Eastern Bhutan Tour

Prices

• Solo: $6120
• Group (5 person) : $5610
• Group (10 person): $5270
  
  
  

The 17-day Eastern Bhutan tour is an extensive journey that encompasses the beauty of western, central, and eastern Bhutan. Alongside visits to renowned sites in western and central Bhutan, this tour delves into the distinct charm and allure of the far eastern regions. A standout feature is the visit to the villages of Merak and Sakteng, home to the nomadic yak herders of the eastern Himalayas and known for their ecological significance.

Trip Highlights:

• Ancient monasteries, monuments, and dzongs
• Museums and government institutions
• Archery matches
• Breathtaking landscapes
• Panoramic mountain flight
• Interaction with the Brokpas (Nomadic people of eastern Bhutan)
• Visit to the beautiful villages of Merak and Sakteng

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrival in Paro, followed by sightseeing in Thimphu (54 km, 1-hour drive, Altitude: 2334 m)
Day 2: Explore Thimphu (Altitude: 2334 m)
Day 3: Journey from Thimphu to Punakha for sightseeing (76 km, 2-hour drive, Altitude: 1242 m)
Day 4: Travel from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang and then to Gangtey for sightseeing (75 km, 2-hour drive, Altitude: 3000 m)
Day 5: Sightseeing from Gangtey to Trongsa, then to Bumthang (186 km, 5-hour drive, Altitude: 2600 m)
Day 6: Explore Bumthang (Altitude: 2600 m)
Day 7: Travel from Bumthang to Mongar (198 km, 7-8 hour drive, Altitude: 1600 m)
Day 8: Journey from Mongar to Trashigang for sightseeing (90 km, 3-hour drive, Altitude: 1160 m)
Day 9: Excursion from Trashigang to Tashi Yangtse (56 km, 2-hour drive, Altitude: 1750 m)
Day 10: Excursion from Trashigang to Sakteng (40 km, 1.5-hour drive)
Day 11: Excursion from Trashigang to Kanglung and Yonphula Gompa (35 km, 1-hour drive)
Day 12: Travel from Trashigang back to Mongar (90 km, 3-hour drive, Altitude: 1600 m)
Day 13: Journey from Mongar to Bumthang (198 km, 7-8 hour drive)
Day 14: Fly from Bumthang to Paro for sightseeing (25-minute mountain flight, Altitude: 2200 m)
Day 15: Excursion from Paro to Haa Valley (60 km, 2-hour drive)
Day 16: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery from Paro (7 km, 4-hour hike)
Day 17: Departure from Paro (End of Eastern Bhutan tour)

Tour Cost: The rates include a sustainable development fee (SDF) of $100 per person per night and a Bhutan visa fee of $40 per person. Entrance fees for monuments and festivals are not included.

Eastern Bhutan Tour Itinerary (Detailed)

Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing (54 km, 1 hr drive)
Upon arrival at Paro airport, meet your guide and driver and proceed to Thimphu. On the way, take a short break to visit the Tamchog Monastery, established by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten, the tallest Buddha statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang viewpoint, and Dupthop Nunnery.

Evening: Enjoy free time for shopping and photography in Thimphu town.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning: Visit the National Postal Museum, craft bazaar, Textile Museum, and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.

Lunch: At Simply Bhutan Museum.

Afternoon: Witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.

Evening: Visit Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing (76 km, 2 hr drive)
Morning: Drive to Punakha Valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the second king.

En route, visit Dochu La Pass (3,140 m).

Then visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. The temple is popularly called the Temple of Fertility.

Afternoon: Visit Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The first national assembly was convened here by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1952.

Then hike to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.

Evening: Walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 04: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey Sightseeing (75 km, 2 hr drive)
Morning: Drive to Gangtey, stopping briefly to view Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Note: The upper part of the valley is called Gangtey, and the lower part is Phobjikha.

While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Monastery, built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, and the Black-Necked Crane Information Center.

Evening: Explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley (3,000 m), a winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 05: Gangtey – Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang (185 km, 5 hr drive)
Morning: Drive to Bumthang, stopping en route to visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648.

Then visit Ta Dzong, built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, now converted into a royal heritage museum.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 06: Bumthang Sightseeing
Morning: Visit Jakar Dzong, the venue for the annual Jakar festival, built in 1667 by Tibetan Lama Nagi Wangchuk. Then visit Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Monastery.

Afternoon: Drive to the picturesque Tang Valley. En route, visit Mebar Tsho, or the “Burning Lake,” Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kurjey Lhakhang.

Evening: Free time to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 07: Bumthang – Mongar (198 km, 7-8 hr drive) – Start of Eastern Bhutan Tour
Morning: Drive to Mongar, visiting Ura Valley and Ura Temple along the way.

Then visit Jarung Khashor Chorten and Yagang Lhakhang.

Evening: Free time to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 08: Mongar Sightseeing – Trashigang (90 km, 4 hr drive)
Morning: Visit Mongar Dzong, built in 1930, and then drive to Trashigang.

Evening: Visit Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions. Stroll through the town and you might encounter the Brokpas, nomadic herdsmen of the northeastern Himalayas, identifiable by their unique attire.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 09: Trashigang – Excursion to Tashi Yangtse
Morning: Drive to Tashi Yangtse and visit the dzong, Chorten Kora, and Gom Kora.

Evening: Return to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10: Trashigang – Excursion to Sakteng (Highlight of Eastern Bhutan Tour)
Morning: Drive to Sakteng via Radi Village, known for its handloom. Visit Radi Gompa.

Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch.

Evening: Return to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 11: Trashigang – Excursion to Kanglung & Yonphula Gompa
Morning: Drive to Kanglung and visit Zangtopelri, Sherubtse College, and Yonphula Gompa.

Evening: Return to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 12: Trashigang – Mongar
Morning: Drive back to Mongar with occasional stops for photography.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 13: Mongar – Bumthang
Morning: Drive to Bumthang with occasional stops for photography. Enjoy a packed lunch on the way.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 14: Bumthang – Paro Sightseeing (Flight to Paro, 25 minutes)
Morning: Drive to the airport and fly to Paro. Upon arrival, visit Ta Dzong, the national museum of Bhutan.

Afternoon: Visit Rinpung Dzong, the venue for the annual Paro festival, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong is an excellent example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship, even featured in scenes from the 1995 film “Little Buddha.”

Evening: Free time for shopping and photography in Paro town.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 15: Paro – Excursion to Haa Valley (60 km, 2 hr drive)
Morning: Drive to Haa Valley, stopping at Cheli La Pass (3,988 m), which features the highest motorable road in Bhutan and offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari. Above the pass is a sky burial site.

In Haa Valley, visit the dzong, Chorten Nagpo (Black Temple), and Chorten Karpo (White Temple), both built by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo in 659 AD.

Evening: Return to Paro, visiting Kila Gompa Nunnery on the way back.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 16: Paro Sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning: Drive to Satsam Chorten and hike for about 2 hours to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang).

Afternoon: Visit Drugyal Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Evening: Free time for shopping and photography in Paro town.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 17: Departure (End of Eastern Bhutan Tour)
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure.

• Government Royalty of USD 100 per day
• Sightseeing as per the program
• Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
• All meals during the tour
• All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
• Good English speaking certified guide
• Entrance fees to cultural sites
• Mineral water during sightseeing
• Visa Fee of USD 40 per person

The Trip Cost Excludes
• Air-tickets – International
• All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
• Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance