East West Cultural Tour

The East-West cultural tour to Bhutan starts with your arrival at Paro International Airport. The flight to Paro offers you the magnificent scenario of the High Himalayas and the landscapes of the kingdom of Bhutan. Our Airport representative will pick you up from the Airport terminal and transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Paro. After arriving at the hotel, we will hold a pre-tour meeting for you and give you a briefing about the preparation of this tour. We will then introduce you to your guides. After some procedure, you can spend your evening either resting in the hotel or going out visiting the market in Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Our tour today is to one of the finest monasteries in Bhutan Taktsang Monastery. When it comes to traveling to Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery comes on the must-visit list. Early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is also popular as Tiger Nest monastery. It is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It is the sacred site of Buddhist which was 1st built-in 1692. This monastery carries its significance. However, it is said that Guru Padmasambhava had flown on the back of the Tigress to meditate in the cave in the 8th century thus, giving it the name Tiger Nest. This monastery is the cultural icon of Buddhism. The view provided by this monastery is stunning. One cannot resist taking pictures in these monasteries. 

After exploring this monastery, hike back to the road and drive to Kyichu Lhakhang. It is a seventh-century temple revered as one of the most magnificent sites in Bhutan. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong which is a Buddhist fortress featuring several Shrines and Chapels, as well as wall paintings and grand architecture. Overnight at hotel in Paro

Today we will transfer from Paro to the capital of Bhutan-Thimphu. The distance from Paro to Thimphu is 50km which is about 1 hr 20 min drive excluding stops. During your way to Thimphu, you will explore several places in Paro. You can visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) which is 5km from Paro. It was once the watchtower for Rinpung Dzong and later was converted into the National Museum in 1968. In addition to this, visit the oldest temple in Bhutan Kyichu Lhakhang. Later, you can explore Rinpung Dzong. Several Bhutanese festivals are celebrated here in this Dzong. Tshechu, an annual festival in Bhutan is held here in Rinpung Dzong. After exploring places in Paro you will drive to Thimphu following Parchu downstream. The Parchu river confluence with Chuzom passing through several villages such as Bondey, Shaba, Isuna etc. 

In the evening you can stroll around Thimphu market. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

The 4th day of the tour starts with sightseeing at the capital of Bhutan. Today we will spend our whole day at Thimphu. Thimphu has a lot to offer to visitors as it is popular for its Buddhist monasteries and culture. So, the very thing you can do in Thimpu is to visit the Buddha point for the incredible view of the city along with the Himalayas. The next thing to explore in Thimphu is Takins-which is home to Bhutan’s national animals. Similarly, you can visit the Memorial Chorten which is a huge stupa built-in memory of the third King. Besides, visit the National Library where ancient monuments are preserved and protected. On the other hand, you can explore Tashi Choe Dzong- the main Secretariat building. There is cemetery farmers markets, crafts bazaars as well as the institute of traditional medicine in Thimphu for you to explore.

Likewise, another must not miss a place in Thimphu is a 300-year-old traditional house which is now converted into a museum. However, in the evening you can stroll around the marketplace in Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Early in the morning, we will drive from Thimphu to Punakha. The distance between Thimphu to Punakha is approximately 84 km which takes about 2 and a half-hour drive. The drive offers you wonderful landscapes on the way. After a half an hour drive from Thimphu, we will ascend o the Mt road at Dochula Pass at an elevation of 3140m. It is a mountain pass in the snow-covered Himalayas where 108 memorial Chortens or stupas have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo. In particular, there is a Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery built in honor of Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Moreover, from the Dochula pass, one can get a clear view of the eastern Himalayas. Then the road passes through the Rhododendron forest reaching the highly fertile land of Punakha.

After lunch, upon reaching Punakha we will have a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley and also particularly a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Similarly, our next destination in Punakha will be Punakha Dzong. It is an administrative center of Punakha District which is the second oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Early morning after breakfast, we will set out for another popular destination in Bhutan, Phobjikha valley. The distance between Punakha to Phobjikha valley is 75km which takes nearly 3 hours the drive. Drive via the bustling market town of Wangdue Phodrang. The drive passes through the winding mountain road through the oak and Rhododendron forest over Phobjikha valley. It is a beautiful u-shaped glacial valley located at the side of the Black Mountains. The valley is home to a large flock of Black-necked cranes. These rare species migrate to this valley in winter from late October to mid-February. However, it is also home to other endangered species such as wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and red foxes. You can explore Bhutanese flora and fauna in this valley.

In addition to this, we will visit Gangtey Gompa which is located on a hill rock amidst the Gangtey village providing a striking view of Phobjikha valley below. Overnight at a hotel in Gangtey.

Today bidding farewell to Gangtey, we will proceed towards Trongsa. From Gangtey the road ascends to Lawa La pass through a straight road and rejoins the East-West highway. From the highway, the road ascends to Pele La pass. This pass provides a stunning view of Jumolhari, Kangbum, Jichu Drake, and so on. However, Trongsa is 48km from the Pele La pass and takes only 2 and a half hours to reach. The road descended through evergreen forest dwarf bamboo, pastureland, and several small villages before reaching Trongsa. En route to Chendebji Chorten, a large stupa in Bhutan. From the stupa, the road passes through farmlands, villages and reaches Trongsa. Trongsa is a town and an ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Situated on a steep ridge, this town offers a spectacular view of deep valleys surrounding it. 

After lunch, we will visit Trongsa Dzong which is one of the prime attractions of Trongsa. It is the largest Dzong in Bhutan built-in 1644. Similarly, we will explore the Ta Dzong museum where we can observe the collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa

The tour today is towards the Cultural Heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang. Early morning after breakfast we will drive towards Bumthang enjoying the scenario that comes in. Bumthang is 79km from Trongsa and takes only 2 and a half hours excluding the drive. The drive leads you to the winding mountain road following the Natural landscapes over the cultural heartland in Bumthang. However, if you are interested you can stop at Yathra (textile weaving factory ) on your way to Bumthang. As Bumthang is highly influenced by Buddhism, several monasteries and Gompas are the prime attraction of Bumthang. On the other hand, you can even explore several traditional stone houses, markets, Yaks grazing fields, and Pastures along the way. Likewise, Bumthang lets you experience the lifelong culture, tradition, and the typical village life of Bhutanese people.

Therefore, the prosperity of flora and fauna, the sweeping views of the lush green valleys with magnificent views of high Himalayas is an experience to cherish for a Lifetime in Bumthang. Overnight at Bumthang.

Today we will embark into Bhutan’s Cultural Heartland, Bumthang. Our tour to Bumthang starts with Jakar Dzong which is the administrative center of the valley. It is in an attractive location overlooking the Chokhor valley. From there, descend downwards into the town and walk over the suspension bridge. A little further, you will reach Kharchhu Goemba which is home to about 400 monks. It was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984. It is a place where young monks polished their debating skills. The next destination that awaits you in Bumthang is Jambay Lhakhang. Built in the early 6th century by the Tibetian king Songtsen Gampo, it is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It carries its significance. However, it is believed that this temple is one of the 108 temples built by the King to win against the demonic power.

Bumthang is the home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Likewise, explore Kurje Lhakhang, one of the sacred places in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave to conquer the evil spirit and in the hope of restoring the King’s health. Apart from this, visit Tamshing Lhakhang where Buddhist paintings are stored and protected. Furthermore, you can visit the local Bhutanese Shop in the evening. Overnight at Bumthang.

Early morning after breakfast bidding farewell to Bumthang we will proceed towards Mongar. Mongar is a town and is one of the oldest educational hubs of the country. It is on the road between Thimphu to Trashigang. The distance between Bumthang and Mongar is 190 km which takes about a 7-hour drive including the sops. The drive today will be a little longer than the rest of the day. However, the drive to this route provides an opportunity to explore the Rhododendron field along with the stunning landscapes. Drive through Ura village and ascend sharply to the highest Bhutan’s road network, Thrumshing-La Pass (4000m) The drive passes over sheer cliffs and through beautiful fir forest and green pastures to reach Mongar town. One can capture the moments in the photograph.

Additionally, you can catch the Glimpse Gangkhar Puensum (7541m) in case of clear weather. It is one of the world’s highest unclimbed peaks. Visit Mongar Dzong in Monga, built-in 1930. It is located on a small gently sloping area just above the town. The Dzong shows us the demonstration of how well Traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. Overnight at Hotel in Mongar.

Our tour today is another popular tourist destination in Bhutan, Trashigang. The drive today will be easier and Shorter but you still need a 3-hour drive covering 90km of the total distance. The drive passes through leafy forest filled with ferns and over Kori-La pass (2450m). There is an array of Prayer flags, a small mani wall as well as a building containing hundreds of butter lamps. From the pass descend through cornfields and banana groves and reach the road below Yadi. However, on the way, you can stop at Drametse Gompa, which is completely optional. The gompa was founded in 1511 by the granddaughter of Pema Lingpa. The name Drametse refers to “the peak with no enemy”. The monastery is the home to hundreds of monks and Gomchen. Furthermore, this monastery was proclaimed as the masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

On the other hand, visit Trashigang Dzong built-in 1695 to defend against Tibetian invasions. Overnight at Lodge in Trashigang.

Today we will explore another beautiful town of Trashigang. Trashigang is considered the Jewel of the East. It is the capital of Trashigang Dzongkhag district which is the largest district in Bhutan. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village. We can see the women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric during this trip. Later, visit Trashiyangtse Dzong situated on the cliffs, surrounded by the rivers Garmi Chhu and Dangme Chhuu. Likewise, one of the major attractions of this Dzong is the three-day annual festival. Another prominent place in the city is Chorten Kora and our next visit will be to this stupa.  However, the stupa looks normal but building the structure of this stupa took almost a dozen years. Furthermore, this stupa is regarded as highly sacred and people believe that this stupa guards them against demonic forces.

On the other hand, Trashigang has a strong cultural heritage and importance as it is a place where many groups of semi-nomadic people live. You can even have a cultural exploration of semi-nomadic people. Overnight at Trashigang.

The loop drive from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar takes about 6 hours. Samdrup Jongkhar is the gateway to eastern Bhutan and Assam India. Shortly after leaving Trashigang, the roads ascended through terraced fields to Kanglung at 1870m. At this point, you can see the extensive campus of Sherubtse College.  Then the road climbs up and crosses Yongphu La. Likewise the road passes through Gumchu, Khaling, spread out in a high side valley above Drangme Chhu. Khaling has various large school campuses an institute for the disabled. From Khaling the road traverse above the small village fields cross  Kharungla and arrive in the pleasant town of Wamrong. Stop for lunch at Wamrong, Pass-through Pemagatshel town to Deothang, dominated by a large Army camp with very few shops. Finally, from Deothang you enter Samdrup Jongkar passing through Salk and teak forests.

Therefore, the drive from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar  gives you a pleasant feeling of exploring the rural life of Bhutan along with is culture and tradition

Today you will be bidding farewell to your East-west cultural tour in Bhutan. After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle for your transfer to Guwahati. Guhawati is the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam. From Guwahati, you can take a flight to your onwards flight to your home country.