The Ultimate East to West Cross-Country Journey; The Illusive East
Bhutan
Overview
This is a complete east-to-west traverse, a journey that few tourists undertake. It begins at the subtropical border gates in the east and ascends through the mighty Himalayas, following ancient trade routes through farming villages, weaving communities, across high mountain passes, and into the spiritual and cultural core of the nation.
Duration
14 days
Group Size
2+
Avg Walking Dist
3-5 KM
Tour Grade
Easy
Tour Seasons
March-May, September-November
Accomodation
Hotels/Homestay
Tour Highlights
- Embark on the ultimate cross-country journey, traversing Bhutan from its remote eastern villages to the western valleys.
- Discover the famed weaving villages of the east and watch artisans create intricate Kishuthara textiles.
- Explore ancient temples, majestic Dzongs, and historic towns.
- Conquer the spectacular hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) as your grand finale.
- Journey across breathtaking high mountain passes like Thrumshing La and Pele La, witnessing dramatic changes in landscape.
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites.
Detailed Itenary
Day 1
Entering the Dragon's Gate - Guwahati (India) to Samdrup Jongkhar
- Morning: Your adventure begins with a drive from Guwahati, Assam, to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. This is the primary gateway to eastern Bhutan.
- Afternoon: Complete immigration formalities at the border. The atmosphere here is a unique blend of Indian and Bhutanese cultures.
- Evening: Check into your hotel. Take a short walk to experience your first taste of Bhutan. The climate here is subtropical and feels distinctly different from the rest of the country.
- Overnight: Samdrup Jongkha
Day 2
The Ascent Begins - Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang
- Full Day: Embark on a long, scenic, and winding drive (approx. 6-7 hours) that ascends from the sub-tropical foothills into the mighty Himalayas.
- The Journey: The road climbs steadily, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests. This drive is an experience in itself.
- Key Stop: You will pass through Deothang and over the Kori La Pass, marking your entry into higher altitudes.
- Evening: Arrive in Trashigang, the largest and most populous district in the east, often called the “Jewel of the East.”
- Overnight: Trashigang
Day 3
Exploring the Eastern Villages - Rangjung, Radhi, & Phongmey
- Full Day: A dedicated day to explore the famed weaving villages of the east, known for producing some of Bhutan’s finest textiles.
- Rangjung: Visit the beautiful Rangjung Lhakhang and perhaps see weavers at work in their homes.
- Radhi: Known as the “Rice Bowl of the East,” Radhi is more famous for its raw silk (bura) and silk textiles. You will have the opportunity to see master weavers create intricate patterns on traditional looms.
- Phongmey: Another village renowned for its distinctive textile patterns.
- Experience: This is a day for cultural immersion, meeting local artisans, and understanding a cornerstone of Bhutanese culture.
- Overnight: Trashigang
Day 4
Over the Drametse La - Trashigang to Mongar
- Morning: Begin the drive to Mongar. Though shorter than the previous day (approx. 3-4 hours), it’s no less spectacular.
- Key Stop: The drive takes you over the Drametse La Pass. Visit the Drametse Monastery, the namesake of the pass and the origin of the famous Drametse Ngacham (mask dance) recognized by UNESCO.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Mongar, a town known for its impressive traditional architecture. The construction of Mongar Dzong in the 1930s, using traditional methods without nails or plans, is a testament to Bhutanese skill.
- Visit the Mongar Dzong, a relatively modern but beautifully built fortress.
- Overnight: Mongar
Day 5
The Weaver's Trail - Mongar to Khoma to Autsho
- Full Day: Another deep dive into eastern Bhutan’s artistic heritage.
- Khoma Village: Take a detour to this famous village, the source of Bhutan’s most intricate and expensive Kishuthara silk textiles. Watching the weavers create these complex patterns is mesmerizing.
- Continue West: Drive onwards to the village of Autsho in Lhuntse District, the ancestral home of the Wangchuck dynasty.
- Evening: Experience the serene, rural atmosphere of this remote area.
- Overnight: Autsho / Lhuntse area
Day 6
Into the Heartland - Autsho to Bumthang
- Full Day: Another significant travel day (approx. 6-7 hours) as you journey from the east into the central cultural heartland of Bhutan.
- The Route: You will cross the Thrumshing La Pass (3,750m), the highest point on Bhutan’s lateral road, entering the Thrumshing La National Park. The descent from the pass into the Ura Valley marks a dramatic change in landscape.
- Key Stop: Visit the picturesque Ura Valley, with its unique clustered houses and cobblestone streets. You may also visit the Ura Monastery.
- Evening: Arrive in the Bumthang Valley, the spiritual and cultural core of Bhutan. Feel the altitude change and the crisp, cool air.
- Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7
The Sacred Bumthang Valleys
- Full Day: Explore the four valleys of Bumthang, dense with sacred history.
- Jakar Dzong: “The Fortress of the White Bird.”
- Jambay Lhakhang: One of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
- Kurjey Lhakhang: A temple complex built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.
- Tamshing Lhakhang: Home to ancient, unrestored frescoes.
- Local Visit: Sample famous Bumthang cheese and apple brandy at a local farm.
- Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8
Journey West - Bumthang to Punakha
- Full Day: A long but incredibly scenic drive west (approx. 7 hours).
- Key Stops:
- Pele La Pass (3,420m): A traditional boundary between East and West, marked by a chorten and prayer flags.
- Trongsa: Visit the awe-inspiring Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. It is the largest dzong in Bhutan, strategically perched over the deep valley. Also, visit the Ta Dzong (watchtower), now an excellent museum dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty.
- Evening: Descend into the warm, subtropical Punakha Valley.
- Overnight: Punakha
Day 9
Punakha's Fortress and Fertility
- Full Day: Explore the former winter capital.
- Punakha Dzong: Marvel at Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Suspension Bridge: Walk the longest bridge in Bhutan for stunning photos.
- Chimi Lhakhang: The famous “Temple of Fertility,” dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman.
- Optional Hike: A moderate hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for breathtaking valley views.
- Overnight: Punakha
Day 10
To the Capital - Punakha to Thimphu
- Morning: Drive back over the Dochu La Pass (3,100m). Stop to admire the 108 chortens and, if clear, the spectacular Himalayan vista.
- Afternoon: Arrive in the capital city, Thimphu.
- Begin sightseeing with the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue.
- Evening: Free to explore Thimphu’s shops and streets.
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 11
Discover Thimphu
- Full Day: Explore the capital’s highlights:
- Motithang Takin Preserve: See Bhutan’s unique national animal.
- Institute for Zorig Chusum: The school of traditional arts.
- Tashichho Dzong: The impressive fortress that houses the throne room.
- Optional: Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, or simply enjoy the city’s cafes.
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 12
The Final Valley - Thimphu to Paro
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Thimphu or visit any missed sites.
- Afternoon: The short drive (approx. 1 hour) to Paro.
- Upon arrival, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and the impressive Rinpung Dzong.
- Evening: Highly recommended: Experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a farmhouse to soothe your muscles after the long journey and prepare for the Tiger’s Nest hike.
- Overnight: Paro
Day 13
The Iconic Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
- Full Day: The grand finale of your journey.
- Start early. The hike to Taktsang Monastery is challenging but immensely rewarding (2-3 hours up, 1.5-2 hours down).
- The monastery, clinging to a cliff 900m above the valley, is a breathtaking sight.
- There is a cafeteria halfway up for a well-deserved lunch with a view.
- Late Afternoon: Descend and return to your hotel.
- Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your incredible two-week journey across Bhutan with a traditional meal.
- Overnight: Paro
Day 14
Depart from Paro
- Morning: After a final Bhutanese breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure, bidding you a heartfelt “Tashi Delek.”
Tour Package Conditions
Inclusions
- Sustainable development fees and internal taxes
- Accommodation in certified 3-star hotels (4/5-star upgrades available).
- All meals throughout the trip.
- A licensed, English-speaking Bhutanese trekking guide.
- A private driver and comfortable tourist vehicle for all transfers.
- All entry fees to museums, monuments, and cultural sites.
Exclusions
- Flight tickets.
- Alcoholic, sparkling water, and soft drinks.
- Tips for guides, drivers and trekking crews.
- Personal shopping and expenses.
Travel Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Packing Essentials
- Layered Clothing: Be prepared for everything: hot, humid conditions in Samdrup Jongkhar and Punakha, and cold, windy conditions on high passes like Thrumshing La and Pele La. A warm fleece/down jacket and a rain shell are essential.
- Sturdy, Comfortable Shoes: For hiking and long days on your feet.
- Motion Sickness Pills: The roads are very winding; these are highly recommended.
- Daypack: For daily essentials during drives and hikes.
- Entertainment: A book, music, or podcasts for the long drives.
- Patience and Flexibility: Road conditions can cause delays. Embrace the journey.
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