Eastern Bhutan Tour (12 Days)
Day 1: Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
During this journey, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive and help you with the arrival formalities and you will be transferred to hotel through the enchanting valley of Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
Drive through the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1951.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. On the way back make a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and stop for a view of Taktsang (tiger’s nest) Monastery where the saint Guru Padma-sambhava landed on the flying tiger and mediated there. After lunch drive to Thimphu, en route visit Ta Dzong, the national Museum. The drive to Thimphu takes around two hours along the winding road, which follows the Paro River downstream and subsequently the Thimphu river up stream till you reach the capital. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu – Sightseeing
After breakfast drive for sightseeing of the Thimphu valley. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Late King, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, Zelukha Nunnery and the post office. In winter the Tashichho Dzong Secretariat building which houses the Throne Room of the King, Offices for the Ministers and the residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Monk body can also be visited. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa, the Mangdi District. Pack lunch will be served on the way. You will be passing Pelela before reaching Trongsa. Overnight in lodge/camp.
Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang
View the Dzong from outside and then visit the Ta Dzong. After lunch drive to Bumthang, which crosses the Yotongla, pass. Pack lunch will be served on the way. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 6 : Jakar – Sightseeing
After breakfast drive around the valley for sightseeing. Visit the courtyard of Kurji Lhakhang, Jampel Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Konchog Sum Lhakhang and visit the Swiss farm. After lunch at leisure to walk around the town. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 7: Jakar – Mongar
After early breakfast drive to Mongar, which is about 192 km. En route if time permits, visit the Ura Lhakhang. You will be passing Thromshingla Pass, alt. 3,650 m the highest road pass in the country. Pack lunch will be served on the way. Overnight at Guest/camp. Alt. 1,550 m.
Day 8 : Mongar – Tashigang
Morning witness the festival. After lunch drive to Tashigang which is three hours journey. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
Day 9: Excursion to Radhi
Drive to Radhi (25 km) and visit the Radhi Lhakhang and the village of Radhi. Drive back to Tashigang. Overnight in guest house/camp.
Day 10 Excursion to Tashi Yangtsi
After breakfast drive to Tashi Yangtsi (77 km), beautiful places with religious places like the Chorten Kora which resembles the Bodhinath temple of Nepal. In winter the black necked crane from Siberia migrate here. The inhabitants of this valley are very hard working people and they mainly occupy themselves in woodcrafts, and one can visit the woodcraft centre where they produce the traditional wooden utensils, and other wooden items. After lunch drive back to Tashigang. On the way back visit Dugsum to see the 15th century chain bridge built by one of the meditating monks from Tibet. Here one can visit the local shops where the females of the eastern Bhutan do traditional weaving. Overnight in guest house/camp.
Day 11: Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast drive Samdrup Jongkhar, the town bordering with the Indian State of Assam in the east. On the way visit the Zangdopelri Lhakhang at Kanglung. Pack lunch will be served on the way. On arrival at Samdrup Jongkhar visit the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang there. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
Day 12: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati
After breakfast drive to Guwahati to catch the connecting flight with the Indian Airlines for Delhi/Calcutta.
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