

In the evening, wander through the picturesque Phobjikha Valley (Altitude 3000 m), renowned as the winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Bumthang. On the way, visit Trongsa dzong was built in the year 1648.

Then visit Ta dzong was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. It is now converted to a royal heritage museum.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Morning exploration begins with a visit to Jakar Dzong (Host of the annual Jakar Festival), constructed in 1667 by the Tibetan Lama Nagi Wangchuk. Proceed to Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Monastery.

In the afternoon, venture towards the scenic Tang Valley. En route, stop at Mebar Tsho or “The Burning Lake.” Continue to visit Tamshing Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.

Evening offers free time to leisurely stroll through the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Mongar. On the way, visit Ura valley and Ura temple.

Then visit Jarung Khashor chorten and Yagang lhakhang.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, visit Mongar Dzong built in 1930 and drive to Trashigang.

In the evening, visit Trashigang dzong built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions.

Then, free to stroll in the town and you may come across “Brokpas”, the nomadic herdsmen of north eastern Himalayas with a very unique dress.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Tashi Yangtse and visit the dzong, chorten Kora and Gom Kora.

In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Embark on a morning journey to Sakteng via Radi Village, a key highlight of the Eastern Bhutan Tour.

  • Radi Village is renowned for its handloom craftsmanship. Explore the Radi Gompa.

A packed lunch will be provided.

Later in the evening, return to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Kanglung. Visit the Zangtopelri, Sherubtse college and Yonphula Gompa.

In the evening, return to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive back to Mongar.

We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Bumthang.

We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.

Packed lunch will be served on the way.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, head to the airport for a domestic flight to Paro. In the afternoon, explore the following attractions:

  • Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan).
  • Rinpung Dzong (Venue for the annual Paro festival) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands as an exquisite example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship, with its grandeur even featured in scenes from the 1995 film, Little Buddha.

In the evening, enjoy the freedom to wander through the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Haa valley. We stop at Cheli la pass and explore. This pass is at 3988 m and has the highest motorable road in Bhutan and it separates Paro from Haa. You can see the beautiful view of Himalayas including Mt. Jomolhari. Little above the pass is the sky burial site.

While in Haa valley, visit the dzong, Chorten Nagpo (Black temple) & Chorten Karpo (White temple). Both these temples were built by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo in 659 AD.

In the evening, return back to Paro.

On the way back, visit to Kila Gompa nunnery.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hour hike till the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang).

Afternoon – visit to Drugyal dzong and Kichu lhakhang (one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan).

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After Breakfast, Drive to the Airport and Farewell.

Translate »