15 days
Duration
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrup Jongkhar
Destination
Apr - May
Best Season
Theme: Heritage • Festivals • Highland Culture • Eastern Bhutan Expedition
Explore the Kingdom’s Culture & Heritage
Journey across the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” — from the majestic western valleys to the far-flung eastern frontiers. This trans-Bhutan adventure captures the nation’s soul through its ancient monasteries, sacred fortresses, pristine valleys, and living heritage.
Celebrate the Rhododendron Festival in Merak, meet the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, explore hidden valleys of Sakteng and Trashiyangtse, and conclude your epic cultural odyssey at Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to India’s Assam state.
Tour Highlights
- Attend the Rhododendron Festival in Merak — a rare highland celebration
- Experience Brokpa nomadic culture and ancient rituals
- Explore Bhutan’s heritage from west to east — monasteries, dzongs & villages
- Discover hidden gems like Sakteng and Trashiyangtse
- Exit via Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati, connecting to India’s vibrant northeast
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Gateway to Bhutan
Highlights: Rinpung Dzong • National Museum • Paro Town
- Arrive in Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan.
- Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum (Ta Dzong).
- Evening: Stroll through Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Highlights: Taktsang Monastery • Kyichu Lhakhang
- Early morning hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s iconic sacred site.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest temples.
- Optional traditional hot stone bath in the evening.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu – Bhutan’s Capital (1.5 hrs)
Highlights: Memorial Chorten • Buddha Dordenma • Tashichho Dzong
- Scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city.
- Visit Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Tashichho Dzong.
- Evening visit to Craft Market and cafés.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha – Valley of Bliss (3 hrs)
Highlights: Dochula Pass • Chimi Lhakhang • Punakha Dzong
- Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m) for panoramic Himalayan views.
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.
- Explore Punakha Dzong, the most picturesque fortress in Bhutan.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley (3.5 hrs)
Highlights: Gangtey Monastery • Phobjikha Nature Trail
- Drive to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, home to Black-Necked Cranes.
- Visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a scenic nature trail walk.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 6: Phobjikha to Bumthang (6 hrs)
Highlights: Pelela Pass • Trongsa Dzong • Chendebji Chorten
- Drive east with stops at Trongsa Dzong and Chendebji Chorten.
- Continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Explore Bumthang – Valley of Temples
Highlights: Jakar Dzong • Kurje Lhakhang • Tamshing Monastery
- Visit Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint.
- Explore Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Monastery.
- Visit Jakar Dzong and nearby traditional workshops.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang to Trashigang (via Ura Valley)
Highlights: Ura Village • Thrumsingla Pass • Eastern Highlands
- Long but scenic drive through Ura Valley and Thrumsingla Pass (3,780m).
- Arrive in Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan.
Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 9: Trashigang Sightseeing
Highlights: Trashigang Dzong • Gomphu Kora • Local Life
- Visit Trashigang Dzong, overlooking the Drangme Chu River.
- Explore Gomphu Kora, an ancient pilgrimage site.
- Interact with locals in Trashigang town.
Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 10: Trashigang to Merak (4 hrs)
Highlights: Highland Drive • Brokpa Culture • Festival Setting
- Drive through scenic mountain trails to Merak, home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa community.
- Experience the highland lifestyle and stunning landscapes.
Overnight in Merak (guesthouse or eco-camp).
Day 11: Rhododendron Festival in Merak
Highlights: Rhododendron Blooms • Brokpa Traditions • Folk Songs & Dances
- Attend the colorful Rhododendron Festival, unique to Merak.
- Witness Brokpa dances, yak processions, local cuisine, and handicrafts.
- Enjoy the vibrant mix of nature and highland culture.
Overnight in Merak.
Day 12: Merak to Sakteng (5 hrs)
Highlights: Highland Trail • Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary • Local Folklore
- Travel through the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, known for rare flora and fauna.
- Arrive in Sakteng village and visit local monasteries.
- Evening: Enjoy Brokpa songs and storytelling by the fireplace.
Overnight in Sakteng.
Day 13: Sakteng to Trashiyangtse – Art & Spirituality (5–6 hrs)
Highlights: Trashiyangtse Dzong • Chorten Kora • Zorig Chusum Art School
- Drive to Trashiyangtse, known for woodcraft and traditional art.
- Visit Chorten Kora, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas.
- Explore Zorig Chusum (Art School) where artisans preserve 13 traditional crafts.
Overnight in Trashiyangtse.
Day 14: Trashiyangtse to Samdrup Jongkhar (6–7 hrs) – Exit to Guwahati Next Day
Highlights: Scenic Descent • Farewell Bhutan**
- Drive south through lush subtropical forests to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s southeastern border town.
- Evening: Explore the local market or enjoy a relaxed dinner marking your final night in Bhutan.
Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 15: Exit to Guwahati, India
- After breakfast, cross the border to Guwahati (Assam, India) — a 3–4 hour drive.
- Optional: Visit Kamakhya Temple or enjoy a river cruise on the Brahmaputra before your onward flight.
