The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift  as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and drive to the hotel.

Later visit Kyichu Temple to receive a blessing for the tour ahead. Built in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. In the evening, take an exploratory walk around the town’s main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

The morning after breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang also known as Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours' round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Afternoon drive to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) from the approach road to the Dzong. Visit a nearby farmhouse which gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family.

Also, visit a Weaving Centre. Interact with the weaving family, appreciating their creativity and skill.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Then walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring.

Afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn the confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchog Lhakhang, ‘the temple of the excellent horse’. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

En route stop for a visit to Simtokha Dzong, considered to be oldest dzong in the country, built in 1627. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of little above 1,00,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening drive to Kuenselphodrang, a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top. The area also offers excellent view of the Thimphu valley from the west.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

Morning visit Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, where 13 traditional crafts are taught including weaving, embroidery, painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, bamboo work, gold & silversmithing, masonry, leatherwork and paperwork. This institute not only helps to preserve beautiful heritage but also equips future generations with the skill and knowledge to keep heritage alive. Also visit the Handmade paper factory, followed by visit to Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. This privately owned centre produces finest traditional hand-woven textile of the region. Promoting the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving, the Centre makes sincere effort to keep roots of the country alive through dedication and undivided attention of its weavers and handloom workers. It is a storehouse of information about traditional weaving and also known for producing ceremonial textiles. Apart from seeing the weavers at work and interaction with them, the Gagyel Weaving Centre is also one of the right place to buy fabric souvenirs.

Afternoon a special visit to Textile Museum. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of the Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of the Royal family can be found in the museum. A brief and simple talk on Bhutanese textiles weaving.

Later drive to National Memorial Chorten built in honour of His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Known as ‘Fortress of Glorious Religion', a visit to Trashichhoedzong is another interesting visit of the day. Trashichhoedzong is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

Early morning drive to Punakha across Dochula ass (3,088m) with breakfast at Dochula cafeteria, enjoying fascinating mountain views, chorten, mani wall and prayer flags. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

Afterwards enjoy an hour’s downhill walk through magnolia, hydrangea, vibernam and evergreen oaks, and then through blankets of wild orchids before once again reaching the road, to board the transport and drive into the Punakha Valley.

On arrival in Punakha town, take an easy walk through paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as Divine Madman. Walk into a traditional village house to see the women weaving.

In the afternoon, drive a short distance to Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the ancient capital of Bhutan (until 1955). Located between the rivers of Pho (male) Chhu (river) and Mo (female) Chhu, Dzong is surrounded by myths and legends.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

Morning drive to Wangduephodrang  town. Visit Wangduephodrang bazaar and meet a traditional weaver, see the spinning of nettle fibre and weaving of cloth on a backstrap loom.

Then drive to the glacial valley of Gangtey and the home of the rare endangered Black-Necked crane. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees is augmented by an impression of vast space and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. Afternoon visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a ‘Tulku’ is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.

Then a walking excursion to Gangtey Nature Trail. This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends at local community school after passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang. (Approx. 5.5km, 2 hours' walk).

Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).

In the morning explore Phobjikha valley, hopefully sighting some black-necked cranes, if you are there at the right time of year. Later, drive to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further down the road, stop to visit Chendbji Chorten erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is built in the Nepalese style, with eyes painted at four cardinal points.

The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and its impressive dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first comes into view about an hour before the winding road suddenly leads you into the town.

Overnight at Trongsa (Altitude 2,310m).

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647 by the Zhabdrung, it is one the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

Then visit Ta Dzong on the hillside above the town, built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa. It has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. The 68 km, the journey takes about 2.1/2 hours. The road winds steeply up to Yutong-La pass (3,400m/11,155 ft), then runs down through the dense coniferous forest to enter a wide, open, cultivated valley, known as Chumey valley.

In Chumey valley at Zhugney village, visit Yathra Weaving . 'Yathra' is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of yak and sheep. It is made in vibrant colours giving it a special and attractive look. These thick hand woven woolen textile with intricate designs are a unique specialty of weavers in Chumey valley, for generations. Due to the long cold winters, people in Bumthang have had to use Yathra as coats and raincoats and bedding material. Yathra is also used as furniture cover, stitched into caps, purses and bags with design preference of customers. In a typical set up, a group of four to six women usually weave together facing each other, conversing on various topics or singing together, the folk songs .These Yathra products are highly valued by consumers and for tourists these are unique souvenirs from Bumthang.

Proceed onward, a most pleasant run in the soft, late afternoon light.

Evening have a wander in Bumthang's Choekhor valley that is centre of the town.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).

Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m / 8,520 to 13,125 ft.

In the morning, we will visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s ‘patron saint’, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. Then a walk of half an hour north of Kurje Lhakhang leads to Tangbi Monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a temple of terrifying deities. Later from Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). Later on visit to Jakar Dzong. Founded by the great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

Afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

Then a special visit to Dorbji Weaving Centre. The women of Bumthang district  are known for their weaving talents.To build on this culture of weaving and also explore new designs and technologies, Dorjibi Weaving Centre was established by a group  enterprising women from three local villages – namely Dawathang, Pangrey and Dorjibi, together with support from WWF-UK, WCP and WWF Bhutan. The weavers here produce some of the exquisite weave  like Gho (male dress), Kira (female dress), and Kabney (scarf) and others. With empowerment to create and manage their own weaving association and cooperative centre, the women here are now geared up to add more value to their initiative and share their weaves with rest of Bhutan and the world.

In the evening visit the local handloom weaving house and meet a Weavers family.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).

The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive to Mongar takes about 7 hours with spectacular views en route. We will drive up into the hills above the valley and visit en route Membartsho a wide spot on the Tang Chhu (chhu - water / river) and considered to be one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan. Proceed further passing Ura Village, before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s motorable road network, Thrumshing-la pass (4,000m/13,125 ft).

From here, the road gradually descends to the alpine valley of Sengor, with wonderful views of cascading waterfalls and the hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. Vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height, and bamboos and luxuriant ferns overhanging the road as we drop down to the valley floor. The descent stops at 700m/2,300ft, where we cross the Kurichu river. We ascend again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to reach Mongar town, high on a gentle slope above the valley.

Then drive onward to Autsho (Lhuntse). 

Overnight at the guest house in Autsho (Lhuntse) (Altitude 1,700m).

Located in the north-eastern flanks of Bhutan, Lhuntse one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan holds an important place in social, cultural and political landscape of the country.It is home to some of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan and also famed for its exquisite hand-woven textiles.The landscape here is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests, and remote villages with rice, millet and corn fields. Lhuntse Dzong built in 1654 on a rocky outcrop is one of the most picturesque in Bhutan. Importantly, Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family. 

Located about 11km away from Lhuentse Dzong, Khome village is the epicentre of Bhutan rich and distinctive textile weaving tradition. The village is particularly famous for its exquisite brand of Kishuthara (silk woven) weaves that are prized possessions, worn by women especially during festival and on special occasions. Kishuthara is basically a type of Kira (national dress for women in Bhutan) which is an extremely intricately patterned silk textile. In winter, when there is not much work in farms, it is common sight in Khoma village to see women sitting in  row of makeshift textile cottage, weaving Kishuthara. It is a wonderful excursion to Khoma village where you can appreciate the weaving techniques of villagers, interact with them and try your hand weaving their way and even have lunch with weaving family.

Overnight at the guest house in Autsho (Lhuntse) (Altitude 1,700m).

After breakfast, proceed to Trashigang via Mongar. Situated on a hill side overlooking the Kuri chhu river valley and surrounding villages, Mongar is the second largest town in the sub-tropical east, and situated on the side of a hill in the contrasts to other towns of Western Bhutan which are located on the valley floor. 

Visit Mongar Dzong, the most celebrated site in Mongar is the Dzong itself (fortress) built in 1930s. Yet this Dzong is built in the same method and traditions of all the other Dzongs; no drawings and nails have been used. A visit provides visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

After lunch, drive onward to Trashigang lying on the bank of Gamri Chhu river. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam.

Evening at leisure in Trashigang town.

Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang (Altitude 1,120m)

Morning after breakfast, visit Trashigang Dzong or ‘The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill’ ,built in 1659, to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically situated high atop a spur overlooking the Dangme Chhu river.  It has been the political stronghold of Eastern Bhutan for over 300 years. Due to its location Trashigang Dzong is one of the most strategically placed Dzongs in Bhutan. The present Dzong was enlarged by Dzongpon Dopola, in 1936.

Then embark on a day excursion to beautiful Radhi village, famous for its rice fields and skill of its weavers. The village is also known as ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ owing to its verdant rice fields that supply most of the grain to the eastern part of the country. The inhabitants of Radhi are also skilful weavers and indulge in weaving from fine raw silk or ‘bura textile’ during off-agricultural season. All textiles produced in Radhi are made using the traditional back-strap loom and traditional dyes and as a result Radhi village produces some of the most authentic high quality raw silk textiles to be found anywhere in Bhutan.

Lunch with a weaving family.

Later in the afternoon visit Ranjung Woesel Monastery of Dhujom Dharma Lineage founded by H.E Garab Rinpoche, in 1989. The objective of monastery is to provide a conducive heaven for the study of Buddha dharma as expounded in the Dudjom New Treasure Lineage and carry out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community in and abroad the country. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers.

In the evening return to Trashigang for overnight stay.

Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang (Altitude 1,120m)

After breakfast, proceed to south-eastern Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. Trashigang — Samdrup Jongkhar road was built in 1965 and the journey takes about 6 hours. Shortly after leaving Trashigang town, the road winds its way up, though terraced fields up to Kanglung (22km/45min) at 1,870m, where you can see extensive campus of Sherubtse College (the first college in coutnry founded in 1978). Afterwards the trail ascends and crosses Yongphu la pass(2,190m), cuts across the ridge into another valley, winds down slightly to Gumchu and then around the corner, arriving Khaling. 3km beyond Khaling, is the National Handloom Development Project operated by Women’s Association of Bhutan. Here at Khaling, we’ll have another opportunity  to see the amazing Bhutanese weaving.Kha’ in Bhutanese language Dzongkha means ‘Bird’ and ‘ling’ means ‘valley’. Khaling is a lush green valley, blessed with an innumerable variety of birds. One of the oldest schools is located here, the ‘Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary School.’ After Khaling the road traverses above the small villages, fields and crosses Kharungla (2,350m) and after a short decent, climbs again crossing another pass at 2,430m. Curling around the ridges and narrow valleys, arrive at a pleasant town of Wamrong (2,130m), which is also your lunch stop.From Wamrong, it is about 20km/45min to Pemagatshel junction,traversing through small mountain villages and plains below. From Pemagatshel junction, the road descends to Deothang (800m), the town dominated by large army camp. Deothang is also the centre of Technical training college and road maintenacne headquarters for the East. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain (18km, 30 min drive) through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns.

Evening take a stroll in Samdrup Jongkhar town and visit centrally located Zangtho Pelri temple, built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs.

Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar (Altitude 240m).  

After breakfast, received up by Indian representative from Samdrup Jongkhar border and drive to Guwahati (110km, approx 2.1/2 hours drive) for onward program.