Discover the Hidden Highlands of Eastern Bhutan

During the flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong. Built in the 17th century, Paro Dzong now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery before hiking back to the valley in the afternoon. From Paro, you will then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is about 54 km from Paro and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by road. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit the Buddha Statue, which is presumed to be one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The three-storey throne of the statue houses temples on each floor. You will then visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School; and the Traditional Paper Factory. You will also visit the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps. After lunch, you will visit Changangkha Monastery and the Mini Zoo, where you can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. You will also visit Tashichhodzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), where, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will then continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple traditionally associated with fertility. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which stands on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha Valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took nine years to build, and holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted in the construction of this four-storey temple. The temple is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. It was built for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking area, it is about a 45-minute uphill walk through the rice fields to reach the temple. The return walk downhill takes around 30 minutes. From the top of the temple, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Punakha Valley. After lunch, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley, which is famous as a winter roosting place for the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

Today, you will drive to Trongsa. Before leaving Phobjikha, you will visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn more about these endangered birds and their winter habitat. After that, you will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple here in 1613, which was later expanded into a larger goenpa by the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. You will then hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of the shortest nature trails in Bhutan. The trail starts from the mani stone wall, similar to a chorten, to the north of Gangtey Goenpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and passes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Phobjikha Valley. During the winter months, you may also have the chance to see the endangered Black-necked Cranes in the valley. After the hike, you will continue your drive to Trongsa. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

After an early breakfast, you will start your drive to Bumthang. On the way, you will cross Yotongla Pass (3,450 meters), after which you will enter the Bumthang region. Along the way, you will stop at a Yathra textile weaving factory, where Yathras are made with unique patterns that have been preserved in Bumthang for generations. You can also watch some of the weavers working at their looms. After lunch, you will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left his body imprint inside a cave. You will also visit Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. In the evening, you can stroll freely through Bumthang town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today, you will begin your journey to eastern Bhutan. On the way, you will pass through Ura Village, which has a medieval look with its cobblestone streets and traditional way of life. Eastern Bhutan is different from western and central Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The drive today takes about 6 hours and includes crossing Thrumshing La Pass (3,750 meters). You will stop for a while at the pass to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery around you. After crossing Thrumshing La, you will enter eastern Bhutan and continue your drive to Mongar. Overnight at a hotel in Mongar.

Today, you will drive to Trashigang, passing through several villages along the way. When you reach Chazam Bridge, you will take a turn-off road to Gom Kora Temple, where you will stop for a visit. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated here, and you can see the impressions of his thumb, hat and body on the rock near the temple. You will then continue your drive to Trashigang and visit the town area. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

The first day of the trek starts with a drive from Trashigang to Chaling, passing through Rangjung and Radi villages. These villages are known for their raw silk weaving. On the way back, you can stop to see the weaving process and learn how the traditional textiles are made. From Chaling, the trek gradually ascends through pastureland used by yak and sheep herders. Along the way, you will see herders’ huts scattered across the open landscape. The trail continues uphill to Mendu La Pass, which marks the final ascent of the day. From the pass, the trail descends through rhododendron forests until you reach the campsite at Donmang Chu. Overnight at the campsite in Donmang Chu.

Today, you will follow the trail along the riverbank, enjoying the surrounding views and nature. The trail leading to Gangu Village is the only section with a gradual ascent. From Gangu, it takes about 45 minutes to reach Merak. The campsite is located near the village and offers good views of the surrounding mountains and Merak Village. Merak is a small village inhabited mainly by the Brokpas, a unique highland community of eastern Bhutan. Their traditional way of life is closely connected to raising livestock, including yaks, sheep and cattle. Overnight at the campsite in Merak.

Start early today as it is going to be a challenging day of the trek. The trail gradually ascends from the campsite to the first pass, where you will have the last views of Merak Valley. From the pass, the trail continues towards Nachung La Pass through juniper forest, with rhododendron trees along the way. From Nachung La, the trail descends gradually until you reach the campsite at Miksateng. Overnight at the campsite in Miksateng.

The trail descends from the campsite towards a river. After crossing the river, you will follow the trail along the riverbank before gradually ascending to a small pass with a chorten facing Sakten Valley. As you descend from the ridge towards Sakten Valley, keep an eye out for Red Pandas. Sakten Valley is a large open area surrounded by heavily forested mountains. The campsite is located near Sakten Village. Overnight at the campsite in Sakten.

Today is a rest day in Sakten. It is worth spending an extra day here to explore the village, learn about the local lifestyle and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Brokpa community.

Start early from the campsite as this is the longest day of the trek. The trail passes through Munde La and then continues through broadleaf forests, with a couple of small ups and downs along the way. You will continue towards Jonkhar Teng, where the campsite is located beside the river. Overnight at the campsite in Jonkhar Teng.

The last day of the trek crosses several suspension bridges, including a steep climb of about one hour before reaching Phongmey Village. Your transport will be waiting in Phongmey to transfer you to your hotel in Trashigang. On the way, you will visit Rangjung Monastery. You will then drive a few miles further to explore Radhi and Phongmey villages, which are renowned for Bura gho and kira, traditional textiles made from raw silk. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Samdrupjongkhar. The journey takes you through several villages and varied tropical broadleaf forests. Along the way, you will make stops at Kanglung, Khaling and Narphung, where you can meet and interact with local people. In the evening, you can stroll around Samdrupjongkhar town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Samdrupjongkhar.

After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your departure to Guwahati, India. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.