Samdrup Jongkhar is about 3-hour drive (103 km) from Guwahati Airport in Assam, India. After crossing the Bhutan/India checkpoint in Samdrup Jongkhar, you’ll be greeted by our representative who will assist with arrival formalities. Bhutan, often called ‘Druk Yul’ or “The Land of the Dragon,” is celebrated for its remote beauty, stunning mountain landscapes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Known as one of the last ‘Shangri-Las,’ Bhutan maintains its pristine environment and culture through restricted access. After lunch leisure or visit Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong, you’ll stay overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Eastern Bhutan as you navigate the bumpy, winding roads to the picturesque village of Gomdar. The locals, unaccustomed to seeing foreigners, will warmly welcome you with curiosity and excitement. Their hospitality is genuine and they remain largely untouched by modernity. Offering sweets is a unique way to engage with them, where a polite refusal often means acceptance. Explore a local poultry farm, where eggs are a staple and a significant income source. Enjoy your packed picnic lunch at a scenic spot or, if you prefer, in one of the farmers’ homes. In the afternoon, return to Khedrup Yodseling Monastery, where young monks will host you for the night. Join them for evening prayers and enjoy a traditional dance performance by the monks in their red robes. (Overnight at the monastery guest house)

After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your monastic hosts and head to a seasonal orange orchard (available in winter) for some fruit picking. In addition to oranges, you can sample and gather other seasonal fruits like mangoes, pomegranates, and guavas. Next, drive along a narrow road to Wangphu village, where you’ll observe local women recycling waste into beautiful baskets and learn about bamboo weaving, including basket and hat making. If you’re interested, your guide can arrange a weaving demonstration for you. You’ll also witness traditional oil extraction from seeds and have the chance to participate. Enjoy lunch at a local home, where you can harvest vegetables from the garden and savor an organic meal with local rice. After lunch, continue your journey to Wamrong. (Overnight at a basic 3-star hotel/guest house)

Today, drive to Palri Buddha Park for a blessing from the Buddha and explore statues of his twelve deeds. Continue to Lumang village, where you can participate in traditional butter-making and the brewing of local wine, ‘Ara’. Enjoy a taste of ‘the madman cocktail’ and see how people cook with cow hides. Visit a community school and interact with the students. Have you heard about the culture of Night Hunting? Ask your guide, he’ll have some interesting stories to share about ‘the Eastern night hunting.’ (Overnight at a basic 3-star hotel/guest house)

In the morning, drive to Khaling village to visit the first blind school in Bhutan, where you can interact with visually impaired students and learn about their experiences with Braille. Next, visit Khaling Handloom to see local women weaving traditional Bhutanese textiles. On your way to the hotel, stop by Barshong Lhakhang, a significant temple in the Trashigang district. Continue to Trashigang for your overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel, where you can relax and refresh. (Overnight at a 3-star hotel)

Today, drive about 30 minutes to Rangjung Yoeselcholing Monastery, where you can view intricate Torma artwork made from barley flour and butter, and observe over three hundred monks in residence. Continue to Radhi village, renowned for its exquisite raw-silk textiles. The picturesque village features terraced rice fields and traditional weaving practices. Return to Trashigang in the evening and visit Trashigang Dzong, a historic fortress once built to defend against Tibetan invasions. (Overnight at a 3-star hotel)

Today, explore Eastern Bhutan with a visit to Chorten Kora and the college of thirteen arts and crafts. Take a stroll around the nearby village to experience the local lifestyle of Trashiyangtse. In the evening, check in at Omba Farmhouse, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Bhutanese butter tea. (Overnight at the farmhouse)

Perched on a cliff, Omba Ney is often called the Taktshang of Eastern Bhutan. This sacred site, featuring the OM symbol on the rock face, is one of the three major holy places associated with Guru Rinpoche. It includes temples, caves, and significant religious sites. A narrow cave passage above the lhakhang is believed to purify one’s sins. Accessible via a three-hour walk from Nangkhar Gonpa or a climb from Kheni village, we will choose the walk from Nangkhar Gonpa. The journey takes you through Nangkhar village’s fields, across a suspension bridge, and into serene nature. The temple offers a peaceful spot for meditation. You’ll also have the chance to meet the monks and learn about their life in Eastern Bhutan. (Overnight at Omba Farmhouse)

Today, explore Nangkhar Dordhen Chorten, often called the Bodhgaya of Bhutan, established by Druptho Thogmey Dorji in Nangkhar village. Visit Gom Kora temple on your way back and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing in Trashigang. (Overnight at a 3-star hotel)

Today, we begin our journey back to Samdrup Jongkhar, checking out of the hotel after breakfast. On the way, visit Yonphula domestic airport, known for its misty conditions and strong winds. Drive towards Wamrong, stopping briefly to see Zangdopelri temple. Continue with tea and restroom breaks, and visit the Chokyi Gyatso Institute in Dewathang, founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in honor of his grandfather’s wish to create a Buddhist college. (Overnight at a 3-star hotel)

Drive to the immigration point to depart from this stunning Himalayan country. We hope you’ve captured many lasting memories and photos with new friends. We look forward to welcoming you back to this enchanting region.

The driving and hiking times provided are estimates and do not account for breaks for sightseeing, photos, meals, or rest. Delays or changes in hiking routes may occur due to trail conditions, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.