14D13N East, West & Center : Off The Beaten Path
WHEN
Spring Mac - May
Autumn - Sept - Nov
PRICE
From $5269 pp excl flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing) include Tourism Taxes & Visa
HOW LONG
13 nights is an idea length
Day 1 (D)
Paro Arrival - Overnight
Meet and greet in Paro International Airport, We will transfer you to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2 (B/D)
Paro - Yonphula - Trashigang - Radhi
In the morning we will take a flight to Yonphula. Upon arrival we will visit Radhi village. Radhi is often called the “Rice Bowl of the East” because of its extensive, verdant rice fields that supply much of the grain for eastern Bhutan. Walk through Radhi’s famous terraced rice paddies, visit a local home to see raw silk (bura) weaving and Radhi Namdrup Choling Lhakhang. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
Radhi - Chaling - Merak Village (by 4X4) (3 - 4 hrs)
In the morning we will take the route through picturesque landscapes, small villages, and dense forests, offering breathtaking views along the way. Merak village is a remote settlement in the eastern part of Bhutan. It’s known for its traditional way of life, distinct culture, and beautiful landscapes. The village is inhabited by the Brokpa people, who have preserved their unique customs, language, and attire for centuries. Merak is also famous for its annual yak festival, where locals showcase their yak-rearing skills, traditional dances, and crafts. Homestay in Merak Village.
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Remark - Merak is in a restricted border region and a special area permit is required for visit.
Day 4 (B/L/D)
Merak - Trashigang
Early in the morning we start our drive back to Tashigang. Enroute we will visit the Khaling Handloom Centre. Upon arrival in Trashigang, we will drive to the viewpoint for beautiful photo taking of Trashigang Dzong. We can also walk around the bazaar for some relaxing time. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
Trashigang - Trashiyangtse - Trashigang (52 Km, 1.5 Hrs)
​After breakfast, we will drive to one of Eastern Bhutan’s most charming and culturally rich towns. We will visit the oldest temple, Trashiyangtse Dzong (1659) Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Eastern Bhutan. We will proceed to Chorten Kora, one of Bhutan’s major pilgrimage sites, for protection from evil spirits and blessings for prosperity. We will have some time to explore the eastern artwork of Bokar Nyingthang-style wood carving and painting. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 6 (B/L/D)
Trashigang - Khamdang - Mongar (130 KM, 5 Hrs)
Today we will have a gorgeous mountain road with a deep valley and hairpin blend in our drive adventure. Mongar is a must visit destination with beautiful eucalyptus trees lined around the town sides which are soothing to the eye as well as soul. Upon arrival we will visit Jarung Khashor Chorten best known as the “wish full filing stupa”. Built by the esteemed Second Pedtselling Trulku, Jigme Tenpai Gyeltshen, and supported by the community, this Chorten symbolizes collective merit and protection against evil forces. We proceed to visit Unesco listed intangible assets of Drametse Lhakhang. Founded in 1530, it belongs to the Nyingma school of Buddhism and is best known as the birthplace of the Drametse Ngacham (mask dance), which is performed across Bhutan. Followed by a visit to Mongar Dzong. Standing tall on the hilltop at an elevation of 1,639 meters, this centuries-old fortress is a testament to the fascinating history with its fair share of battles and sieges. The Mongar Dzong showcases the timeless beauty of traditional Bhutanese architecture and is adorned with exquisite murals, four Lhakhangs, and visually stunning walls and ceilings. You can take a stroll along its wooden corridors, listen to the enchanting prayers of the monks, and bask in the tranquil ambiance. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 7 (B/L/D)
Mongar - Ura Valley - Bumthang (150 Km, 5-6 Hrs)
After breakfast we will take a drive that passes by the Kuri Chhu River valley with picturesque traditional villages, highland meadows and alpine landscapes. We will stop for some amazing photo shoots of rice terraces. We will stop at Ura valley to visit Ura Lhakhang, a two-storey temple constructed in a traditional Bhutanese style and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8 (B/L/D)
Bumthang - Trongsa (105 Km, 3 Hrs 30 Min)
Bumthang district in central Bhutan is surrounded by four valleys; Chhoekhor, Chhume, Tang, and Ura. In the morning we will visit one of Bhutan's sacred sites; Kurjey Lhakhang. Ancient temples with murals and relics of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). After which we will visit the ancient Jambay Lhakhang Temple followed by the drive to visit the mystical charm of Membartsho (Burning Lake). The 15th century, the famous Bhutanese saint and treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa, had a vision of sacred treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the pool. To convince skeptical locals, he jumped into the turbulent waters with a butter lamp, later emerging with the treasures (including a chest and a statue) and the lamp still burning. We will continue our drive to Trongsa. Upon arrival we will have a photo stop for the beautiful Trongsa Dzong and overnight in Trongsa.
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Day 9 (B/L/D)
Trongsa - Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) (180 KM, 7 Hrs)
We will have an early start as today will be a scenic but long mountain drive with several high passes and deep valleys. Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese style stupa, Pele La Pass (3,420m): This high pass marks the traditional boundary between Western and Central Bhutan. It is draped in prayer flags and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on clear days.
Day 10 (B/L/D)
Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) - Wangdue Phodrang - Punakha (72 Km, 3 Hrs)
Today we will have an immersive experience of “the living valley”. We start the day at about 6 am with a walk to Gangtey Monastery to observe early morning prayers with the resident monks. We will have breakfast and then set out for Gangtey Nature Trail (approx. 2 hours), which winds through flower meadows and passes through Semchubara Village. After lunch we will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about local conservation efforts. We will continue our adventure to Wangdue Phodrang and will have a photostop for Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Perched at 1,200 meters above sea level, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (1638) commands a strategic position on a hill where the Punakha and Tang Chhu rivers meet. This vantage point allowed the dzong to oversee and defend the valleys. We continue or drive to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha
Day 11 (B/L/D)
Punakha - Thimphu (60 Km, 2 Hrs)
In the morning we will visit Chimi Lhakhang is a revered hilltop temple in the Punakha Valley, dedicated to the legendary Bhutanese saint Drukpa Kunley, widely known as the Divine Madman. Built in the 15th century, the temple is famous for its association with fertility and blessings. Reached by a gentle walk through rice fields and traditional villages. Followed by Punakha suspension bridge which is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan. From here we will visit Punakha Dzong, often called the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. After which we will take a slow drive to Thimphu, enroute we will stop by Dochula Pass (3100 m) which have breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya; and Druk Wangyal Chortens are a cluster of 108 memorial stupas located at Dochula Pass, built to honor Bhutanese soldiers and celebrate peace and unity under the leadership of the Fourth King. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 12 (B/L/D)
Thimphu - Paro (52 KM, 2 Hrs)
In the morning we will enjoy sightseeing around Thimphu. Buddha Dordenma, a massive statue of 51.5 meters in height is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. We continue to The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the 3rd King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck who is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. We proceed to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a small wildlife reserve in Thimphu dedicated to protecting the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Set on a forested hillside above the city, the preserve allows visitors to see these rare and unusual animals in a natural enclosure while enjoying peaceful surroundings and views over the Thimphu Valley. Tashichho Dzong seat of Bhutan’s government and the King’s office. Enroute to Paro we will stop for photos at the Chuzom and scenic valley views. We will overnight in Paro
Note : If you have extra time, you can visit Bhutan’s first astrology college in Thimphu and get a reading from the resident astrologer.
Day 13 (B/L/D)
Paro Day Tour
Early in the morning we will trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, dramatically perched on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress. After lunch we will visit Drukgyal Dzong (The ruined fort) followed by Kyichu Lhakhang (One of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century). In the evening stroll around the main shopping district in Paro.
Day 14 (B)
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Transfer To Airport
Paro Day Tour
After breakfast, free and easy until the time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.