An introduction to Bhutan with a short, flexible and relatively gentle tour providing a general impression of the land, the people and the history.
It starts from Paro valley home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples, where stories of Guru Rimpoche and Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s most celebrated historical personalities, will become increasingly familiar as we visit several fortress-monasteries that stand powerful symbols of the nation’s history, moving onwards to the unique capital city of Thimphu and crosses over to ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha where on clear day will reveal folds of hills rising toward distant snow-capped Himalayan peaks and to the glacial valleys of Phobjikha where Black-necked cranes roost in winter months.
Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Upon arrival at Bhjoar International Airport drive for 3hrs through several Indian towns to Samdrupjonkhar. At the border called Darranga, youll need to complete immigration formalities before entering Bhutan. Samdrupjonkhar is a small border town and there is little reason to roam around in the heat.
Distance: 110kms. Overnight in Hotel. Alt 180m
After breakfast we drive to Dewathang. The site of a major battle between the Bhutanese against the British in 1865. Along this stretch of the road it is good to make short walks as one can see great hornbills and other beautiful birds. The journey continues with views of several villages built on the mountain sides. Forest cover in this region is quite less probably due to the old practice of slash-burn (shifting cultivation) agriculture. At a village called Khaling, there is a small traditional textile weaving centre. Then we drive towards Yongphula (domestic airport) and descend towards the University town of Kanglung founded in 1978. From here it takes less than an hour to Trashigang.
Distance: 186kms/6hrs. Overnight in Hotel. Alt 1300m
After breakfast visit the impregnable Trashigang Dzong which sits on a hill overlooking the river. During Autumn there is a 3-day religious festival held inside this Dzong. Then we drive for 17kms to Radi Valley. This region is known for fabrics made from raw silk known as Buray. In the past people cultivated silkworms. In Radi we will visit Khardungla Nunnery and it is here that we leave our vehicles behind and take local jeeps to drive on the unpaved road to Sakteng valley.
Distance: 63kms/4-5hrs. Overnight in homestay or if group is big stay in camp. Alt. 3000m.
Sakteng is an isolated valley of nomadic people next to Merak. Both regions speak a different language, live different lifestyles and have different costumes compared with the rest of the country. Their main livelihood is Yak raising and wear costumes made from Yak hair. This region is famous for its yak cheese kept in leather bags for several months or years which smells awful. We will explore the village and experience the lifestyle of these nomads today.
Overnight in homestay or if group is big stay in camp. Alt. 3000m
After breakfast we return to Radi valley, change our vehicles and drive to Ranjung Monastery. Here every evening around 5pm, ritual ceremonies takes place. Late evening drive to Trashigang.
Distance: 63kms/4-5hrs. Overnight in Hotel. Alt. 1300m
In the morning we drive to Chazam bridge and make a detour for 13kms to Gom Kora temple in Trashiyangtsi district. This site was founded as early as the 8th century by Guru Padmasambava. The present day temple was built in the 17th Century. After this visit we return to the bridge and drive towards Mongar.
Distance 146kms/5-6hrs. Overnight in Hotel. Alt. 1650m
After breakfast we drive dropping more than 1000m to Kurizampla and follow the river to Yanmari and climb back up to cross a pass to reach Pema Gatshel. We will drive past several villages and the simplicity of this region is breathtaking.
Distance: 150kms/6-7hrs Overnight in Lodge. Alt 1500m
In the morning visit the Dzong founded in 1981. Pemagatshel is known for craftsmen who produce religious instruments such as the long brass horns and trumpets. There is also a cotoon farm in the Tsebar area. We can make short stops to witness the craftsmanship. We will visit Yongla Gonpa founded in the 18th century. This place was used for religious activities by Trongsa Ponlop Jigme Namgyel ( Governor). Drive further on towards Samdrup Jonkhar.
Distance: 110kms/5-6hrs Overnight in hotel. Alt. 180m
Afterbreakfast drive 3hrs to Airport for departure.
Distance: 110kms.
This program can be extended to include the Royal Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Today will be a long day of driving with minimum sightseeing. After breakfast we drive to Kurizampa and follow the river to Nganglam town which is an industrial town and pass by several villages to Panbang.
Distance: 190kms/7-8hrs. Overnight in Lodge. Alt 250m
In the morning drive 9kms to Manas and cross the river by wooden boat to the park. Then we take an elephant ride in the park for 1hr to explore the park. During this ride one can see Golden Langurs, Spotted deers, Boars and Bisons. After the visit return to Panbang and in the afternoon experience river rafting on Kurichu.
Overnight in Lodge. Alt 250m
Another long day of driving. After breakfast drive the same road to Nganglam and from there we climb uphill to Pemagatshel.
Distance: 170kms/ 7-8hrs. Overnight in Lodge. Alt 1500m
In the morning visit the Dzong founded in 1981. Pemagatshel is known for craftsmen who produce religious instruments such as the long brass horns and trumpets. There is also a cotoon farm in the Tsebar area. We can make short stops to witness the craftsmanship. We will visit Yongla Gonpa founded in the 18th century. This place was used for religious activities by Trongsa Ponlop Jigme Namgyel ( Governor). Drive further on towards Samdrup Jonkhar.
Distance: 110kms/5-6hrs Overnight in hotel. Alt. 180m
Afterbreakfast drive 3hrs to Airport for departure.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is indented as a guide only. Local road conditions and weather may affect the program. Be aware that all the times stated are approximate and might vary conditionally.
