Bhutan West to East An Experience Never Before

This is yet another tentative Itinerary, we are very flexible and can arrange an Itinerary that would suite your time and interest. In this Itinerary we have highlighted all the Places of interest across this beautiful Himalayan Kingdom. Those who do not wish to travel the length and breath of the Kingdom, we could even shorten down to a 3 or 4 days program. Please emails us for a personal itinerary to suite your time and interests.

Tour Cost: 200$ per person per day for groups of 3 or more people, please add 30$ per person per day for groups of 2 people.

The picture above is a village house from Eastern Bhutan. These houses are typical in Mongar, Lhuntsi, Trashigang and Pema Gatsel areas. The Dzong shown on the index is the Haa Wangchu Lo Dzong, the west most Dzong and district, a district which has been very recently opened to outsiders.

Day 1 - Arrive Paro - from Bangkok, Delhi or Katmandu. A representative of Changshe Norbu Tours & Treks will receive you at the Airport. Transfer to Rinchen Ling Lodge where the Rinchen Ling Lodge family will greet you with a welcome tea in the traditional Bhutanese style. Depending on the time of arrival, lunch or dinner will be served after you are refreshed and rested. Paro valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. If in summer enjoy the lush green paddy fields and in Autumn these same fields turn brown and golden with the paddy ready for harvest.

Day 2 - Paro Valley -  Acclimatization and sightseeing. Breakfast at Leisure. After breakfast visit the Paro Rinchenpung Dzong "the Fort of the heap of Jewels" which houses the Paro Monastic body, Paro District Civil Administration and the Paro District Court. A smaller Dzong was first built sometime in the 15th century, which was later rebuilt by the Shabdrung in 1645 after the same was offered to him. The caught fire in 1905 but was immediately rebuilt to the original splendor by the Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor.  There after climb up to Ta Dzong (watch tower) built by Tenzin Drungda, Paro Penlop ( 1656-1667) which now houses the National Museum. The Museum is considered one of the best of its kind in Asia. It boasts an exhaustive collection of Bhutanese Textiles, Armory, Earth & Stone Wares, Buddhist Scriptures & Manuscripts, Philatelic etc. Return to Richen Ling Lodge for lunch. After lunch drive north 7 Kms to see the ruined Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong was built by the Shabdrung in 1647 after the Bhutanese defeated the Tibetan Army of the Gelukpas and the named the Dzong "Victorious Drukpa" Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was ruined in a fire in 1951 and it remains that way even today. There are plans to restore the Dzong soon. After seeing the Dzong drive down towards the market on way visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 638 AD under the order of the Tibetan King Songtsengampo, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Then visit the Dungtse Lhakhang on the left bank of the Pachu (Paro River) built by the ???? Rest of the afternoon free to see the Paro market. Evening Drinks and Dinner at Richen Ling Lodge around a warm camp fire.

Note: Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel  reincarnation of Pema Karpo left the Ralung Monastery in Tibet due to the tense relation with the Tsang Desi and came to Bhutan in 1616. He entered Bhutan through Laya and Gasa. He then traveled extensively in the western region to give teachings, initiations and gaining political power. Shabdrung slowly unified all the districts of Bhutan, built the Dzongs in all the Districts, organized administration and promulgated the code of law the "Kathrim". Shabdrung was married twice and was survived by two sons, one of them being the great Tenzin Rabgye 4th Desi of Bhutan. It is believed that the Shabdrung passed away sometime in 1651or little later. The body of the Shabdrung is preserved even to this day in the Machen Lhakhang in the Punakha Dzong.

Day 3 - Paro to Thimphu - After breakfast drive to Thimphu (60 KM 2 hours) the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is narrower than Paro and more crowded. It is a modern city but still preserving traditional architecture and traditions, one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Check into Hotel, tea & snacks, refresh and the lunch. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of Late His Majesty, the 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit a Handmade paper unit. Bhutan boasts of one of the best Handmade papers in the world. The Handicrafts Emporium is yet another interesting place to visit, there is a very good variety of well woven Bhutanese textiles. Rest of the afternoon free to explore the Thimphu market. Evening at hotel.

Day 4 - Thimphu Valley - After breakfast depending on the day of the week, visit the weekend market, if it is Saturday or Sunday, otherwise visit the School for Traditional Arts & crafts, the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Lunch at a local Restaurant. Afternoon visit the Nunnery at Silukha, then drive up to Sangay gang to get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. On the way back to the hotel visit the Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong, the seat of His Majesty the King and the Je Khempo, the head abbot of the Monk Body. The Dzong is open to visitors only after 5 PM on working days. The Dzong was built in 1772 and was burnt down 3 times and rebuilt immediately. In 1962 His Late Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan started the restoration and enlargement of the Dzong. The work was completed and consecrated on 24th to 26th of June 1969. It is a marvel of Bhutanese Architecture and craftsmanship. Not a single nail was used in the construction of this large monument.

Day 5 - Thimphu to Punakha - Punakha is a 2 1/2 hour 70 KM drive from Thimphu. On way we cross over Docho la pass at , stop at the Docho la cafeteria for tea-snacks and a view of the Himalayas, on clear days it is one of the best view points. After crossing Docho la the vegetation is entirely different from the Thimphu side, which is covered with Blue Pine forest. The vegetation on this side is broad leaf and there is a greater variety of Plants and trees. In spring, it is colorful with all the Rhododendrons and Magnolias in bloom. Arrive Punakha check into hotel, refresh and then lunch will be served. After lunch visit the Dzong in its best splendor and grandeur. Punakha Dzong was built by the Shabdrung (1616-1651) with enlargements and additions by later Desis and Je Khempos. The Dzong was destroyed several times by fire and floods and restored immediately there after. The most recent restoration being by His Majesty the 4th King of Bhutan, is the biggest of them all, it is a work of admiration and wonder. The visit to the Dzong may take a while as it covers a large area, later afternoon can be spent with a drive towards Tashithang, way to Gasa Dzong and then the market at Khuruthang. Evening at hotel.

Day 6 - Punakha -Trongsa - After an early breakfast drive down the river to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built by the Shabdrung again in 1638. The Dzong was enlarged by His son Tenzin Rabgye, 4th Desi in 1683. The famous Wangdi Bridge was also built by the 4th Desi in 1685. After visiting the Dzong we start the ascend to the  Pele la Pass which used to divide Bhutan as East and West. It is a very winding mountain road with changing vegetation every few miles. The drive to Trongsa from Wangdi is an eye feast for the Flora lover. There is plenty to explore all the way. Packed Lunch will served en-route. 10 KMs short of Trongsa, we will get a panoramic view of the Trongsa Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong another great opportunity for the photographic enthusiast. Late afternoon check into Norling Hotel, which is in the heart of Trongsa market. Evening explore the Trongsa market at your leisure and rest of the evening at Hotel

Day 7 - Trongsa - Bumthang - Visit the Trongsa Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong, started by Ngagi Wangchuk in 1543 and a temple added by Shabdrung in 1647, the actual large Dzong was built by Choegyal Minjur Tenpa. An early Lunch at Hotel and then start the ascend for Bumthang. Bumthang is about 90 KMs from Trongsa. Check into Jakar Village lodge.

Day 8 - Bumthang Valley - Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and also the most sacred valleys. It is the Holy Abode of Guru Padmasambhawa or locally known as Guru Rinpoche. The valley is also the home of the Great Treasure Revealer Terton Pema Lingpa. The valley therefore has great Buddhist monuments, temples and history. One can spend days exploring Bumthang. In our Itinerary we have the Kurjey Lhakhang  a very old temple to visit, this is where Guru Rinpoche left His Body (Ku) impression (jey) in a rock. Then we could visit the Jambey Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley. After lunch at the hotel visit Mebhar (burning fire) Tso (lake), where Terton Pema Lingpa went into a lake with a burning lamp to discover treasures from the lake. Evening at hotel.

Day 9 - Bumthang - Mongar - One of the most fascinating drives. The journey takes you to the highest Pass in the country, the Thrumsing la is at  feet and then down to one of the lowest and warmest valleys in the country Limethang where one is back in to sub-tropic vegetation, an eye feast for the Botanist or the Nature lover. The vegetation changes almost every 10 KMs on this drive. This stretch of drive could boast the best Rhododendron varieties in the world. End of March, April and May are  the best time for the Rhododendrons. Packed Lunch will be served at beautiful spot where one can enjoy and be real close to mother nature in its best form. Evening at hotel in Mongar.

 Day 10 - Mongar - Trashigang - This is about 91 KMs or 3 1/2 hours drive, we will take a short re-course to Dramitse a monastery built by the grand daughter of Terton Pema Lingpa Ashi Choeden and reincarnation of a grand son of Terton Pema Lingpa. Dramitse was meant to be Drami (no enemies) tse (peak). The temple contains the mummies of Ashi Choeden and her brother. The Monastery now houses a Shedra (Religious School) established in 1986. Dramitse is a beautiful place, lunch will be served here. After lunch descend and carry on to Trashigang. Check into a local hotel. Though Trashigang is the biggest town east of Bumthang, guest houses and hotels here are basic. Please do not expect them to be too comfortable.

Day 11 - Trashigang - After breakfast visit the Tashigang Dzong built in 1659. The  Trashigang area during that period was known as Bengkhar. The Tongsa Penlop Minjur Tenpa sent Kudung Pekar Choepel with a large army to control and bring them under the Drukpa rule and the Kudung took control of the area built the Dzong in 1659. The 4th Desi Tenzin Rabgye (1680-1694) enlarged the Dzong and also built the Gonkhang.  For a very long time the Dzong was ruled by a lineage of Dzongpoen who were called the "Trashigangpas"  The last family of the last Trashigangpa resides at Rongthong. Then drive on to Rongthong and further up the hill is Kanglung. The only college in the Kingdom. Visit the Sherubtse college and Kanglung Monastery. Pack lunch will be served at a beautiful spot. Enjoy the temperate atmosphere. Evening explore the Trashigang market.

Day 12 -Trashigang - Trashi Yangtse - Descend to the river, then drive along the river till we reach yet another very famous the Gomkora Lhakhang, built on the banks of the river is a very sacred pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese. The Gomkora Tsechu is very elaborately celebrated by all, including people from Arunachal Pradesh in India. They also come and join the celebrations which is in March- April every year. After visiting this famous temple ascend to Trashi Yangtse. From here its a very gradual climb. Packed Lunch will be served on way. Evening, camp out in tents in the open. After a little refreshing and tea, we will visit the Chorten Kora, the stupa was built by the 18th Je Khempo Yonten Thaye (1771-1775) Evening at camp with a camp fire.

Day 13 - Trashi Yangtse - Mongar - We will need to start the day a little earlier,  descend to Gomkora and drive along the river till Sheri Chu, then ascend to Mongar. Lunch at Mongar. After lunch visit the Dzong, this Dzong is one of the newer Dzongs. After the Dzong explore Mongar market, one might find some interesting hand woven textiles. Evening at hotel.

Day 14 - Mongar - Lhuntsi - It is only about 75 KMs and home to the best weavings of Bhutan. The drive is all along the Kurichu and in Chirpine forests and steep cliffs. Lhuntsi does not have any good hotels accept for a Government Guest house. Best bet would be to camp out. After lunch visit the Lhundup Rinchen tsi Dzong perched on a steep cliff, one of the most spectacular Dzongs of Bhutan. Later afternoon visit Gangzur village to see Earthen wares being made so skillfully, a dieing art of Bhutan. Evening at camp with dances and drinks from the local people in the old traditional way.

Day 15 - Lhuntsi Local village - A 2 hour trek into Khoma village, a home for most of the weavings and Kiras found in Thimphu, Lunch in the village a typical Kurtoep style. Late afternoon return to camp and relax.

Day 16 - Lhuntsi - Bumthang - Start as early as possible, lunch at Thrumsing la, enjoy the Rhododendron bloom (end of April till June) while we our packed lunch is being served. Evening at hotel.

Day 17 - Bumthang - Rest - visit the Jakar (white bird) Dzong, explore the market or just sit back in the hotel and relax.

Day 18 - Bumthang - Wangdi - Enjoy the scenic drive and all the changing vegetation. Packed lunch will be served around Pele la. On way down Pele la take a short diversion to the Phobjikha valley, a home to the Black Neck Crane in winter (December till February). Evening at a hotel in Wangdi.

Day 19 - Wangdi - Thimphu - An easy drive, stop at Dochu la for tea and snacks. Check into hotel at Thimphu, lunch and rest of the day free to relax and clean up.

Day 20 - Thimphu - Paro - Morning do some sightseeing and shopping, lunch at a local restaurant. Evening drive to Paro. Night and dinner at Rinchen Ling Lodge. Sit around a camp fire and relax.

Day 21 - Paro - A full day for rest or drive down to the market or walk to a local village.

Day 22 - Paro - Haa - Paro - A drive over Chile la into the Haa valley, visit the Haa Wangchu Lo Dzong, a local monastery and a village house. Enjoy your packed lunch in a near by pine forest. Evening return to Paro.

Day 23 - Paro Taktsang Monastery - A final touch of Bhutan - After breakfast a short drive and a short trek up the mountain to view the most sacred Buddhist shrine, Taktsang monastery is perched on the face of cliff 800 mts. above Paro valley. It’s a memorable spiritual journey. It was here that the great Tantric teacher Guru Rinpoche flew from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. The main monastery was razed down to the ground by a fire in 1998, but has been rebuilt with much more grandeur and beauty than the earlier one, with no change in the architectural design and the size. Many cannot notice the changes. The view point is at about 10,200 feet. After lunch at the cafeteria or our own packed lunch, return to the Lodge for a peaceful evening by the camp fire.

Day - 24- Departure- Tashi Delek and lok jeige la