info@rusticfrontiers.bt +975 17784494/17349862
info@rusticfrontiers.bt +975 17784494/17349862
Duration: 15 Nights 16 Days
Places to Visit: Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha, Punakha, Thimphu & Paro
Note:
This standard itinerary covers all the important cultural centers in Bhutan as per the duration. It can be customized to your specifications. We can even alter the duration of your trip according to your choice and interests.
Arrive in Guwahati and drive to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, the commercial hub of eastern Bhutan. After completing immigration, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.
In the morning, drive to Trashigang via Wamrong town. En route, visit Wamrong Zangdopelri, a local worship center, and stop by Sherubtse College, Bhutan’s first university, known for producing many high officials. Continue to Trashigang, explore the town, and experience its unique character as the land of Brokpas. Overnight in Trashigang.
Drive to Gomphu Kora, renowned for its circumambulation route and stunning views of the Drangme Chhu river. This site is historically significant as it is where Guru Padmasambhava defeated a powerful scholar who misused his magical abilities against Buddhism. Continue the drive to Mongar, passing through fragrant lemongrass and chir pine forests, which takes approximately six hours. Check in to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Mongar.
Explore the ruins of Zhongar Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in the country which was the seat of the powerful dzongpon (chief of the fortress) who is being remembered for his funny appearance and interesting stories. Mongar is also the capital of six Eastern districts known for its better health center. Later drive to Bumthang via Ura valley which affords the stunning view of the plains of Bumthang. Spend evening in leisure. Overnight in Bumthang.
In the morning, drive to Tang Valley to visit Mebartsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site where the 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa discovered treasures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava. Continue to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, two of Bhutan’s holiest sites, and then visit Tamzhing Monastery, a key center of Nyingma Buddhism founded by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. Central Bhutan is renowned for its cultural sites and is a top tourist destination, featuring a well-maintained domestic airport. Overnight in Bumthang.
Early in the morning, drive to Trongsa, stopping at Zhungney village in Chumey to visit Yathra weavers. Upon reaching Trongsa, explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan and a former seat of power, followed by a visit to Ta Dzong, which houses ancient Bhutanese artifacts. Spend the evening strolling through the town and interacting with locals. Overnight in Trongsa.
Drive to Gangtey, passing through Pelela Pass and the scenic Mangde Chhu Valley, along with the picturesque villages of Rukubji and Longtey. Upon arrival in Gangtey/Phobjikha, visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center to learn about these migratory birds and other endangered Himalayan species. Enjoy a short documentary by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) about these “heavenly birds.” Overnight in Gangtey/Phobjikha.
In the morning, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, a scenic 45-minute route that offers stunning views of the valley and ends near Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingma center established by 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa. After visiting the monastery, drive to Punakha and stop at Chimmi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, known for its reputed blessings for childless couples. Overnight in Punakha.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later visit Punakha dzong which is the winter capital of the monastic body and the former capital of the country and the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Drive to Talo village and enjoy the alpine scenery. On the way back visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery – the University of Nuns. One can even opt for the white water rafting in Female River in the evening and relax in the hotel with a delicious dinner. Overnight in Punakha.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu, stopping at the Royal Botanical Park for a 15-minute hike, popular among bird watchers, and to see its rhododendron species. Continue via Dochula Pass to visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, dedicated to the Fourth King and soldiers for their 2003 victory. After checking into the hotel, explore the handicraft market in the evening. Overnight in Thimphu.
In the morning, drive to Buddha Dordenma, the world’s largest statue of its kind, and hike around Kuenselphodrang Nature Park for stunning views of Thimphu Valley. Visit the Takin Preserve Center to see Bhutan’s national animal, and explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and the National Textile Museum to learn about traditional arts and fabrics. Also visit the General Post Museum to see the evolution of Bhutan’s postal system. Conclude the day with a tour of Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive to Haa, passing the scenic confluence and making a stop at Dobji Dzong, which is about a 20-minute drive away. Take a short walk to Drubchhu, a holy water source believed to have healing properties for ailments like diabetes and cancer. After checking in, visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo (White and Black Temples) and spend time exploring the local community and interacting with residents. Overnight in Haa.
Drive to Chela Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable pass at 3,988 meters. Take a scenic hike to an elevation of 4,200 meters, exploring the local flora, including Bhutan’s national flower, the blue poppy. Descend through a beautiful rhododendron forest, ending your hike near Kila Gompa Nunnery. After a one-hour drive from Paro Valley, visit Kila Gompa, the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, perched on cliffs and home to around 100 nuns. Finally, explore the Phuba Mandala Display Center, where sand mandalas are created, showcasing Buddhist cultural and philosophical themes. (Overnight in Paro)
The tour’s highlight is the morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a cliffside temple in Northern Paro where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated. It’s a renowned Bhutanese icon, perfect for capturing stunning photos. In the evening, enjoy traditional archery at a local farmhouse and relax in a hot-stone bath, which helps soothe aches and pains. Overnight in Paro.
Visit Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, which originally defended Paro Valley during 17th-century conflicts. Next, explore Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demon and introduce Buddhism to Bhutan. After lunch, enjoy free time for shopping in town to pick up souvenirs. Return home.
Drive to Paro Airport to depart from this stunning Himalayan country. We hope you’ve captured lasting memories and photos with new friends. We look forward to welcoming you back to this enchanting realm.