Introduction
Embark on a 13-day odyssey through the heart of Bhutan, exploring its majestic landscapes, rich culture, and remote regions in the “Explore Bhutan” itinerary. Beginning in the tranquil valley of Paro, you’ll hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and journey to the capital city of Thimphu. As your adventure unfolds, you’ll traverse to Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, and the eastern frontiers of Mongar, Lhuentse, and Tashigang, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes and unique traditions of Bhutan. Your journey concludes in Samdrupjongkha, where you’ll cross the border into India before departing from Gauhati. This comprehensive itinerary offers a deep exploration of Bhutan’s hidden gems, taking you off the beaten path to discover the true essence of this Himalayan jewel.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Destiny Bhutan staff will greet you upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000ft) and drive you through the valley of Paro to the hotel. After lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Walk to the traditional wooden bridge. O/N at Paro.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing -Thimphu
Early morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest (one and a half hours walk). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 but it has recently been reconstructed.
On the way back drive upto the Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance (which was in ruin for many years and now it is under construction), from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). And also Visit Kyichu Lhakhang.O/N Paro
Day 03: Paro- Thimphu Sightseeing.
Early morning transfer to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan, where most of the modern facilities is still not reach, some say that Thimphu is only capital in the world without the computerised tariff lighting system.
Visit memorial Chorten built in the memory of Lt. His Majesty the King by Royal Queen Mother, visit Cahngkha Lhakhang, Motithang mini Zoo to see the National animal The Takin. Drive down to viewpoint from where you have magnificent view of Thimphu valley, visit National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, Folk Heritage museum where you can see the typical Bhutanese house and their way lifestyle. O/N THIMPHU
Day 04: Thimphu- Punakha.
Morning visit Bhutan post office to see sample of Bhutanese stamp if interested otherwise visit weekend vegetable market, where people from the far village comes to sell their vegetable product and handicraft item. Later transfer to Punakha over the Dochula pass, (ht.10,000ft) from where one can see the beautiful view of eastern Himalayan range on the clear sunny day.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Je Khenpo (the chief abode) the head of central Monastic body and also this place is the old capital of the country. You can walk around the Punakha valley to see the farmhouse and the Bhutan architecture. O/N Hotel Zangdhopelri at Punakha.
Day 05: Punakha-Trongsa
Early morning drive to Trongsa, while on the way visit Wangdiphodrang town and Phobjikha valley to see the black neck crane after lunch proceed to Trongsa across the Pelela pass (ht. around 4000m) where there wills a lot of snow in the winter months. You will really experience the snow and yak herder in this area, visit Chenrebji Lhakhang which is built in typical Nepali style. O/N Trongsa
Day 06: Trongsa-Bumthang
Early morning drive to Bumthang, on the way stop at Chume Valley and visit Handloom shop, see the Yatra & Mathra the handloom product of locality. Later proceed to Bumthang, After lunch visit Dzong and scroll down town. O/N Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang-Sightseeing
Morning visit Jambay Lhakhang, which was built by Tibetan King in 7th century which was among his 108 monastery that he had built two in Bhutan, one in Paro Kyichu Lhakhang. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, which is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The oldest dates back to 1652 and are situated on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th Century. Afternoon visit to Meberrtsho, the burning lake. O/N Bumthang.
Day 08: Bumthang – Mongar, east of Bhutan
Today start your journey to the east of Bhutan. The drive is one through the least crowded motorable roads offering very good scenery amidst various types of conifer forests. You cross the Thrumshingla pass at 12,465ft which is the highest motorable road in the Kingdom.
Can visit the Mongar Dzong and town.
Day 09: Mongar – Lhuentse- Mongar
Today excursion to Lhuentse, early morning drive to Lhuentse one of the remote district of the Bhutan, vist Dzong and market place return to Mongar in the evening.
Day 10: Mongar to Trashigang
Continue your journey further east of Bhutan to Trashigang. You can visit the Trashigang Dzong and the Trashigang town. The only university in Bhutan is located at Trashigang in Kanglung
Day 11: Excursion to Tashi Yangtsi visit Gom Kora
with Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh the TANG Region. Many people from Arunachal come into the Trashiangtse to witness the festival during the festival time in Trashiyangtse.
Roads are narrow but have very less traffic, so you can enjoy riding on this road. On the way visit the Gom kora temple, on the roadside. Enjoy the scenic view of the valley, visit dzong etc, have earlier lunch.
After lunch visit Chorten Kora, this is largest stupa in the country, similar to Budhnath temple in Nepal and is extra copy of it. Later ride back to Trashigang, evening at Leisure. O/N Lodge.
Day 12: Trashigang – Samdrupjongkha.
Today’s ride climbing around the a ridges and grading to south, the road passes the settlement of Pam, pass the Sherubtse College at Kunlung, which is the only degree college in the country, established by Father William Mackey (a Jesuit priest in 1970s). You will come across the institute of disabled (Braille) at Khaling. KHaling is also famous for Handloom Industry, where the porjest has set up.
Slowly ride down to southern foothills of Samdrupjongkhar, weather will hotter now. O/N Hotel.
Day 13: SAMDRUPJONGKHAR –GAUHATI
After completing the Immigration formalities in Bhutan, ride for while and again stop for Indian Immigration formalities. Road condition is not good, ride along the stretch of road, easy ride till you reach Guahati. We can catch the flight to DEL/CCU at 1330 hrs or stay overnight at Gauhati