Across Bhutan Tour - 14 Days

Eastern Bhutan tour explores all the major towns of Bhutan. The eastern Bhutan is more wild than western Bhutan. In western Bhutan we see far fewer tourist than the western Bhutan. The eastern Bhutan tour are worthwhile since there are several monasteries and villages.

Eastern Bhutan is the least explored region of Bhutan. It offers one of the most authentic experience for adventure oriented travelers. The unspoiled natural beauty, pristine forest with great variations in altitude and climatic conditions, towering cliffs and the regular Buddhist festivals, tour in Eastern Bhutan will give you some of the country’s most ancient spiritual practices while observing Animistic and Bon religious ritual. The Western to Eastern Bhutan tour starts at Paro from the western Bhutan and ends at Samdrup Jongkhar of Eastern Bhutan. The Western Eastern Bhutan tour citric includes Paro, Taktsang Monastery, Thimpu, Punakha, Bumthang, Trongsa, Mongar, Lhuntse, Tashi Yantse, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar.

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Day 1
Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

The flight to Paro on a clear day is one of the most spectacular flight with view of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsering ghang. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our Bhutan tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2
Paro sightseeing

Breakfast and Paro tour visit Ta Dzong or National Museum, which is among the best natural history museums in Asia. Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collections ranging from ancient armor to textiles, thangkha paintings and natural life. Then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school and office of the civil administration. Also Rinpung Dzong is the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring.

In the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong or the Fort of Drukpa victory. From this fortress Bhutanese repelled invasion by Tibetans throughout the course of history. Looming above the smoldered ruins is the snowcapped peak of Mt. Chomolhari. Also visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House, nestled below the dzong. Then drive towards Paro town en route visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom reflecting introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Day 3
Thimphu - Paro

Breakfast and excursion to Taktsang Monastery view point. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called 'Tiger's Nest. This is an important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan.

Later drive to Thimphu, the capital town passing via idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields. En route visit the Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4
Thimphu Sightseeing

Breakast and Thimpu guided tour visit National Library - it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Arts and Crafts School or Painting School - famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum - the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Memorial Chorten - the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Trashichhodzong - the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium - it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5
Thimphu - Punakha

Morning, in Thimphu visit to local market and town and drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080m) offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Arrive Punakha and check into the hotel. Visit to Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang, Namgyal in 17th century and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in the afternoon.

Day 6
Punakha to Gangtey/Phobjikha

Breakfast and drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo work, slate & stone carving. Drive to Phobjikha valley through a forest of oak and rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Explore Phojikha valley and also visit to Gangtey Monastery; the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight Guest House/Camp.

Day 7
Gangtey - Trongsa

Morning explore Phobjikha valley for Black Neck Cranes and later drive to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further ahead stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, built in 18th century in Nepalese style. The landscape around Tongsa is spectacular and for miles on end the dzong seems to tease you so that you wonder if you will ever reach it. On arrival, check into the lodge.

Day 8
Trongsa - Bumthang

Morning visit to Tongsa Dzong (2,200m) by built in 1647 by the Shabdrung, it is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Then visit the Ta Dzong, standing on the side of the mountain and built to guard Trongsa. After lunch proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29 kms ahead of Trongsa cross Yutongla pass (3,400m) and from here again the landscape looks different and dense forests of conifers stretches. The arrival of Bumthang begins with wide, open cultivated Chumey valley. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 9
Bumthang Exursion

Visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche meditated here. From Kurje monastery; a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to the Jambey Lhakhang. Like Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro valley, this temple is said to be the first that King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet constructed in 7th century. Afternoon visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist paintings. Later see the Jakar Dzong, "the dzong of the white bird". Evening take a stroll through Bumthang market area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 10
Bumthang - Mongar

The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain. The drive, with spectacular views will take about 7 hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4000m). Gradually drop down to Sengor, watching cascading water falls on the way. The descent stops at 700m on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong; built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.

Day 11
Mongar - Trashigang

This trip of about 96 kms takes 3 hours passing through Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chorten and a stone wall. The drive through leafy forest filled with fern, corn fields and banana groves of Yadi which is a recent settlement. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.

Day 12
Trashigang Exursion

24 km from Trashigang, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. Further ahead reach to Doksum village where you can see women busy in weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and a chain bridge dating of the 15th century. Visit to Trashiyangtse Dzong, situated at the alt. of 1,850 m. In former times Trashiyangtse was important centre because it lies on one of the caraven routes leading from western and central Bhutan.The dzong is new and near by are the Art school and the famous chorten Kora.

Day 13
Trashigang - Samdrupjongkhar

Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar road completed in 1965 and it takes about 6 hours. Along the way, pass by Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. We also visit the Zangtho Pelri temple built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. It represents Guru Rinpoche's paradise. Driving ahead, reach to Khaling to visit the Blind School and Weaving Centre. Deothang, 80 kms from Khaling is the centre of Technical training college and road maintenance head quarters for the east. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns. Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 14
Departure

After breakfast transfer to Bhutan border where you can continue tour to Guahati, Asam India.

No. of Travelers High season Low season
1 person US $ 3387 US $ 2737
2 people US $ 5215 US $ 2,380
3 or more people US $ 2867 / person US $ 2217 / person
  • High season – Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct & Nov
  • Low season – Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug & Dec

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Cost Includes

  • All meals, tea and snacks (Full board meal).
  • Government approved required category hotels on twin sharing basis.
  • All airport pickups and drops in Kathmandu and Paro.
  • Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle.
  • Experienced English speaking guides and local staff.
  • All city tour with permits and entrance fees for museums and monuments.
  • All government taxes.
  • Bhutan Visa fee.
  • Our service charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan (Tickets are arranged upon request).
  • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry etc.).
  • Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance.
  • Tips for Staff (guide and driver).
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Frequently asked Questions

Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to subalpine forests and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.  

Do I need to use a tour operator to book my travel?

It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to book your travel to Bhutan or one of their international partners.  

Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry.   

How much does the visa cost?

For International tourist visas, a cost of USD 40 is applicable. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives, there is no cost incurred.   

How do I get to Bhutan?

There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only - Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. All travel arrangements to Bhutan must be made through a local tour operator. A list of tour companies operating in Bhutan is available on this website. Your selected tour operator will make all the necessary arrangements.  

What currency is used in Bhutan?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is widely accepted in the country. 

What’s the food like in Bhutan?

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy.   Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country. 

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Price From USD 3,647 USD $ 3,387/person
3387
Total $ 3,387 USD

Trip Facts

  • SUV Car
  • 1-12 People
  • 3* Hotel
  • 14 days
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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