The Eastern Jewel

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 7-hour drive to Trashigang. This will be your first long journey, taking you through charming small towns and picturesque landscapes. The road winds uphill along the contours of the hillside until Yongphula, before descending further. Along the way, you’ll pass through the small town of Wamrong and continue to Khaling, where you can visit Bhutan’s National Handloom Center and witness the intricate artistry of traditional weaving. As you proceed, you’ll reach Yongphula, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The journey continues with a descent to Kanglung, home to the country’s first college, Sherubtse College. Take a brief stop here for tea or coffee before resuming your drive. Upon arrival in Trashigang, check into your hotel. If time permits in the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the town, explore local shops, and soak in the atmosphere.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Trashigang.

After early breakfast, visit Rangjung Yoeselcholling Monastery and then drive to Mongar which is around 3 hours. Throughout the journey you will experience beautiful valleys covered with cornfields.The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country. It passes over sheer cliffs and through beautiful fir forests and green pastures. Travelers passing this route will have the opportunity to visit the Rhododendron garden. Explore Mongar town in the evening. On reaching Mongar, visit to Mongar Dzong. In the evening, if time permits, walk around the shops and enjoy shopping.

Overnight at the hotel, Monger

The drive to Bumthang from Mongar will be your second longest drive of the trip which will take around 8hrs. Bumthang is believed to be the cultural heartland of a country and has earned the title as “Switzerland of Bhutan”. The journey will take you through the beautiful green pastures, cliffs, thick fir forest and full of Rhododendrons. You will come across a Pass known as Thrumsing La. As you continue your journey, you will enter western Bhutan. On reaching Bumthang, check into hotel and dinner.

Overnight at hotel, Bumthang.

Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.  It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird”- Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Jampay Lhakhang– One of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. It is believed that the temple is built in 7th century by SongtsenGonpo of Tibet. Kurjey Lhakhang– The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery– This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang– TamshingLhakhang, founded in 1501 by PemaLingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery– The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here. Fees applicable.

Overnight at hotel, Bumthang

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa which is around 3 hrs drive. On reaching Trongsa, visit Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys. You will experience several items on display including number of centuries old treasures like ancient prayerbooks, paintings and scrolls.After that visit Trongsa Dzong, which was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan.

Overnight at hotel, Trongsa.

Early morning after breakfast, drive to punakha which is 6 hrsdrive. Experience the beautiful valley throughout the journey. On reaching Punakha, if time permits, have a walk around the local market.Overnight at hotel.Punakha.

Early after breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong which is at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female river). It is the palce where allof the Kings of Bhutan has been crowned,moreover it is the winter residence of the Dratshang(official monk body). After that, On the way to Punakha, we will hike for about 45 minutes round trip to the monastery of DrupaKuenley, “Divine Madmonk,” named Chimi Lhakhang which was built in the 15th century. After the visit to Dzong we will take a short stroll towards the Suspension Bridge and have a photography Session.After that drive to Thimphu which will take around 3hrs.

Overnight Hotel, Thimphu.

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, JigmeDorjiWangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley. Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts. Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings. Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, is protected. After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day with a visit to Changyul Park, one of the trending majestic park in Thimphu.

Overnight at hotel, Thimphu .

Today, we will drive to Paro, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and serene valleys along the way. Upon reaching Paro, we will visit the iconic RinpungDzong, a majestic fortress that houses both monastic and administrative offices. This architectural masterpiece is steeped in history and offers stunning views of the Paro Valley. Next, we’ll head to Ta Dzong, which originally served as a watchtower to guard the RinpungDzong. Today, it has been transformed into Bhutan’s National Museum, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, including ancient weapons, traditional costumes, religious relics, and exquisite thangkas (Buddhist paintings). After exploring these cultural landmarks, you will have the opportunity to stroll through Paro’s charming local town. Here, you can browse for unique souvenirs, such as traditional crafts, handwoven textiles, and Bhutanese art, to take a piece of Bhutan’s heritage home with you.We will then check in to the hotel in Paro, where you can relax and unwind.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit en route KyichuLhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to Paro airport from where we bid fare well. TashiDelek!