Cross Bhutan Adventure: 14 Days from Paro Entry to Samdrup Jongkhar Exit.

Day by day

1. 1

   Bangkok/India to Paro

   Arrive in the breathtaking Paro Valley on a spectacular Himalayan flight from Bangkok. After a warm welcome, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's finest examples of traditional architecture, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant in Paro town. In the afternoon, hike to the historic Zuri Dzong (2–3 hours), offering magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

2. 2

   Paro Tiger Nest Day Excursion

   After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 6-7 hours (round trip for average hiker),The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. On the return visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, oldest Temple in Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by Buddhist Tibetan king. Overnight at Hotel:

3. 3

   Paro to Thimphu. Elevation :2300m, Distance: 55km 1 hours

   Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afternoon we will visit the centenary farmer market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week vegetables from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from country side farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillis cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

4. 4

   Thimphu to Punakha. Elevation:1300m, Distance: 72km 2.5 hours

   Morning you will drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,150 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Hotel:

5. 5

   Punakha Halt

   After breakfast, visit the PunakhaDzong, one of the most impressive fortresses in Bhutan and the site of many royal weddings and coronations. • In the afternoon, hike to KhamsumYuelayNamgayChorten, a beautiful temple located on a hill overlooking the Punakha valley . • Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside and take in the serene atmosphere of this peaceful place. Overnight at Hotel

6. 6

   Punakha to Gangtey. Elevation 2800m, Distance:88km 2-3 hours drive.

   After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour drive to the Gangtey Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. • En route, visit the WangduephodrangDzong, a fortress overlooking the convergence of two rivers. • In Gangtey, visit one of the biggest Nyagmapas schools in the west, the GangteyShedra, and take a nature trail hike that takes less than 2 hours. Overnight at Hotel.

7. 7

   Gangtey to Bumthang.Elevation 2500m, Distance 140km 4-5 Hours

   After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, which takes about 5 hours. • On the way, visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. • Visit the Trongsa Museum, which is located inside the dzong and showcases the history and culture of Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.

8. 8

   Bumthang. Elevation 2500m

   Today, visit the JampelLhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. • Then, visit KujayLhakhang, which is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge. • Next, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint. • In the afternoon, visit JakarDzong, the administrative center of Bumthang district. Overnight at Hotel.

9. 9

   Bumthangto Mongar.1650m. Distance 210km 6-7 hours

   The journey from Bumthang to Mongar( 6 hours drive) is one of Bhutan’s most scenic drives, showcasing dramatic changes in landscape, vegetation, and climate. Crossing the breathtaking Thrumshing La Pass,(3750m) one of the country’s highest motorable passes, travellers descend from cool alpine forests of fir, spruce, and rhododendron into lush temperate and subtropical valleys. Dense forests, cascading waterfalls, winding mountain roads, and panoramic viewpoints create an ever-changing backdrop throughout the journey. As the elevation decreases, the climate becomes noticeably warmer and more humid, supporting rich biodiversity, vibrant greenery, and diverse birdlifes. This spectacular transition highlights Bhutan’s remarkable ecological diversity while offering unforgettable views of untouched mountains, deep valleys, and pristine natural beauty. Overnight at hotel.

10. 10

    Mongar. Day Excursion to Lhuntshe. round trip 160km. 4-5 hours.

    Today, visit the Guru Statue, a massive statue of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. • Then, visit the Lhuentse Dzong, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Kurichu River. • In the afternoon, visit Khoma village, a textile village famous for its handwoven textiles, and observe the weaving process.Overnight at hotel.

11. 11

    Mongar to Trashigang. Elevation 1300m Distance 70km 2-3 hours

    We will drive to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic drive and stop along the way to take in the breathtaking views. • Today, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which sits atop a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding valleys. • In the afternoon, drive to Rangjung and visit the Rangjung Monastery, which is famous for its thongdrol (gigantic religious scroll) that is displayed once a year during the Tshechu festival. Overnight at hotel.

12. 12

    Trashigang. Day Excursion to Trashiyangtshe. Elevation 1800m, Distance 55km oneway. 1-2 hours

    After breakfast, visit GomKoraLhakhang, a temple built on the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated and subdued a demon. • Then, visit ChortenKora, a stupa built in the style of the famous Boudhanathstupa in Nepal. • In the afternoon, visit TrashiyangtseDzong, which is perched on a ridge overlooking the town.

13. 13

    Trashigang to Samdrupjongkhar.Elevation 250m, Distance 180km, 5-6 hours

    After Breakfast we will drive to the Samdrup Jongkhar is a spectacular 6-hour descent through Bhutan’s pristine landscapes. Winding down from alpine peaks to sub-tropical valleys, the route offers breathtaking views of terraced fields and lush forests. You'll pass quaint villages, cross scenic mountain passes, and experience Bhutan's rich natural and cultural heritage firsthand.As you travel, you'll traverse diverse altitudes, beginning at about 2,190 meters near Yongphu La. Keep a lookout for local weaving centers and academic hubs like Sherubtse College along the way. This vital, scenic highway connects the eastern and southern regions, ultimately leading you to the bustling commercial gateway at Samdrup Jongkhar, making it a truly unforgettable and scenic transit across the country. Overnight at Hotel.

14. 14

    Samdrupjongkhar to India.

    After Breakfast drive to Guwahati Airport is approximately 100 km. A taxi ride typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours under normal traffic and road conditions. HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY !!!!

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