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Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour
(15 Nights 16 Days)

Dzongkhags covered: Thimphu (Western), Paro (Western), Punakha (Western), Wangduephodrang (Western), Trongsa (Central), Bumthang (Central), Mongar (Eastern), Lhuentse (Eastern), Trashigang (Eastern), Trashiyangtse (Eastern).

Duration: 15 Nights 16 Days
High Season- March, April, May, September, October & November
Low Season- January, February, June, July, August & December

Eastern Bhutan Trip Facts:

This itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore eleven of the twenty districts in Bhutan namely Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Lhuentse, Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse and Samdrup Jongkhar. Your adventure begins once you board the Druk Air flight to Paro. You will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan Peaks including sacred Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. You will start your journey from Paro valley in Western Bhutan and travel to Trashigang in the extreme east and exit via Guwahati (Assam, India). You will experience diverse culture, languages and traditions as you drive on from the west to the east. Lhuentse district is well known in Bhutan for its skills in intricate textile weaving.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro

During the journey by Druk Air (Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt Jichu Drakey of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport (pictured left) you will be received by a representative of Bhutan Rebirth Tours and Treks who will escort you to your Hotel. Later, visit Tag Dzong ('Dzong' means fortress), built in the 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Rinpung Dzong. Tag Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of the monastic community. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest Monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. In the evening free time to stroll around Paro town. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day: 02 Paro

Drive north of the valley and embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest). Clinging to a black rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor, nestles Taktsang Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites in Bhutan. Taktsang, the Tiger's Lair, acquires its name from the legend of its founding, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. He meditated at the site for three months, from where he used the religious cycle of the Kagye to subjugate the Eight Categories of Evil Spirits, and thus converted the region to Buddhism. The hike to the Monastery is a gradual climb through the quiet approach path winds through lush meadows, oaks and rhododendron forests, past quaint hamlets, fluttering prayer flags and rotating prayer wheels. The hike takes you about 4-5 hours from the car park. Later in the afternoon, drive to Drugyal Dzong (the Victory Fortress) which now lies in ruins. It is about 16 kms away from Paro town. On a clear day one can get a breathtaking view of Mt. Jhomolhari while you drive to the Drugyal Dzong. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro - Thimphu

Early morning we head out through the idyllic countryside of terraced rice fields interspersed with rhododendron and pine forests as we make an hour's drive to Thimphu, the tiny capital at 7,600 feet. Enroute, we see our first examples of Bhutan’s remarkable traditional architecture, one of the country’s unique cultural treasures. Even the most remote village farmhouses are hand-crafted using the same ancient methods used to create Bhutan’s religious fortresses known as Dzongs.

Full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the Third King's Memorial Stupa built in 1974, Changangkha Lhakhang, Jungshi Paper factory where they make traditional Bhutanese paper, the National Library that houses the world’s largest book, ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, a Painting School famous for traditional thangkha paintings, the Folk heritage Museum founded by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The museum is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. Visit the Choki Handicrafts shop where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are displayed and can be purchased. The shop is closely linked to Choki Traditional Art School- many of the goods are produced in the school itself and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the school and the provision of tuition for the students. Later, visit the Tashichhodzong (seen above at night)- the 'Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ houses the Throne Room of His Majesty the King, the main Secretariat Building and the Central Monk Body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the off-office hours (on weekends and on weekdays after 4 pm in the winter and 5 pm in the summer. Overnight at Hotel.

About Thimphu:
Thimphu was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital (previously it was Punakha). Even today, it still only has minimal roads and no traffic lights. The massive Tashichhodzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to house the Royal and main government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot (equal in rank with the King). Even the most remote village farmhouses are hand-crafted using the same ancient methods used to create Bhutan’s religious Dzongs (fortresses). Thimphu is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashichhodzong. The Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was the main architect of modern Bhutan. He died in 1972 and was succeeded by his son, His Majesty the (Fourth) King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was 17 years old at the time.

Day 04: Thimphu

Drive 13 km north of Thimphu to Dodena. A one-hour hike this morning brings us up to Tango Monastery, a monastic school and retreat built in the 15th century. The monastery is the residence of the Druk Desi Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgye, a Lama who is the reincarnation of the 16th century monk who founded Tango (‘Tango’ means Horse’s Head; the Monastery is named for a rock formation on the mountain it is built on). Tango’s inner courtyard is beautifully painted in bright colors, with lovely views stretching across the Thimphu Valley. We descend and head by road to Begana for a one hour hike on a fairly level trail through the beautiful riverside village of Kabesa. En route we stop to visit the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS), the only charitable art school in the Kingdom which gives opportunity to economically disadvantaged students from different parts of Bhutan. Students of Choki Traditional Art School graduate with traditional arts and crafts skills which they can put to use to earn good living back in their home village. A presentation by the Principal can be organised followed by lunch at the school. After lunch there will be a campus tour and visit to the classrooms where the guests can interact with the students. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Thimphu - Punakha

Head out of town on a spectacular 3 hours drive to Punakha crossing the Dochu La Pass at 3100 metres from where you can see the 108 beautiful chortens built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. From this pass, on a clear day, you can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. After a hot cup of tea at a café atop the pass and time to savour the mountain views, we continue our drive to Punakha Valley. En route a half-hour walk through mustard fields brings us to Chimi Lhakhang (‘Lhakhang ‘means temple) as can be seen left, a Monastery and Fertility Temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist Saint known popularly as “the Divine Madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on the site in the 14th century. The temple, flanked by nearly 100 tall prayer flags, sits atop a picturesque hill and has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. In the afternoon, we visit the Punakha Dzong (as seen on the main welcome page of this Bhutan Rebirth website), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (the Male and Female rivers). The Punakha Dzong is an architectural wonder and has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. The Dzong has been destroyed four times by fire, earthquake and flood. The Dzong now is fully restored to its original splendour. The official name of Druk Pungthang Dechenphodrang translates as ‘the Palace of Great Happiness’. Overnight at Hotel.

About Punakha: Punakha is located in the low sub-tropical valley about 4100 feet and was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is still the winter home of the Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo, today. The warmer climate in Punakha allows for the production of two rice crops each year, along with oranges, mangos, and bananas. In Punakha, we may see people from the remote village of Laya. The Layaps, as they are known, are yak herders who make the three or four-day walk to Punakha from their high-altitude villages in northwest Bhutan. Women of Laya (left) wear conical bamboo hats with a centre spike of bamboo, and Laya’s men wear black woolen coats.

Day 06: Punakha - Trongsa

Early morning drive to Trongsa. En route stop at Wangduephodrang and visit the once beautiful Wangduephodrang Dzong built in 1638 (razed by fire in 2012), which used to be a beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture. Drive onward crossing Pelela pass (3300 m), traditionally this pass has been considered as the boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboos. Stop enroute at Chendebji Chorten, which was built in the 18th century by a great monk named Shida- it is in the Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive at Trongsa and check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.

Day 07: Trongsa - Bumthang

After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and visit the Tag Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours from Trongsa. One will cross Yutong La pass (3400 m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open, cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge.

Day 08: Bumthang

Bumthang valley (above) is one of the most hallowed valleys in the Kingdom and countless legends surround the area. This is the place where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) first visited in 8th century. The present Royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa, which was from this valley. Sightseeing includes visit to Kurjey Lhakhang (where the Saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), Jambay Lhakhang which was built in the 7th century, then Jakar Dzong, the 'Fortress of the White Bird' built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi or the temporal ruler) and the Tamshing Lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the religious treasures discoverer). Then visit Kenchosum Lhakhang and Membartsho (the Burning Lake) which is in fact a gorge where the river runs through but legend has it that Pema Lingpa discovered religious texts from this lake. Other good places to visit are the woodcraft workshop and the cheese factory. Evening free time for walk and relaxing and dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 09: Bumthang - Mongar

The main street of Ura village

After breakfast, drive to Ura village and visit Ura Lhakhang and then continue drive to Mongar through Thrumshing La Pass (at altitude 3750 metres above sea level it is the highest pass on this east-west highway). Picnic lunch will be served en route. You will begin your journey to eastern Bhutan, which is different from western and central Bhutan in terms of language and lifestyle. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops. The drive on this is an exhilarating 8 hours from Thrumshing La and once again you will see the spectacular views of the Himalayan range on a clear day. Drive continues to Mongar and you can wander around Mongar town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Mongar - Lhuentse

Day excursion to Lhuentse is 76 km and about 3 hours- the road was inaugurated in 1980.The Lhuentse road winds around the hill to Chali then the few houses of Palangphu. The district is famous for the skill of its weavers. It is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family- Jigme Namgyel, the father of the first King of Bhutan was born in Dungkhar village in Lhuentse (at left). Lhuentse Dzong overlooks the Kurichhu valley and sits high on a rocky outcrop. Visit Lhuentse Dzong and lunch will be provided en route. Drive back to Mongar and evening sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Mongar - Trashigang

Trashigang is 92 kilometers from Mongar, a 3-4 hours drive. Check into Rangjung guesthouse. After lunch visit Radhi village. Radhi is famous for raw silk, which is known as ‘burha’. You can also witness women weaving raw silk. Overnight at the guesthouse in Rangjung.

Day 12: Day Excursion to Trashiyangtse

53 Kilometers from Trashigang is the beautiful valley of Trashiyangtse. Today you will visit Trashiyangtse, which is a small, pretty and quiet town. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers known as 'dappas' which are said to be best in Bhutan. Just below the town is Chorten Kora, one of the main attractions in this valley. It is a great stupa built in 1740 and modelled on the style of the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal. Its annual Tsechu (religious festival) attracts enormous crowds. This is a festival where many young men and women meet and get married eventually. Along the way to Trashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora Temple (right), behind which is a large black rock. It is said that Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave and we can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body print on the rock. Visit the Dzong and explore the Trashiyangtse town. Drive back to Trashigang and overnight at hotel in Trashigang. [Note: With Bhutan Rebirth you can combine this tour with the Festival tour of Gom Kora or Chorten Kora- Exit Paro or Chorten Kora- Exit Guwahati.]

Day 13: Trashigang Sightseeing - Mongar

After breakfast on the first day visit the Trashigang Dzong. Trashigang Dzong is built high on the cliff above the confluence of two rivers. The Dzong stands at the extreme end of the spur spur, overhanging the Drangmechu and Gamrichu (rivers) by more than 400 metres. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and houses the Drukpa monastic community. The dzong was built in 1659 by the Trongsa Penlop Chogyel Minjur Tenpa after the Eastern Bhutan came under the administrative jurisdiction of the Drukpas. The site had probably been occupied since the 12th century when Serdung, one of the Kings of Eastern Bhutan settled there and built a fort which he named Bengkhar. After lunch drive to Mongar. Overnight in Hotel in Mongar.

Day 14: Mongar – Bumthang

After breakfast drive to Bumthang. Lunch will be served on the way. In Bumthang stroll round in the market and visit Wangdicholing Palace (left- interior of the abandoned palace) if there is time. This palace was used by the first two Kings of Bhutan.

Day 15: Bumthang – Thimphu

After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu. In the evening visit the Handicraft shops and stroll around the town carefree. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 16: Thimphu – Paro International Airport for Departure

Early in the morning drive to Paro Airport with our representatives and farewell.

Note: Please note that all tour itineraries can be adjusted to enter or exit by road to India. For Clients travelling in peak seasons and Festival time, it is necessary to book the Tour at least 2 1/2 months in advance. Festivals held in autumn and spring are peak time for tourists and without early reservation it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.

These package cultural tours have been designed based on past experiences of visitors to Bhutan and how they felt about various programs. The tours are such that you can gain the maximum out of this experience without exhausting you. The tours can be taken anytime throughout the year. However, these readymade itineraries may not be convenient for some visitors. That is why we would be very happy to, together with you, design a new itinerary to fit all criteria and interests as desired by you including increasing or decreasing the period of tour. Please write to us with your special interests and/or requirements at bhutanrebirth@gmail.com.

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