Wild East West Trip
Bhutan is still regarded as the last “Shangri-La” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna, and unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. In the eastern Bhutan, you can experience a truly authentic part of the kingdom.
In eastern Bhutan, you can experience a truly authentic part of the kingdom. Travelling from west to east allows you to encounter a unique combination of pristine landscapes, historic monasteries, vibrant traditional clothing, and warm hospitality. Bhutanese people are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality, which you will love while interacting with them and seeing magnificent views. Here, you will immerse yourself in a genuine culture distinguished by its architecture, religion, and population. The landscape in the east is rugged, steep, and even more untouched than the rest of Bhutan.
Trip Highlights & Attractions
In this tour, we cover the western and central valleys of Bhutan, where there are plenty of lush green forests, bird watching, and wilderness exploration opportunities. Bhutanese people are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality, which you will love while interacting with them and seeing magnificent views.
- Entire Bhutan touring opportunity from west to east in a single go
- Visit Takstang monastery, dzongs, palaces, monasteries and other attractions
- Get cultural insights and view colourful festivals
- Walk through lush green forests, immerse in immense natural beauty
- Can be easily combined with India tours
Trip Facts
- Trip id: BHTU-02
- Trip type: Bhutan Tour
- Trip grade: Easy
- Starting from: Paro
- Ending at: Paro
- Trip duration: 13 Days
- Base price: 3500
- Max. altitude: 3750 Meters
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Group size: 2-16 Person
Wild East West Trip — Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Paro & Drive to Thimpu (1.5 hour drive)
After arriving paro, you will be driven to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. The scenic drive is about one and half hour.
Day 02: Thimpu Sightseeing
In Thimpu, you will see the crowded day market, hike to Cheri Monastery, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum and Thangtong Dewachen (Nunnery).
Day 03: Drive to Punakha
After breakfast, we'll visit Dochula Pass for stunning Himalayan views. Then we'll head to Punakha to visit Chimmi Lhakhang, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Dzong, and the Pho Chhu suspension bridge. We'll spend the night at a hotel in Punakha, with transportation, meals, and accommodation included.
Day 04: Drive To Trongsa and Bumthang
After breakfast, we will drive to Trongsa, admiring the Wangdiphodrang valley en route. We will visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Chendebji Chorten, Trongsa Dzong, and Taa Dzong, which has been turned into a Heritage Museum. Then we'll head to Bumthang for the night. The trip includes transportation, meals, and accommodation.
Day 05: Bumthang Sightseeing
After breakfast, we will visit the Tamzhing Monastery, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Thangbi Lhakhang. The tour includes transportation, meals, and accommodation.
Day 06: Drive to Mongar
After breakfast, we will drive to Ura village to visit Ura Lhakhang. Then we will continue our journey to Mongar, passing over Thrumshingla Pass, which at 3,750 m is the highest pass on the East-West road. As we reach East Bhutan, you will notice the difference in development and lifestyle compared to Western and Central Bhutan. Upon reaching Mongar, we will explore the village and stay overnight at Hotel Wangchuk.
Day 07: Visit Bumthang
After breakfast, we’ll visit the sacred Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake), then the remote Ugyen Choling Palace, and finally the auspicious Jakar Dzong. We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Bumthang.
Day 08: Drive to Gangtey
After arriving in Gangtey, we will visit Gangtey Monastery, situated in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley and renowned as the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked Cranes. The monastery was established in 1613 and is associated with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. We will also explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare black-necked cranes, and take a nature trail walk offering stunning views. Additionally, we will visit the Black Necked Crane Center and interact with local people before staying overnight in a hotel in Gangtey.
Day 09: Drive to Paro
Today, we will drive to Paro and visit Tachogang Lhakhang, Ta Dzong, and Rinpung Dzong. Tachogang Lhakhang was founded by Thankthong Gyelpo and is a popular site for blessings and sacred relics. Ta Dzong is now the National Museum, housing antique artefacts. Rinpung Dzong is a 15th-century fortress and monastery serving as an administrative center. We will stay overnight in Paro.
Day 10:
After an early morning breakfast, we will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Hanging precariously from a steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles and is widely regarded as one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. Later, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening, we will visit the local market of Paro.
Day 11: Drive to Haa
Today we will drive to the following places:
Chele La Pass: The highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Offers views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
Haa Valley: A traditional and simple life is maintained due to a lack of tourist infrastructure.
Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo: Two of the 108 monasteries built by Songtsen Gampo. Lhakhang Nagpo serves as the seat for the guardian deity Da Do Chen.
Chele La Pass: The highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Offers views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
Haa Valley: A traditional and simple life is maintained due to a lack of tourist infrastructure.
Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo: Two of the 108 monasteries built by Songtsen Gampo. Lhakhang Nagpo serves as the seat for the guardian deity Da Do Chen.
Day 12: Drive To Paro Via Chele la
After breakfast, visit Kila Gompa or Kila Nunnery, located on the cliffs below Chele pass at about 3,988m above sea level. You can also explore Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 and destroyed by an accidental fire. Overnight in a hotel in Paro.
Day 13: Departure from Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-offs
- All transfers as per the itinerary
- Accommodation as per the itinerary with full board meal
- English speaking Bhutanese guide
- Bhutan Entry Fees
- All required permit and entrance fees
- Guide and Driver
- A bottle of mineral water per day
- All government taxes and surcharges
Cost Excludes
- International Airfares and Airport tax
- Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, room service, phone bills, bar bills, etc.
- Tips to Guide and Driver
- Your Travel Insurance
- Any cost occurs from any unfavourable conditions such as landslide, bad weather, flight cancellation, etc.
- Anything not mentioned in the include section