After our breakfast transfer to Paro airport for your flight to Trashigang, easternmost district of Bhutan. On arrival at Yanphula, you will be received by our representative and transfer to your hotel at Trashigang. The drive will bypass Sherabtse College, the country’s first and oldest college when it started a few decades ago. Explore Trashigang Town: At Evening explore the little Tashigang town, meeting nomadic people from Merak and Sakten. Witness the Gomphu Kora Festival.

Overnight at Trashigang.

Festivals are preformed to honor Buddhist saint Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism in the country in the 7th century. Tse meaning date and chu meaning tenth are performed annually in all the districts coinciding with the tenth day of the Bhutanese calendar. After breakfast, we will proceed to the festival site and witness the most interesting annual festival of eastern Bhutan (Tsechu) for the whole day.

Gomphu Kora Tshechu is the popular festival celebrated in the eastern Bhutan every spring. Gomphu Kora lies in the heart of the agrarian belt of eastern Bhutan. It is 23 kilometers from Trashigang Dzong. Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave formed out of a rock-face next to a temple that has been built as a tribute to this sacred site.

The biggest attraction of Gomphu Kora is the circumambulation. “Go around Gomphu Kora today, for tomorrow may be too late”, advises a local song that entices devotees to visit Gomphu Kora. To celebrate people from all over the eastern Bhutan including neighboring Indian state of Arunachal Pardesh have gathered here with their best attires to take part in the festivities. After the festival, drive back to Trashigang.

Overnight at Trashigang.

We will witness the festival before we proceed to Mongar. After lunch, we will start from Trashigang. 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. An excursion drive to Trashi Yangtse make before proceeding to Mongar. Drametse Goemba :The biggest and most important monastery in eastern Bhutan,From the highway between Trashigang and Mongar, it is around 18km/1hr drive along the dirt road, gaining around 1350m.Drametse Monastery was founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, the grand-daughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), who named the place as Drametse, meaning no enmities place or peak.Chorten Kora: A 2-hour drive from Trashigang is Chorten Kora, modeled after Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, where local people and Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh (India) gather in February/March for a festival to circumambulate the chorten.

Explore Mongar town in the evening.

Overnight at Mongar.

Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuntshe, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuntshe Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for its bamboo basket and silk brocade dress. Overnight at Mongar. Lhuntse Rinchentse Dzong: Lhuentse Dzong also known as Lhuentse Rinchentse Dzong is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kuri River below. Gangzur village: A small village consisting of about 10 households located at about 2km from Lhuentse town, Gangzur village is known for its earthen pottery farm.

Overnight at Mongar

Today’s drive takes us through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country making this the most spectacular drives in the country as we climb up from Lingmithang to Thrumshingla. En-route visit Ura village. Further about 52km, there lies a valley of white bird, Jakar. Ura Village- Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep.

Overnight in Jakar.

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 woollen 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 Songtsen Gonpo 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- Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, 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 Bumthang

Starting early from Bumthang will give us more time on roads to enjoy some of the best view points and passes. The journey will pass through Yotongla, Trongsa, Chendebji and Pelala before arriving in Phobjikha the valley of Black Necked Cranes and rhododendron. Gangtey Nature Trail- It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. All-time best trail and it takes approx. 2 hours, the trails ends at the road next to Khewang Lhakhang. Black Necked Crane Information Centre- This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region.

Overnight in Phobjikha.

As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Punakha. The road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.

Gangtey Gompa – The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).

Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan.

Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  The suspension bridge is only about 15 minutes’ walk from Punakha Dzong.

Overnight at Punakha.

Start the most scenic drive to Thimphu from Punakha over dochula pass which takes about two hours. Chimi Lhakhang– This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head.

Dochula Pass – The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Explore Thimphu City on your own: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights.

Overnight at Thimphu

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights.

Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter-tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

Arts and Crafts Vocational School- Arts and Craft School is where students learn 13 different techniques to master in Bhutanese Arts. Some of the skills require eight years to graduate. You can see live carving, painting, sculpture etc. You are allowed to take pictures/make videos. Products made by students are on display at the showroom for sale as well. The school is closed in July and December to February, beside their exams and events.

Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan.

Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar- Bhutan’s first-ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel Taj Tashi showcases a wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and crafts products with a reasonable price range.

Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, the handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at a reasonable cost.

Witnessing Archery Match- Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting targets from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers in some categories of Olympic games.

Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market- An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find a wide range of local vegetables and fruits. The other side of the river is the place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only.

Clock Tower Square- Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is a popular venue for open ground events such as cultural festivals, concerts, fund-raising events, live shows and trade fairs. The place is bounded by shops, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants, making it one of the main attractions in Thimphu town.

Overnight at Thimphu

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy a smooth and scenic drive to Paro.

Riverside Visit- visit to riverside to enjoy the crystal-clear river and group video/photo is a must in Paro. The guides will take you to the best place to enjoy at beautiful river banks of Paro.

Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point- The Paro International Airport is among the top 10 most stunning and challenging airports in the world. The viewpointa  offers an exquisite view of the Paro valley.

Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architectures. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers an administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all-time historical items making worth a visit.

Paro Town- Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops besides having many small restaurants around.

Overnight at Paro

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.

Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike.

Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well-maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan.

Overnight at Paro

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan