Some foreigners visit Bhutan's central Bumthang district with its four blessed valleys. Fewer still venture to far eastern Bhutan with its distinctive people, culture, and its rich usual history. The 15-day tour presents an uncommon view of the entire country of Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, the sacred Bumthang valleys, and the rarely seen Eastern Bhutan.
Exploring the Paro and Thimpu's craft centers dzongs, and then over the DochuLa to top at Bhutan's ancient capital of Punakha where the great Punakha Dzong stands at the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mho Cho Rivers. Continuing westwards we visit the alpine valley of Phobjikha where we will visit the Gangtey Gompa and then on to Trongsa and then to Jakar, Bumthang's main village. This is Bhutan's most sacred valleys, sanctified 1,200 years ago by the visits of Padmasambhava the great Buddhist spiritual leader also known as the Guru Rimpoche.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport (7,000ft) where the representative will receive you and drive you to the hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing around the Paro valley includes a visit to Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, and the courtyard of Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan - dated 7th century AD. After lunch, drive to the capital, Thimphu.
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu includes - a visit to the National Library, Zangthopelri Lhakhang, Tashi Sencha Studio, and the School of Thangka Painting. In the afternoon, visit the Handicraft Emporium and the Memorial Chorten.
Day 04: The drive to Trongsa takes about seven hours across the Dochula Pass and Pelela Pass. On a clear day, one can get a good view of the Himalayan ranges. Drive through Wangdue town. Picnic lunch at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 05: In the morning, visit the Trongsa Dzong and see the Ta Dzong. Drive through Trongsa town to the beautiful valley of Bumthang. En-route visit the Chume Valley, where local women weave the famous "Bumthang Yathra", a pure woolen textile woven in the traditional method with beautiful colored patterns.
Day 06: Full day sightseeing in Bumthang valley. Visit the Wangdicholing Palace, Swiss Farm House along with some monasteries.
Day 07: After breakfast, drive to Ura village and visit Ura Lhakhang. Drive to Mongar through Thrumshingla Pass (the highest pass in Bhutan). Overnight in Mongar.
Day 08: Proceed to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Trashigang.
Day 09: Day trip with picnic lunch to Khaling Weaving Center to see the entire process of spinning, dyeing, and weaving. This center is managed by the National Women's Association of Bhutan. Drive back to Trashigang.
Day 10: This is the beginning of the return journey. After sightseeing Trashigang valley, drive to Mongar.
Day 11: Drive to Bumthang.
Day 12 : Drive to Punakha via Trongsa. Picnic lunch will be served en route.
Day 13: In the morning, visit the premises of Punakha Dzong and then drive to Paro. Evening at leisure.
Day 14: Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to the viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest. This monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery, unfortunately, got burnt in 1998 and has recently been reconstructed. OR Drive to Chelela Pass where one can see beautiful mountain ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. On the way back, walk to Chela Nunnery.
Day 15: Early morning drive to the Paro Airport for departure