Yaks & Nomads
Yaks & Nomads

Eastern Bhutan: The Untouched Journey

Enter Bhutan overland through Samdrup Jongkhar and journey across the country's eastern and central regions, experiencing authentic village life in Trashigang, Radhi, and Merak, home of the unique Brokpa community. Continue through Mongar to Bumthang, then visit the serene Phobjikha Valley and historic Punakha. Explore the cultural attractions of Thimphu and the peaceful Haa Valley before returning to Paro via the scenic Chele La Pass. The journey culminates with a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Trip Overview

Duration16 Days / 15 Nights
Next DatesTo be decided by you
Physical RatingEasy
Let's Talk
Traditional weaving
Eastern Bhutan landscape
Ogyen Choling Palace

Tour Features

This tour features an overland entry through eastern Bhutan, visits to the semi-nomadic village of Merak, remote villages, genuinely interactive with locals, scenic day hikes including the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Accommodation

Our standard tour package includes government-approved 3-star hotels. There is an option to upgrade to premium 4-star or 5-star accommodations. Overnight stays in traditional homestays or monasteries can also be arranged.

Meals

Our package includes all three daily meals, featuring a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements or food preferences throughout your journey.

Transportation

For 1–2 travelers, transportation is provided in a comfortable 4WD SUV. Groups of 3–7 persons will travel in a Hyundai H-1 or Toyota Hiace, while groups of 8 or more will travel in a Toyota Coaster bus.

Prior Training

No prior training is required for this trip. While the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery can be challenging, it is scheduled toward the end of your journey, allowing ample time to acclimatize.

Customization

If this tour does not suit your preferences, we can customize it or create a different itinerary tailored to your interests and requirements.

Traditional weaving
Mongar Dzong

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and driven to Samdrup Jongkhar. The scenic journey takes you through lush tea gardens, crystal-clear rivers, peaceful villages, and vibrant small towns. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the town. Overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Trashigang, the major commercial hub of eastern Bhutan. This scenic drive takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical forests to broadleaf woodlands, passing picturesque villages and varied vegetation zones along the way. En route, make stops at Narphung, Wamrong, Khaling, and Kanglung to interact with local communities and experience rural Bhutanese life. Overnight stay in Trashigang.
Drive to Merak, the remote home of the Brokpa people. En route, visit the charming town of Rangjung and Radhi Village, famous for its handwoven bura silk textiles. Upon arrival in Merak, explore the village and discover the unique culture, traditions, and distinctive way of life of the semi-nomadic Brokpa community. Overnight stay with a local family.
Spend the morning exploring Merak Village and experiencing the unique culture and lifestyle of the Brokpa people. In the afternoon, drive back to Trashigang and continue onward to Mongar, passing through several picturesque villages along the way. The scenic road follows the Gamri River through lush cornfields and banana groves before gradually ascending to Yadi, where you can stop for a refreshing cup of tea. Continue the drive over Kori La Pass (2,450 m), a renowned spot for birdwatchers, before descending into Mongar. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Mongar town and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Overnight stay in Mongar.
After breakfast, drive to the remote district of Lhuentse, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and a region renowned for its exceptional weaving traditions. Visit Khoma Village to meet local weavers and observe the creation of exquisite handwoven textiles before enjoying an overnight homestay with a local family.
Begin your journey to central Bhutan with one of the country's most scenic drives to Bumthang, passing dramatic cliffs, fir forests, and verdant pastures. Along the way, stop at Themnangbi to sample seasonal local produce and enjoy a leisurely walk. Continue through the charming village of Ura, known for its medieval atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
You can visit ancient temples and traditional villages, explore the unique culture of Bumthang Valley, savor local cuisine, and enjoy scenic hikes in the surrounding countryside. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the remote Tang Valley, visiting the historic Ugyen Chholing Palace Museum and exploring the surrounding villages. On the return journey, stop at the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), associated with the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Bumthang town and interact with the local people. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Drive to Gangtey via Trongsa, stopping at the Chumey yathra weaving centre and visiting the magnificent Trongsa Dzong. After lunch at Chendebji and a scenic drive across two mountain passes, arrive in Gangtey to visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a hike through the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and its charming villages. Overnight stay in Gangtey/Phobjikha.
Drive to Punakha via Wangdue Phodrang, stopping at Metsina Village for a scenic walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the "Divine Madman." After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, spectacularly located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Drive to the capital, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way. At Dochula, visit the Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only one of its kind in the country. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Thimphu city. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Takin Preserve, the Farmer's Market, and Tashichho Dzong. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Today, drive to Haa Valley via Chuzom. The journey is pleasant, with several optional stops along the way to admire views of traditional villages. Upon arrival in Haa, take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful town. In the afternoon, explore nearby villages, visit local homes, and meet the families. Overnight stay in Haa.
This morning, drive to Paro across Chele La Pass (3,810 m). A walk along the high ridges, adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, offers stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks on clear days, along with sweeping vistas of the valleys below. You may continue your hike down the ridge to the Kila Gompa Nunnery, nestled on a rocky mountainside below the pass and dramatically perched against the cliff face. Spend some time here interacting with the nuns, who may offer you tea. Afterwards, walk a few miles through coniferous forests to the roadhead, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.
Today, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,180 m), dramatically perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley and associated with Guru Rinpoche's meditation. Enjoy lunch en route before exploring the monastery and hiking back down to Paro. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for a hot stone bath, Bhutanese dinner, and local "ara," marking a memorable end to your journey. Overnight in Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.
Morning, you will drive to airport for departure.
Eastern Bhutan landscape
Eastern Bhutan landscape