15Nights 16Days West - East Bhutan Journey

Distance: 55 km Drive Time: 1.5 hrs

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests are warmly received by the Bhutanese guide and driver. The journey begins with a scenic drive along the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu river valleys toward the capital city of Thimphu.

En route, visit the historic Tachog Lhakhang Iron Chain Bridge, built by the great Tibetan saint and bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Continue to Thimphu and visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, offering panoramic views over the valley.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thimphu town and visit the impressive Tashichhodzong, the administrative and religious centre of Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu

Today is dedicated to discovering Bhutans fascinating capital — a unique city where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Visits include:

• National Memorial Chorten a revered monument dedicated to world peace and daily worship.

• Simply Bhutan Museum an interactive cultural experience showcasing Bhutanese traditions and rural life.

• Motithang Takin Preserve home to Bhutans national animal, the rare takin.

• Zilukha Nunnery one of the largest nunneries in Bhutan.

• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory witness traditional paper-making techniques using Daphne bark.

• Centenary Farmers Market a lively local market offering organic produce, handicrafts, and regional specialties.

The evening is free to explore local cafs, handicraft shops, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu

Distance: 75 km Drive Time: 2.5 hrs

Drive eastward across the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,100 m), renowned for its 108 memorial stupas and breathtaking Himalayan panoramas on clear days.

Enjoy a rewarding hike to Lungchutse Monastery, passing through peaceful rhododendron forests with magnificent mountain views.

Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and regarded as one of Bhutans most beautiful fortresses.

Walk across the picturesque Punakha Suspension Bridge and visit the famous fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang, associated with the beloved Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley.

Overnight: Punakha

Distance: 85 km Drive Time: 3 hrs

Travel into the serene glacial valley of Phobjikha, one of Bhutans most beautiful and ecologically important regions.

Visit:

• Black-necked Crane Information Centre, dedicated to the endangered migratory cranes that winter in the valley.

• Gangtey Monastery, an important center of the Nyingma Buddhist tradition.

Enjoy the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle 2-hour walk through pine forests, traditional villages, and open meadows with stunning valley views.

Overnight: Gangtey

Distance: 120 km Drive Time: 2-3 hrs

Drive through central Bhutans dramatic mountain landscapes toward Trongsa, historically the ancestral seat of Bhutans royal family.

Visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, dramatically perched above a deep gorge and considered one of Bhutans most strategically significant fortresses.

Continue to Ta Dzong Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Bhutans monarchy, history, and regional traditions.

Overnight: Trongsa

Distance: 68 km Drive Time: 2-3 hrs

Cross the scenic Yotong La Pass and enter the spiritual heartland of Bhutan — Bumthang, a region known for its sacred temples and peaceful valleys.

En route, visit the renowned Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumey Valley to observe traditional wool weaving.

In Jakar, visit the imposing Jakar Dzong, often called the Castle of the White Bird, and enjoy a relaxed evening walk through the charming town.

Overnight: Bumthang

Discover some of Bhutans oldest and most sacred religious sites.

Visits include:

• Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) an important pilgrimage site deeply connected to Bhutanese spirituality.

• Jambay Lhakhang one of Bhutans oldest temples, built in the 7th century.

• Kurjey Lhakhang sacred monastery complex associated with Guru Rinpoche.

Later, enjoy a scenic hike to Kenchosum Lhakhang, offering peaceful rural landscapes and spiritual tranquility.

Overnight: Bumthang

Distance: 198 km Drive Time: 6-7 hrs

A spectacular full-day drive through rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and remote Himalayan landscapes as the journey enters eastern Bhutan.

Upon arrival, visit Mongar Dzong, uniquely built without nails and beautifully positioned on a hillside.

Overnight: Mongar

Distance: 77 km Drive Time: 3 hrs

Drive toward the remote district of Lhuentse, one of Bhutans most culturally preserved regions.

Visit:

• Takila Guru Statue, a magnificent hilltop complex with panoramic mountain views.

• Lhuentse Dzong, dramatically overlooking the Kuri Chhu River.

Continue to Khoma Village, renowned for the intricate weaving of the exquisite Kishuthara textile, one of Bhutans most prestigious handwoven fabrics.

Experience authentic Bhutanese hospitality during a traditional farmhouse stay.

Overnight: Khoma Farmhouse

Drive Time: 5-6 hrs

Drive through scenic eastern valleys toward Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan and an important trading center.

Visit the historic Trashigang Dzong, strategically located high above the Gamri River.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this lively eastern town.

Overnight: Trashigang

Distance: 35 km Drive Time: 1.5 hrs + village exploration

Travel toward the remote highland village of Sakten, home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa community known for their distinct culture, attire, and traditions.

Explore Sakten Village, interact with local families, and experience the unique lifestyle of eastern Bhutans highland communities.

Enjoy a traditional farmhouse experience surrounded by pristine alpine scenery.

Overnight: Sakten Farmhouse

Distance: 35 km Drive Time: 1.5 hrs

Return to Trashigang through beautiful mountain landscapes.

The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing, exploring the local market, or enjoying the peaceful eastern Bhutanese atmosphere.

Overnight: Trashigang

Flight Duration: Approx. 35 mins

Take a scenic domestic flight from eastern Bhutan back to Paro, offering incredible aerial views of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival, visit:

• National Museum of Bhutan

• Rinpung Dzong

• Paro Cantilever Bridge

• Traditional Bhutanese dress experience (Gho/Kira)

• Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutans oldest and most sacred temples

Overnight: Paro

One of the highlights of any Bhutan journey.

5-6 hrs approx hike round trip

Embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tigers Nest Monastery), dramatically perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the valley floor.

The hike takes approximately 56 hours round trip and offers spectacular scenery, prayer flags, waterfalls, and profound spiritual ambiance.

Overnight: Paro

Distance: 65 km one way Drive Time: 2 hrs each way

Drive across the spectacular Chele La Pass (3,988 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, adorned with colorful prayer flags and panoramic Himalayan views.

Descend into the pristine and less-visited Haa Valley, known for its traditional villages, peaceful landscapes, and authentic rural culture.

Enjoy a scenic hike to Kila Goenpa, a beautiful cliffside nunnery nestled among rugged mountain slopes.

Return to Paro in the evening.

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Bhutans landscapes, spirituality, culture, and warm hospitality.