Eastern Bhutan Tour

7 days 6 night itinerary for the eastern part of Bhutan

Day 1. Arrival to Samdrup Jongkhar from Guwahati    

Morning 3 hours drive from Guwahati (capital of Indian state Assam) to Bhutan’s border in Samdrup Jongkhar and immigration formalities.

Day 2.Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang   

All day drive ascending to the Himalayas. After few hours drive we will stop to get blessing from Hindu hermit for safety of our journey. Soon after you will have opportunity to visit first of many charming Bhutanese Buddhist temples, called Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, with detailed mural painting. During afternoon you will stop in Khaling village to visit National Handloom Development Project, which maintains rich tradition of local weaving. Also you will pay a visit to the National Institute for the Visually Impaired. One of the accomplishment of this progressive institution is the development of Bhutanese version of Braille’s script. Along the way, you’ll also Visit Draktsho East, the only Vocational Training Institute for the People with disabilities in the eastern part and Sherubtse College, first Bhutanese university campus established in 1978. Also we visit temple in nearby Kanglung village.

Day 3.Trashigang-Trashi Yangtse excursion.

Morning visit of Trashigang dzong which was built in 17th century and has commanding view of the valley. Inside are few interesting temples and local government offices. After that you’ll take about 2 hours drive time to Trashi Yangtse. On the way, pay a visit to the Gom Kora temple, place where 8th century magician-saint Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprints. Further drive will offer occasional views of snowy mountain in clear weather. Finally you will see impressive building of the old Trashi Yangtse dzong which is home to 300 monks. The dzong used to protect former trade route with Tibet and was established by the saint Pema Lingpa of 15th century. The temples with valuable statues are worth of exploring. Also near the Trashi Yangtse is the famous Chorten Kora, the largest stupa in Bhutan built in Nepali style. This is the site of two colourful local festivals at the beginning of the year. Trashi Yangtse is also home to National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the school where the young people learns the art crafts of their forefathers to keep Bhutan’s traditional arts alive. Evening return to Trashigang.

Day 4. Trashigang -Mongar

It’s just 3.5-hours drive to Mongar but it would be a pity not to make a 2 hours detour to Dramtse Gompa, which is one of the most important monasteries of eastern Bhutan. This is the place from where the famous Naga Chham (Drums of Dramtse), mask dance with drums originated. This dance is ubiquitous feature of many festivals and also it was included to the UNESCO list of of oral and intangible heritage. Monastery itself was founded in 16th century by descendants of the saint Pema Lingpa and it’s name means “the peak where there is no enemy”. There is number of interesting chapels with a lot of important statues of the saints and protector deities. If you’re in mood for short hike, you can also pursue 1.5 hour scenic hike from Dramtse to Baging la via Shergang village (currently might not be possible due to road works). Alternative option would be easy half hour hike going downhill from Drametse to Baging village directly. After reaching Mongar, you will pay a visit to it’s dzong (castle). Although built in 1930, the dzong maintains Bhutanese architectural traditions/

Day 5 Mongar to lhuntshe.

Morning drive to Lhuntse which is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests and remote villages with rice, millet and corn fields. Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. On the way, we will make a detour to Takey la, the place where the gigantic statue of Guru Rimpoche was recently built. Inside the statue, you find number of richly decorated chapels, which belongs to best in Bhutan. Further you will continue to Khoma village for most elaborate traditional cloths in Bhutan. Quality of weaving is so fine that even Royal Family places their order for clothes here. Village itself is interesting and beautiful so we will spend some extra time here having a lunch in local house and tasting local delicacies. Then we will continue to Lhuntse to see a dzong which belongs to one of the most spectacular monastery-castles in Bhutan, with total 7 chapels you can explore. Residing monks have welcoming reputation. Drive back to Mongar.

Day 6 Mongar to Samdrupjongar.

After our breakfast we will start our drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. The drive is very scenic which passes through, Kanglung, Khaling, Wamrong and Dewathang. We will also get opportunity to see roadside birds and animals. We will have picnic lunch. Evening check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar, altitude 250m

Day 7: end of the tour, departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

Cost Includes

1. Pickup from Samdupjongar border gate as per your arrival date and time
2. Comfortable accommodation during the tour (3 stars accommodation)
3. MAP plan (breakfast & dinner)
4. All private transportation during the tour as per the itinerary
5. English speaking experienced Licensed Bhutanese local guide
6. Food, accommodation, salary, equipment’s for Bhutanese driver and guide
7. Drinking water during the tour
8. Airport transportation by private vehicle to Paro airport for your final departure

Cost Excludes

1. International flight airfare.
2. SDF
3. Luch
4. Travel Insurance (for trip cancellation, interruption, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
5. Personal expenses such as telephone Calls, Internet, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages.
6. Filming or camera or drone permits fees
7. Tips for the guide and driver. (Tipping is expected).
8. Any other services, activities or personal expenses, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
9. Monument & entrance fees