Bhutan · Private & Tailored Tour
High Passes to Eastern Frontiers
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha · Trongsa · Bumthang · Mongar · Trashigang · Samdrup Jongkhar
Duration
14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar
Travel Style
Private & Tailored Tour
Covering
1 Country · 9 Cities
Overview
Bhutan – The Last Shangri-La of the Himalayas!
Traversing the kingdom from the western Himalayas to the Indian plains of Assam, this fifteen-day cross-country expedition delivers Bhutan’s complete cultural and ecological narrative. The journey opens in Paro with the iconic cliffside ascent to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest), Drukgyel Dzong, and an excursion across Chelila Pass into high-altitude Haa, before tracing the river to Thimphu. Capital highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, master craft academies, the National Library, and Tashichhodzong.
Crossing the 3,100-meter Dochu-La pass, the route descends into subtropical Punakha to visit its majestic river-confluence dzong and the fertility shrine of Chimi Lhakhang. The central traverse continues into the glacial basin of Phobjikha Valley—roosting grounds for rare black-necked cranes—and crosses the Pele La pass to Trongsa’s royal fortress. In spiritual Bumthang, discoveries center on Kurjey, Jambay, and Tamshing lhakhangs, alongside Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace and sacred Mebartso (Lake of Fire).
The final leg breaches the eastern frontier across the 4,000-meter Thrumsing-La pass into the steep valleys of Mongar and Trashigang. Travelers engage with remote craft hubs, taking in Doksum weaving, Gom Kora, and Tashiyangtse’s Chorten Kora before descending through southern border switchbacks to Samdrup Jongkhar and Guwahati. Supported by full private ground transit, cross-border vehicle coordination, and dedicated guiding, this grand traverse covers the nation’s deepest heritage and dramatic geographical range.
Highlights
What You Will Experience
- Begin in Paro with a spectacular Himalayan flight and visits to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong
- Hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery and explore the historic Drukgyel Dzong and ancient Kyichu Lhakhang
- Discover Haa Valley via the scenic Chelila Pass and experience its rugged mountain landscapes and unique architecture
- Explore Thimphu’s temples, traditional arts, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Tashichhodzong
- Cross the Dochu-La and Pele La passes while travelling through the scenic valleys and forests of central Bhutan
- Visit Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Gompa, with seasonal Black-Necked Crane viewing from November to March
- Explore Trongsa Dzong and the historic heritage of Bumthang, including Jakar Dzong, Tamshing, Kurje, and Jambay Lhakhang
- Journey through eastern Bhutan to Mongar, Trashigang, and Tashiyangtse, discovering traditional crafts, weaving, monasteries, and local villages before continuing to Samdrup Jongkhar
The Route
Your Journey
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha · Trongsa · Bumthang · Mongar · Trashigang · Samdrup Jongkhar
Itinerary
Day by Day
Day 01 – Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 02 – Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is an important pilgrim site for Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche 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. Afterwards drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, and 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 03 – Paro
Enjoy a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass (3900m), Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain and unique architecture.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 04 – Paro – Thimphu
Drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours). Once a rustic village sitting in a broad river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 05 – Thimphu
Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 mins), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 06 – Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into the Punakha valley (3 hrs). 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.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time.
Overnight: Punakha / Wangdue
Meals: As per plan
Day 07 – Punakha – Phobjikha Valley
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs) via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. After lunch visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Meals: As per plan
Day 08 – Phobjika Valley – Trongsa
Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. Enroute visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family.
Overnight: Trongsa
Meals: As per plan
Day 09 – Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast proceed towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and 16th century Tamshing Lhakhang containing ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom and 7th Century Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: As per plan
Day 10 – Bumthang
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum containing an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) where Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: As per plan
Day 11 – Bumthang – Mongar
The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours with spectacular views en route. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s road network, Thrumsing-La Pass (4,000m). From here, the road gradually passes through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields and hamlets to reach Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930’s using the traditional process without either plans or the use of nails. Overnight at your lodge in Mongar.
Overnight: Mongar
Meals: As per plan
Day 12 – Mongar – Trashigang
Drive to Trashigang (3 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns and over Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi. Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: As per plan
Day 13 – Trashigang (excursion to Tashiyangtse)
Visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric before reaching Tashiyangtse, the administrative centre for this district. The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong, and the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora and the nearby institute for Zorig Chusum, where student are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: As per plan
Day 14 – Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and to Assam, India. It is about 9 hours drive from Trashigang with many beautiful villages and landscapes on the way.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Meals: As per plan
Day 15 – Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati
After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle your transfer to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam, for your onward flight.
Tashi delek.
Meals: As per plan
Stays & Travel
Accommodation & Transport
Where You Stay
- Paro – 3 nights
- Thimphu – 2 nights
- Punakha / Wangdue – 1 night
- Phobjikha – 1 night
- Trongsa – 1 night
- Bumthang – 2 nights
- Mongar – 1 night
- Trashigang – 2 nights
- Samdrup Jongkhar – 1 night
Getting There
- Fly into Paro (gateway to Bhutan)
Getting Around
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
- Your team: Private Guide, Driver, Trip Managing Expert
Your Tour
What Is Included
Included
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Local English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
Not Included
- Internal/ International flights not mentioned
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel early check-in or late check-out surcharge (if requested)
- Meals (L/D) and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, Excess Baggage Charges, souvenirs…) and other services not mentioned.
- Peak season surcharge
- Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
- All other services not mentioned above
Booking Terms
Cancellation Policy
Read the cancellation policy
Charges, as a share of the tour price, by days before departure:
- More than 21 days: 10%
- 15–21 days: 25%
- 7–14 days: 50%
- Less than 7 days: 100%
Our standard booking terms and website disclaimer: Terms & Conditions.
Tailor This Journey
Plan Your High Passes to Eastern Frontiers Holiday
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