Eastern Bhutan Tour

Trip Highlights

Tour Route	: Paro to Samdrupjongkhar to border
Total Duration	: 13 night’s/14 days in total
Tour Duration	: 12 days
Grade	: Leisurely
Max. Elevation	: 3500 m
Tour Style	: Hotel
Meal	: Full board in bhutan & break fast in Kathmandu
Accommodation	: Hotel in Kathmandu & Bhutan
Transportation	: Flight & private vehicle
Best Months	: Sept - Nov & Mar - May

Trip Introduction

"Land of the Thunder Dragon", is probably the closet one can get to a legendary Himalayan Kingdom, one of the last Shangri-Las on earth. Bhutan possesses an amazing landscape and the strange and beautiful monasteries and forts add and aura of mysticism to this land. Although the traditions of its neighbors which include Tibet, Sikkim and India have had some influence on Bhutan, it has generally remained isolated for a long time. With its heavily protected borders, it still remains as a traditional and blissfully unspoilt land. 

Trekking Itinerary

OutLine Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 03: Paro Sightseeing

Day 04: Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Day 05: Sightseeing Day

Day 06: Drive to Wangduephodrang

Day 07: Day Excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley

Day 08: Drive to Trongsa Dzong

Day 09: Sightseeing Day in Trongsa Dzong

Day 10: Drive to Mongar

Day 11: Drive to Trashigang

Day 12: Sightseeing Day In Trashigang

Day 13: Drive to samdrupjongkhar

Day 14: Departure fro Bhutan

Day to day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Namaste & welcome to Himalayan Planet of Nepal. While you landed at the Tribhuvan intl. airport Nepal Himalaya Guide representative welcomes you with your name and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, bring you at head office and briefing about the program and evening we’ll pick up you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural program in the heart of Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
After your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After visiting Bouddhanath stupa we’ll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We’ll explore the medieval like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at restaurant in Bhaktapur it’s time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with your travel consultant & fellows to prepare for next day and overnight at the hotel. Alternatively, the same group may have option to choose same 3 sightseeing place inside Kathmandu valley instead of these given place.

Day 03: Paro Sightseeing
visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still
attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro
valley from the  Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear
weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through
the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into
the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven
floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to
the 7th century. A short  walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the
administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional
bridge into Paro Town. Evening at leisure.

Day 04: Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Horses can be arranged with an extra cost.  The
hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine
forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro
valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Evening drive 2 hours to Thimphu and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road through out Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel Druk or River view or similar.

Day 05: Sightseeing Day

visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of
healing is still practiced, Art & Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith  workshop and Handicraft centers. PM visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight same.

Day 06: Drive to Wangduephodrang
Drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100
meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest
mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way
downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Punakha Dzong
which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two
rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of
February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory
over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduephodrang and view the Dzong from outside
and stroll around the  market area. 

Day 07: Day Excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The
only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also
home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the
harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal
Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measures to ensure the safety of
the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks
are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley.
Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.

Day 08: Drive to Trongsa Dzong
Today the drive takes about 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The
route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered
hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18
century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as
Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the
most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled
from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the
building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center

Day 09: Sightseeing Day in Trongsa Dzong
Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and
separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual
region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and
his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also
known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale.
Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery,
Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more
interesting done on foot. Overnight same.

Day 10: Drive to Mongar
Today will be the longest drive almost 8/9 hours to Mongar winding through more
rugged terrain. On the way visit the Mebartso meaning burning lake. If there is time a
short visit to Ura village. The drive from Ura is all the way uphill crossing the highest
motor road pass nemed Thrumshing la in Bhutan at 4050 meters. The panoramic view from the
pass is just thrilling. Down route from the pass goes through alpine & rhododendron
forest reaching Sengor for lunch stop. This small village is a open vast land surrounded
mainly by pine forest. The drive from here is hair raising as the roads is narrow and the
bends gets sharper but the scenic beauty is truly enchanting passing cascading
waterfalls, terraced fields and scattered farm houses. After descending at an  altitude
of 700 meters the climate gets warmer. Mongar is located on a hill side and is a new
town. The Dzong built not long ago maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. 

Day 11: Drive to Trashigang
The road from Mongar to Trashigang begins through lush forests and ferns passing
over Kori la pass. Descend rapidly through corn fields and banana grooves passing Yedi
village. Follow the Gamri river until the bifurcation to Drametsi perched atop a steep
hill. It is also famous for the dance called Drametsi Nga cham (Drum dance). Trashigang
lies 30 kilometers from the junction and lies on top of a steep hill. This district is
the biggest and most populated in the Kingdom. The Dzong built strategically on the spur
going out towards the Gamri river. Overnight Hotel or camp.

Day 12: Sightseeing Day In Trashigang
Sightseeing - Drive 2 hours to Tashi Yangtsi. On the way visit Gom Kora
monastery located near a river. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche turned into a Garuda to
subdue a demon and the imprints of serpent and his body can be seen. Also there is a
passage leading from one end to the other end of the huge boulder and who ever crosses
the passage his/her sins will be forgiven. Next stop is at Duksum a small village
boasting of the oldest iron suspension bridge built during the 15 century by Drupthob
Chazampa builder of iron bridges. Further on lies the beautiful Chorten Kora a huge white
washed stupa surrounded by a small community who make the famous wooden bowels (Dapa).
Drive back to Trashigang.

Day 13: Drive to samdrupjongkhar
Drive 6/7 hours to Samdrupjongkhar. On the way visit Kanglung the only
university in Bhutan. Further on visit the blind school and the famous weaving center.
The road takes you through numerous towns and villages. the drive can be both adventurous
and awesome. Upon arrival at Samdrupjongkhar the climate is warmer and more busy than the
last visited areas since it is the border town with India.

Day 14: Departure fro Bhutan
You will be received and driven 3 hours to Guwahati by the Our Indian agent or fly back to Nepal/home

Others trekking and tours area in Bhutan. Please contact for details information for below routes
1. 19 days Bhumthang Lhuntse & Yangtsi trek.
2. 12 days Dragon heart experience tour.
3. 4 days Enter the Dragon tour.
4. 10 days Samtengang winter trek.
5. 19 days Classic laya trek.
6. 11 days druk path trek.
7. 8 days Gangley gogona khotakha trek.
8. 13 days Dagala thousand lakes trek.
9. 17 days Dur hot spring trek.
10. 8 days Gangtey vally tour.
11. 27 days Unbeatable Snowman trek.

Extending your holiday
In Nepal, there are many choices and options if you’d like to extend your holiday before or after your main booking. Here are just a few suggestions of extensions available for this trip:

- Travel to the Trans Himalayan country with its mysterious and spiritual land of Tibet
- Take a memorable wildlife safari with Elephant back ride in the Chitwan National park
- White water River rafting in the Himalayan country of Nepal
- 1 hour amazing mountain flight closest to the Mt. Everest
- Visit Darjeeling/Sikkim tour to India.
- Extend your trek in different trekking areas in nepal
- Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Mountain biking and many more. >>>

Service Includes:

• 2 Night’s deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu in 4 star hotel
• All local transportation by suitable vehicle(car, van, bus) in Nepal & Bhutan
• Complementary welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• A day Kathmandu sightseeing as per itinerary with tour guide
• Kathmandu to Paro flight tickets in economy class
• Meals on full board  basis during the Bhutan and breakfast in Nepal as per itinerary
• 11 night’s twin sharing accommodation in Bhutan on B categories hotel recognized by Bhutanese Govt.
• Bhutanese tour and trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), and driver with all payments
• Bhutan visa fee, Royalty, Tourism Development fee, entrance fee, trekking permit and required permits
• All government and local taxes
• Intl. flight ticket re-confirmation
• Submit your tourist registration form to the require embassy/consulate

Service does not Includes:

• Nepal re-entry visa fees
• All departure taxes
• Lunch and dinner in & Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
• Tips for driver and guide
• Any extending trips
• Nepal entry visa fees
• Excess baggage charges
• Services doesn’t includes in service inclusive column

Enjoy the adventure with our Himalayan guides and take good memories away with you from Nepal.