Journey Across Bhutan
Ideal for those who want to discover the true Bhutan, this ultimate cultural tour explores the cultural valleys of the west, spiritual central Bhutan & the rugged east. Journey Across Bhutan traverses incredible landscapes of high mountain passes with incredible Himalayan views, mixed forests, beautiful countryside and Alpine meadows rich with diverse flora and fauna.
Beginning in the gentle valley of Paro, home to the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), you will visit ancient fortresses, sacred monasteries, remote temples, farm houses, palaces and monastic schools across the country to the eastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. This is a special and unique tour is designed for the enthusiastic traveller with a longer holiday program in mind and a desire to discover the true Bhutan. Journey Across Bhutan can also operate Paro – Trashigang – Paro.
Day 1
Arrive Paro
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum & Rimpong Dzong.
Day 2
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning hike to Tiger’s Monastery. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhanga and Drukgyal Dzong.
Day 3
Excursion to Haa Valley
Enjoy a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelela Pass (3900m), Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain and unique architecture.
Day 4
Paro – Thimphu
Drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours). Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market.
Day 5
Thimphu
Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
Day 6
Thimphu – Punakha
Dochula pass, Botanical Garden, Chimi Lhakhang & Punakha Dzong.
Day 7
Punakha – Phobjikha
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs) via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. After lunch visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 8
Phobjikha – Trongsa
Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. Enroute visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.
Day 9
Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast proceed towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and 16th century Tamshing Lhakhang containing ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom and 7th Century Jambay Lhakhang.
Day 10
Bumthang
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum containing an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) where Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche.
Day 11
Bumthang – Mongar
The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours with spectacular views en route. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s road network, Thrumshing-La Pass (4,000m). From here, the road gradually passes through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields and hamlets to reach Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930’s using the traditional process without either plans or the use of nails.
Day 12
Mongar – Trashigang
Drive to Trashigang (4 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns and over Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi. Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Day 13
Excursion to Tashiyangtse
Visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric before reaching Tashiyangtse, the administrative centre for this district. The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong, and the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora and the nearby institute for Zorig Chusum, where student are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Day 14
Tashitangtse – Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and to Assam, India. It is about 9 hours drive from Trashigang with many beautiful villages and landscapes on the way. Overnight at your hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 15
Depart from Guahati
After breakfast, drive towards airport for onward journey.
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Airfare.
