Journey through Bhutan (12 Days)

Overview
Itinerary
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Tour Overview

This package covers popular destinations in the west and take you further east, seldom visited by tourists. You will pass through many secluded communities leading simple lifestyle as you make your way from the west to the east. As you venture east, the tour is less about tourist attractions and more about the experience of going a road trip across Bhutan.

Tour Highlights

  • The Tallest Sitting Buddha on a mountain top
  • Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
  • Vast Gallery
  • Zorig Chusum
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Chimi Lhakhang
  • Home stay experience
  • Nature trail at Phobjikha
  • Hot Stone bath
  • Pelela Pass
  • Chendebji Chorten
  • Trongsa Dzong
  • Chumey Yathra Weaving Center
  • Takila
  • Bumdeling Valley
  • Paro Museum
  • Hike to Paro Taktsang

Day 1

Arrive in Paro

Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu
Distance: 54 Km| Driving Time: 1 hour

After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu  Authentic Craft Bazaar  Buddha Dordenma  Folk Heritage Museum  Tashichhodzong  Centenary Farmers Market  Institute of Traditional Medical Services  VAST Studio

Accommodation options:
City Hotel  Hotel Bhutan  Le Meridien

Day 2

Drive from Thimphu to Dochula

Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Distance: 31Km|Driving Time: 1 hour

Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.

Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.

Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins

A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.

Places and attractions:
Punakha  Dochula Pass  Lungchutse Hike  Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss  Punakha Suspension Bridge  Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple

Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort  Zhingkham Cottages

Day 3

Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha

Early Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Distance: 78 Km |Driving Time: 3 Hr. 30 Min

Let the serenity of the valley with its wide-open spaces and pristine nature help you unwind.

A 16th-century Gangtey Goemba (monastery) sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The complex consists of monks' quarters, guesthouses, and meditation centres.

There are nature trails that run along the field and through the pine forest connecting small villages. You can explore them on a foot or go biking.

It's one of those destinations where you just want to clear your schedule and go with the flow.

Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley  Black Necked Crane Information Centre  Gangtey Monastery  Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey

Accommodation options:
Amankora Gangtey  Gangtey Goenpa Lodge  Dewachen Hotel

Day 4

Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang

Distance: 179 Km |Driving Time: 8 hours

It will be a long drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang. The drive will take you through a rich forest of rhododendrons and oak woods and cross over Pele la pass at 3351 meters and Yotongla Pass at 3425 metres.

You'll get to explore the Trongsa district and attractions along the way.

Attractions include Chendebji Chorten which resembles the Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu Nepal and the medieval watch tower and the Trongsa Dzong at Trongsa.

Places and attractions:
Trongsa  Ta Dzong Museum Trongsa  Trongsa Dzong  Chendebji Chorten

Accommodation options:
Swiss Guest House

Day 5

Explore Bumthang

Spend the day exploring attractions in Bumthang valley.

Places and attractions:
Bumthang  Mebar Tso  Kurjey Lhakhang  Yathra Weaving Center  Jambey Lhakhang

Accommodation options:
Amankora Bumthang  Moutain Lodge

Day 6

Drive from Bumthang to Mongar

Early Drive from Bumthang to Mongar
Distance: 184 Km| Driving Time: 8 hours

Mongar will be your first eastern district. The small town is located on a hill top.

Places and attractions:
Mongar  Ura Village

Accommodation options:
Wangchuk Hotel

Day 7

Drive to Lhuntse from Mongar

Distance: 76km| Driving Time: 3 hours

At Lhuntse, you will visit the 157 feet bronze statue of Guru Nangsey Zileon built atop a hill overlooking a local village. You will also visit Khoma village known for producing the best textile in Bhutan.

Spend a night at a local homestay and enjoy a home cooked meal.

Places and attractions:
Lhuntse  Mongar  Takila Guru Statue  Khoma Village

Accommodation options:
Wangchuk Hotel

Day 8

Drive to Tashigang from Lhuntse

Distance: 167 Km| Driving Time: 7 hours

You will drive back to Mongar and onward to Tashigang.

Places and attractions:
Trashigang

Accommodation options:
Druk Deothjung Resort

Day 9

Day excursion to Tashi Yangtse District

Distance: 110 Km| Driving Time: 5 hours

At Tashi Yangtse, you'll visit Bumdeling valley. Bumdeling like Phobjikha valley is a roosting ground for the black-necked cranes. You'll also visit Chorten Kora, the stupa resembles Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu Nepal.

In evening, you'll return to Tashigang.

Places and attractions:
Trashiyangtse  Trashigang  Chorten Kora  Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation options:
Druk Deothjung Resort

Day 10

Fly back to Paro

You'll board a 45 minute flight back to Paro in the west. The domestic flight cost will be extra and is not included in the package price.

Please note last-minute cancellations for domestic flights due to weather particularly during the summer season is common.

In the evening, it's worth taking a stroll along the oldest street in Paro town. The street is lined with traditional houses renovated with western-inspired storefronts running cafes and souvenir shops.

Places and attractions:
Paro  Paro Town  Paro Rinpung Dzong

Accommodation options:
Gangtey Palace Hotel

Day 11

Hike to Taktsang

With a few days to acclimatise, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.

An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.

When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.

Places and attractions:
Paro  Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort  Le Meridien Paro Riverfront  Gangtey Palace Hotel

Day 12

Depart From Paro

End of Trip

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Bhutan Echoes

Bhutan Echoes is a literature and arts initiative, an annual international literary festival held in Bhutan.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the Chief Patron of Bhutan Echoes: Drukyul’s Literature Festival.

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