Eastern Bhutan Discovery

Day 1: Arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar

Upon arrival at the Bhutan–India border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, complete the necessary immigration formalities before beginning your Eastern Bhutan adventure. Located in the subtropical foothills, Samdrup Jongkhar serves as the gateway to eastern Bhutan and offers a fascinating blend of Bhutanese and Indian cultures. Visit the beautiful Zangtopelri Lhakhang, a serene temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the town to experience the local atmosphere. Overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the winding mountain roads of Eastern Bhutan towards Trashigang, the largest district in eastern Bhutan. The journey offers spectacular views of lush forests, river valleys, and traditional settlements. En route, visit the Khaling National Handloom Development Centre, renowned for preserving Bhutan’s rich weaving traditions. Continue to Bhutan’s only School for the Blind, an inspiring institution that supports visually impaired students through education and vocational training. Arrive in Trashigang by evening and enjoy a relaxing walk through the town. Overnight stay in Trashigang.

Day 3: Exploring Trashigang

Spend the day discovering the cultural highlights of Trashigang and its surrounding areas. Begin with a visit to the impressive Trashigang Dzong, strategically perched on a ridge overlooking the Drangme Chhu River. Continue to Rangjung Monastery, one of the most important spiritual centers in Eastern Bhutan. Visit Sherubtse College, Bhutan’s first and most prestigious university, located in the scenic town of Kanglung. Explore nearby traditional villages where daily life remains largely unchanged, offering valuable insights into local customs and traditions. Overnight stay in Trashigang.

Day 4: Excursion to Trashiyangtse

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to the picturesque district of Trashiyangtse. En route, visit the sacred Gom Kora Temple, one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Rinpoche. Continue to Chorten Kora, a magnificent stupa built in the 18th century and often compared to Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa. Explore traditional woodcraft workshops where artisans continue to produce Bhutan’s famous handcrafted wooden bowls and religious items. Visit the historic Trashiyangtse Dzong before returning to Trashigang in the evening. Overnight stay in Trashigang.

Day 5: Trashigang to Mongar

After breakfast, drive towards Mongar, crossing spectacular mountain landscapes and traditional farming communities. En route, visit the renowned Drametse Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important religious institutions and the birthplace of the famous Drametse Ngacham mask dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Continue through beautiful mountain passes and dense forests before arriving in Mongar. Visit Mongar Dzong, a relatively modern fortress showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture, and explore the lively local market. Overnight stay in Mongar.

Day 6: Mongar to Lhuentse

This morning, journey to the remote and culturally rich district of Lhuentse, regarded as the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Upon arrival, visit the dramatic Lhuentse Dzong, perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the Kuri Chhu River. Continue to Khoma Village, famous throughout Bhutan for producing some of the finest Kishuthara silk textiles. Meet local weavers and witness the intricate weaving process firsthand. Later, visit Gangzur Village, known for its traditional pottery craftsmanship. Overnight stay in Lhuentse.

Day 7: Exploring Lhuentse

Spend a full day exploring the unique cultural treasures of Lhuentse. Visit the magnificent Takila Guru Statue, one of Bhutan’s largest statues of Guru Rinpoche, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Continue to Dungkhar Palace, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal dynasty and an important historical landmark. Explore nearby villages where traditional lifestyles continue to flourish, and interact with local artisans who preserve centuries-old weaving techniques. The day offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Bhutan’s most authentic regions. Overnight stay in Lhuentse.

Day 8: Lhuentse to Mongar

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Mongar. Enjoy a leisurely drive through spectacular mountain scenery, stopping at scenic viewpoints and traditional villages along the way. Take time to appreciate the untouched landscapes and rural charm that characterize Eastern Bhutan. Depending on your interests, enjoy an optional village walk to interact with local residents and gain further insights into Bhutanese rural life. Arrive in Mongar by evening. Overnight stay in Mongar.

Day 9: Mongar to Trashigang

Today, travel back towards Trashigang while exploring some of the lesser-visited attractions of the region. Visit traditional villages and farming communities that may have been missed earlier in the journey. Continue to the beautiful Radhi Valley, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Eastern Bhutan” due to its fertile agricultural lands and abundant rice production. The valley is also known for its vibrant weaving traditions and picturesque landscapes. Arrive in Trashigang by evening. Overnight stay in Trashigang.

Day 10: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar

Following breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Samdrup Jongkhar. Along the way, visit Khaling Monastery and enjoy several photography stops to capture the stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bhutanese countryside. The route provides a final opportunity to admire Eastern Bhutan’s untouched beauty, winding rivers, and dense forests. Arrive in Samdrup Jongkhar by late afternoon and spend your final evening reflecting on your unforgettable journey through Bhutan’s eastern heartland. Overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Guwahati Airport in India, approximately three hours from Samdrup Jongkhar. Bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan, taking with you lasting memories of its ancient monasteries, welcoming communities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.