(Eastern Bhutan Tour).
The beautiful Chelila pass.
The eastern Bhutan tour (17 days) is the longest tour combining western, central and eastern Bhutan. Besides sightseeing in western and central Bhutan, far eastern part of the country which has its own charm and beauty. The visit to the villages of Merak and Sakteng is the highlight of this eastern Bhutan tour. These villages are home to the nomadic yak herders of eastern Himalayas and ecological hotspots.
The tallest statue of Buddha in Bhutan.
Khamsum Yulley monastery.
The beautiful Chelila pass.
The costs given below are inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
Nature of trip: Privately guided Bhutan trip.
Meet and greet at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. On the way, a short stop to view Tamchog monastery built by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
Afternoon – Visit memorial chorten, tallest statue of Buddha, Changangkha lhakhang, Takin preserve center, Sangaygang view point and Dupthop nunnery.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, visit to national postal museum, craft bazaar, textile museum, school of 13 arts and crafts.
In the afternoon, witness the archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
In the evening, visit Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to Punakha valley, an ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the second king of Bhutan.
On the way, visit to Dochu La Pass (Altitude 3140 m).
Then visit Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley. The temple is popularly called The temple of fertility. He was known as The divine madman for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism often with sexual overtones.
Afternoon – Visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952.
Then hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling monastery.
In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Note: Upper part of the valley is called Gangtey and lower part is called Phobjikha.
While in Gangtey, visit to Gangtey monastery built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. Then visit the black necked crane information center.
In the evening, explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley (Altitude 3000 m). The valley is also the roosting ground of the rare black-necked cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in 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.
In the morning, visit Jakar dzong (Venue for annual Jakar festival) built in 1667 by the Tibetan Lama Nagi Wangchuk. Then visit Jambay lhakhang, Chakhar lhakhang and Kenchosum monastery.
On the way, visit to Mebar tsho or “The burning lake”. Then visit Tamshing lhakhang and Kurjey lhakhang.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in 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 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.
– Radi village is famous for handloom. Visit to the Radi Gompa.
Packed lunch will be served.
In the evening, drive back to Trashigang.
Dinner and overnight in 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.
Afternoon – Visit Ta dzong (national museum of Bhutan).
– Rinpung dzong (Venue for annual Paro festival) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the finest illustration of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship you’ll see. So impressive it is that even scenes of 1995 film, Little Buddha were filmed here.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in 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.