Trip Duration
14 Days
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
2-16 pax
Nature of Trip
Tour
Max. Altitude
3,780m. /12,402 ft.
Transportation
Bus , Flight
Start/End
Paro / GuwahatiTrip Overview
Our East West Bhutan Tour itinerary is a less-travelled route as not many tourists visit the central region of the nation, the Bumthang district. This region has four sacred valleys, all offering a great insight into the traditional practices of Bhutan, as well as panoramic scenes of the hills. Even fewer tourists have travelled to the far eastern parts of Bhutan, which our itinerary will take you to.
The distinctive culture, tradition, and the rich history of the remote countryside of Bhutan will surely pique your interest. You will get to taste the local dishes of the villages, plus the traditional and national dishes of Bhutan throughout the journey. This 14-day tour makes you experience the highlands of the country, reaching a maximum elevation of 3780 meters and going as low as 600 meters at Samdrup Jongkhar, featuring a tropical landscape.
Traveling from one city to another and to a couple of countryside locations, the tour offers a rare insight into the entire country of Bhutan, including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, the sacred Bumthang valleys, and the seldom-visited Eastern Bhutan. The journey starts from Paro, visiting the Paro Ta Dzong, aka National Museum, and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Next up, we will travel to Thimphu and visit sites like Tashichho Dzong, the Buddha Dordenma statue, the National Memorial Chorten, and more.
Following that, we will travel to the central region of Bhutan, namely, Punakha, Wangdue, and Phobjikha. Sites like the Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Gangtey Monastery, and more are included in our itinerary. Our next destination is Eastern Bhutan, specifically the Bumthang region. The eastern valleys are home to sites like the Kurjey Cave, Jambay Lhakhang, Burning Lake, Tamshing Lhakhang, and more.
All in all, you will get to experience a great deal of religious sites, historic buildings, and scenic views that will leave lasting impressions. Keep on reading to learn more about this tour.
Highlights of East West Bhutan Tour
- Cross the 3100-meter-high Dochula Pass for a panoramic view of the Gankar Puensum peak along with Masanggang peak.
- Cross the Pele La Pass and the Thrumshing La Pass in Central Bhutan, offering a picturesque view of the sacred valleys.
- Visit the Taktsang Monastery in Paro, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, reaching 3210 meters above sea level.
- Visit Gangteng Monastery, Tamshing Gompa, and Chorten Kora for insights into the religious practices of the region.
- Visit centuries-old dzongs like Kambay Dzong, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Dzong, and more, dating back to the 7th to 17th centuries.
Itinerary of East West Bhutan Tour
Day 01: Arrival at Paro, Bhutan
Your arrival at the Paro International Airport counts as the start of the East West Bhutan Tour; the first day of the journey. At the airport, you will have to show your pre-approved visa, and your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of your scheduled departure. Almost all of the foreign visitors are required to apply for a visa beforehand; without a visa, you will not be allowed to board the flight to Paro.
However, having a visa does not mean that you are guaranteed entry to the Kingdom of Bhutan. If the immigration officer at the airport does not deem you fit to visit the country, you will have to return. Your information provided for the visa must match the details on your passport; even a little mismatch might cost you your visa. Moreover, there is no option for visa extension; the officials make an exception for visitors who get sick and have to spend a couple of days at the hospital.
If you are a citizen of the Maldives, Bangladesh, or India, you can enter the beautiful land of Bhutan without any visa requirements. While Indian nationals can enjoy up to 90 days of entry permit at a time, other nationals are limited to a 14-day visit at a time. After everything has been sorted out, one of our representatives will greet you outside the terminal and take you to your hotel room for the night.
Max. Altitude: 2200m./7,218ft. (Paro)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Paro valley sightseeing
The 2nd day of the East West Bhutan Tour features a full-day sightseeing tour around the valley of Paro. To start things off, we will first visit the Ta Dzong, also known as the National Museum of Bhutan. This 17th-century building originally served as a fortress and watchtower. After it served its purpose, the was turned into a museum in 1968. You can find many Thangkas, ancient weapons, artifacts, relics, and more on display.
From there, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Fortress on a Heap of Jewels. This site dates all the way back to 1646, built on the commission of Shabdrung Namgyal. At present, this building serves as an administrative center of the region, along with being a religious site. After this, we will stop for breakfast at your preferred location.
Post-breakfast, we will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples of the country, dating back to the 7th century. After visiting a couple more sites, we will try something different, a cooking class, one of the most enjoyed activities in Paro. This class will be hosted by a chef or a local family, offering you a first-hand experience on preparing Ema Datshi, the national dish of Bhutan.
If we still have some time left, we will visit the local archery club to witness the national sport of Bhutan. If you are into it, you can try shooting a few arrows as well. After a long day of exploring Paro, we will drive back to the hotel, have a filling dinner, and call it a night.
Activity: sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 2200m./7,218ft. (Paro )
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Day 3 of the East West Bhutan Tour starts at around 7 in the morning. We expect you to be fully prepared by 7 AM, having done your breakfast and packed your bag for the day. The driver will pick you up along with the tour guide and take you to the base of Taktsang Hill. This starting point is a parking area with many shops offering trekking poles, water, energy bars, and other things.
If you are not sure of your hiking capabilities, you can hire a pony to take you halfway up the hill. It only goes halfway as the trail forward is not suitable for ponies. Renting trekking poles will cost you around a dollar, while a pony ride ranges from 8 to 10 USD. If you are a citizen of India, you will just have to pay about 6 USD. These expenses are not a part of the East-West Bhutan Tour.
The total hiking distance is just 6 km round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 500 meters. The trail is well-maintained with a few switchbacks and doable ascents. The hill slopes are dominated by pine trees that shade us for the whole way, with a couple of clearings. The final part of this hike can be difficult for most, as we will have to climb up over 800 steps. But with frequent stops, we will make it to the top eventually.
Passing by a waterfall, we will go over a small bridge and reach the Taktsang Monastery, also called the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, sitting at 3120 meters above sea level. At the monastery, we will visit all 4 major temples, the cave of Guru Padmasambhava, and witness the vibrant and exotic interiors. While the Pel Phuk Cave is annually open to visitors, the other caves are open year-round.
Following the exploration of the monastery, we will get back down the same route and stop at a restaurant for our lunch. While the ascent takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, the descent lasts for an hour and a half. Returning the trekking poles we rented, we will get in the vehicle to get to our hotel room.
Activity: Excursion
Max. Altitude: 3120m./10,236ft. (Paro )
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 04: Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing in the valley
On the 4th day of the East West Bhutan Tour, we will drive over 55 km to get to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We will start the drive at around 8 in the morning, so make sure that you are fully prepared by then. Traveling through the Paro Chuu valley, we will make a stop at Simtokha Dzong en route. This 10th-century fortress and temple is a great place to explore, get a couple of photos taken, and gain a little insight into the religious beliefs of traditional Bhutanese locals.
After we reach Thimphu, we will check into our hotel room and head towards Tashichho Dzong. This site dates back to 1216 AD, but was rebuilt in 1968, following a destructive incident. This complex is an administrative center, housing a bunch of temples within. Our next stop is the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 54-meter-tall statue with over 125,000 small Buddha statues within it.
Next, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, built to commemorate the life of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. After this, we will take a lunch break at a nearby eatery. Following the meal, we will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, Changangkha Lakhang, Tango Monastery, and more if we have time left. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner before heading to bed.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 2334m./7,657ft. (Thimphu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 05: Morning sightseeing, afternoon cultural programme
Starting the 5th day of the East West Bhutan Tour, we will first visit the Dechen Phodrang Monastery, a 12th-century gompa, currently housing over 450 monk students. After this, we will visit the Bhutan Postal Museum to see a bunch of rare postal stamps, followed by a visit to the Simply Bhutan Museum. This site offers a replica of the authentic Bhutanese villages in the countryside.
At around 11 AM, we will have our lunch break at a folk heritage restaurant. Following the meal, it is now time for our afternoon cultural program. We will first visit the Choki Traditional Art School, where you will engage in a hands-on session learning Thangka painting and weaving traditional wear. From there, we will head towards the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum to witness the traditional Bhutanese weaving process.
Our next activity is enjoying a cultural performance, witnessing masked performances, and folk dances. Later, in the evening, we will visit the Clock Tower Square and the Centenary Farmers’ Market to conclude the day.
Activity: sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 2334m./7,657ft. (Thimphu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 06: Drive to Wangdi Phodrang. Sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdi valleys
Day 6 of the East West Bhutan Tour begins with a drive to Wangdi Phodrang. The route passes through the Dochula Pass, reaching 3100 meters above sea level, with a quick stop at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chorten. Soon enough, we will reach Punakha and head towards the Punakha Dzong. After this, we will visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, followed by a lunch break.
Continuing the ride, we will arrive at our destination shortly after. We will visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Richengang, and the local market at the end of the day. We will spend the night at Wangdeu Phodrang, experiencing a calming evening and having a delicious dinner.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 1300m./4,265ft. (Wangdi Phodrang)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 07: Excursion to Phobjikha valley
The next day on the East West Bhutan Tour features a 2-hour drive following the Dang Chu River valley and crossing the Lawa La Pass, reaching 3250 meters. Not long after, we will reach the Gangtey Monastery, dating back to 1613 AD. This gompa is the religious center of the region, housing many monks and offering a great view of the valley.
From there, we will visit the Black-Necked Crane Observation Center. This establishment has interpretive displays and telescopes to watch the cranes closely. However, the cranes migrate there in October and stay till February. Our alternative option is an afternoon walk, experiencing the Gangtey Nature Trail. This 2-hour hike is very easy and spans about 4 km. It’s a great opportunity to explore the serene nature of the valley, encountering the birds and animals.
We can also do the Shashi La route for a remote countryside experience. This route lasts for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the pace of the group. After a nature excursion, we will drive back to Wangdeu Phodrang to spend the night.
Activity: Excursion
Max. Altitude: 1300m./4,265ft. (Wangdeu Phodrang)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 08: Drive to Bumthang valley
Day 8 of the East West Bhutan Tour begins with breakfast a 7 in the morning. After about an hour, we will get in the vehicle to the Bumthang valley. The route goes through Thrumshing La pass and stops at Trongsa Dzong for a quick excursion. This whole ride lasts for a little over 7 hours, including all the stops we will make along the way. En route, we will get to see the Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lakhang, and more.
At around 3 in the afternoon, we will arrive at Bumthang valley and check into our accommodation for the night. In the evening hours, you can stroll around the neighbourhood and experience the different local food and attractions.
Max. Altitude: 2700m./8,858ft. (Bumthang valley)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 09: Bumthang valley sightseeing
Today is yet another exciting day on the East West Bhutan Tour itinerary since we will be exploring the Bumthang Valley. Starting off, our first destination is Tamshing Lakhang, followed by a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang. After that, we will visit the Jambay Lhakhang temple, built in 659 CE, as per legend. This is followed by a lunch break in Jakar.
Following a filling lunch, we will head towards the Burning Lake, Membartsho. We will explore the site and cross a wooden bridge over it. Leaving this lake, we will visit the Tang Valley for a short excursion, visiting sites like Rimochen Lhakhang and the local village. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Jakar Dzong, walk through the local market, and visit the Wangeduechhoeling Palace Museum.
Activity: sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 2700m./8,858ft. (Bumthang valley)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10: Drive to Mongar
Today is a long driving day on the East West Bhutan Tour itinerary, in fact, the longest driving day. We will have to cover over 198 km to get to Mongar, which takes about 8 hours to cover. Before leaving the valley, we will visit the Ura Village, a serene village with great scenes of Bumthang. Leaving the valley, we will descend almost 2000 meters in elevation and get to the lower region of the Phrumsengla National Park.
En route, we will also cross the Thrumshing La Pass, which is the highest point of this East West Bhutan Tour, reaching 3780 meters above sea level. Soon enough, we will reach the town of Mongar and check in at our hotel. Later in the evening, we will visit the Mongar Dzong, Yagang Lhakhang, and Zhonggar Dzong Ruins. After this, we will go back to our rooms and end the day.
Max. Altitude: 1600m./5,249ft. (Mongar)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11: Drive to Trashigang. Sightseeing in Trashigang township
Day 11 of the East West Bhutan Tour features a breakfast at 8 in the morning, followed by a 24-km drive to Tashigang through Drangme Chhu valley. En route, our first visit of the day is the Gom Kora Monastery overlooking Gamri Chhu. This 17th-century gompa was founded by Munjur Tempa, marking the spot where a demon was killed by Guru Padmasambhava.
After that, we will drive to Doksum, covering 10 km of distance, and reaching Khoma Village. This tiny village is charming and a mass producer of traditional silk, made using the traditional looms. Following that, we will visit the Khoma Village nearby, popular for its textiles. You can find looms and silk in every house there.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 1150m./3,773ft. (Trashigang)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12: Excursion to Tashi Yangtse. Visit the highly revered Chorten Kora
Today is yet another driving day on the East West Bhutan Tour itinerary. This drive from Tashigang to Tashi Yangtse covers about 55 km with an estimated travel duration of 2 hours. Heading northeast, we will enter the eastern part of Bhutan, following the Kholongchu River Valley. Our first site of the day is Chorten Kora, built in 1740 AD under the commission of Lama Ngawang Lodro.
After that, we will participate in a circumambulation, followed by a visit to Trashiyangtse Dzong. In the early hours of the evening, we will visit the Rangjung Osel Choling Monastery, following a 16-km drive, and head towards the Khaling National Handloom Center. Later, we will return to Trashigang and call it a night.
Max. Altitude: 1850m./6,070ft. (Tashi Yangtse)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the eastern border town
On the 13th day of the East West Bhutan Tour, we will drive about 180 km to get to Samdrup Jongkhar. This drive takes about 7 hours to complete. En route, we will visit the Yongla Monastery, an 18th-century gompa with great views of the valley. At around 3 PM, we will arrive at our destination.
Our first destination within the town will be the Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong, a 20th-century fortress, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture. We’ll follow it up with a visit to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Clock Tower, Choki Gyatso Institute, and Bhairab Kunda Shiva Temple. After a wonderful dinner at the hotel, we will head to bed and have a restful night.
Max. Altitude: 600m./1,969ft. (Samdrup Jongkhar)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14: Drive to Guwahati Airport in India (nearest) for departure
Today’s drive is over 100 km long, with an estimated travel duration of 2 to 3 hours. En route, we will have to cross the Duranga checkpoint to get across the border and into Indian territory. The officials will validate our documents and let us leave the country; this process will take about 30 to 45 minutes. Soon after, we will reach the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. From there, you can take a flight to your preferred destination.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- Airport pick up and drop
- Sightseeing Fee
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air – conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
What is not included?
- International air fares.
- Personal equipment for trekking.
- Meals other than indicated.
- Personal expenses.
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tipping, laundry, phone etc.
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight delay, cancellation, trip interruption due to inclement
- weather, civil unrest etc.
- Emergency medical transportation.
- Airport taxes .
- Travel insurance.
Trip Information
Upgrade Your Accommodation
As per the standard practice, our standard East West Bhutan Tour package will cover 3-star hotel stays throughout the tour. If you wish to upgrade to luxury hotels, you will be charged separately for it. There are many 4-star and 5-star establishments in Paro and Thimphu, but the eastern part of the country does not have many. Your options will be limited to a few.
How does the tour start?
The East West Bhutan Tour starts with your arrival at Paro, Bhutan. There, you will have to get a permit stamp on your passport before you are allowed to leave the airport. After that, our representative will welcome you to the country and take you to your accommodation for the night.
Best seasons
The best season to visit Bhutan is spring and autumn; however, this tour can be done throughout the year. Especially if you want to see the black-necked cranes at Crane Observation Center. The sightings peak during the winter season, which is not the best for scenes of the valleys and hills, but is best for bird watching. If you lean more towards landscape scenes, it is best to choose the summer, spring, and autumn seasons.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
Accommodations for the most part will be in 3-star hotels, but during your time in the eastern region of Bhutan, we might have to downgrade to local inns and hotels with just the basic services. This is because of the lack of establishments in the region and the remoteness of the valley. However, the food and drink options remain fairly the same throughout the East West Bhutan Tour, with some exceptions of regional and local dishes and drinks.
Transportation
All the ground transportation expenses required by our proposed itinerary are a part of the standard East West Bhutan Tour package.
Cost & Budget
This East West Bhutan Tour package is priced at USD _______ per person. This package will cover your daily meals, daily wages of the tour guides, daily accommodation expenses, local taxes, entrance fees during sightseeing, transportation expenses, Bhutanese tourist fees, visa fees, and more.
Your Extra expenses
International flight expenses, rental gears, extra meals, personal expenses, tips, phone bills, laundry bills, emergency medical expenses, travel insurance, and anything not mentioned as inclusive are your extra expenses.
Things to Remember Before Doing The East-West Bhutan Tour
● It can get really chilly in the morning at places such as Bumthang, Paro, and Thurumshing, so make sure you pack a warm set of clothes.
● Altitude sickness is not a major concern, but you still have to carry its meds.
● Sunglasses and a mask or a face scarf are important for this tour since some of the sections en route can be dusty.
● Shoes and hats should be removed before entering the temples and dzongs.
● Taking pictures of the interiors of Dzongs is not allowed everywhere; some tolerate it, while some have strict rules against it.
● During your time in central Bhutan, the accommodation conditions are not the best. You will have to adjust to limited hot water, basic services, no central heating, and power outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
From Paro to Thimphu to Punakha, you will experience a smooth ride over well-maintained roads. Traveling to Wangdue, Trongsa, and Bumthang can be a little rough in some sections as construction projects are going on.
Yes, our East West Bhutan Tour itinerary is flexible and open to changes, but they must be viable. In the case of spending more time in Bumthang and Khoma, we can make the necessary changes.
Places like Khoma, Trashigana, and Lhuentse are popular for their traditionally produced rice wine. You can visit a local brewery or a local’s house to witness the process and taste some.
The best months for seeing black-necked cranes range from Late October to mid-February. The peak time is November, December, and January.
Yes, you can participate in unofficial traditional weaving classes, but we do not think a few hours is enough for learning this skill. Before leaving the village, you can buy some products from the villagers directly, including Kishuthara.
Yes, you will get to experience the famous Bhutanese masked dance on the 5th day of the tour.
No, there are no taboos, but there are some customs you should know; always move clockwise around gompas and temples, spin prayer wheels clockwise, receive and give things with your right hand, etc.
Yes, it is completely possible to hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery for a sunrise view, but it is not a popular choice since the scene is not that attractive.
Yes, most of the art schools and traditional medicine institutes are open to tourist visits. You will visit a couple during this East West Bhutan Tour.
No, you do not need any special permits to visit the eastern region of Bhutan, including Trashiyangtse or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Yes, we expect you to pack light wear and warm jackets to make sure that you are appropriately dressed for each destination.
Dishes like Phaksha Paa, Shakam Datshi, Kharang, Momo, Suja, Puta, etc. are some religional dishes you should try during your East West Bhutan Tour.
Yes, network coverage is good at most of the destinations within the itinerary, but some of the remote locations might not get good reception.
You do not have to carry cash from one destination to another, every night stop we make offers ATM services.
Yes, many tourists wear the traditional Bhutanese attire while visiting religious sites. You can rent the dresses from tailors and dress shops that are often found near tourist areas. You can ask the tour guide for recommendations.
