Cross Bhutan Trail

DAY 01: THE LUSH VALLEY OF PARO  

During the flight over to Paro, you’ll be able to see some of the highest peaks such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makula.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our representative who will accompany you to several must-see sites like the National Museum, which boasts beautiful displays related to the cultural and natural history of this incredible country. You’ll also discover the famous Paro Rompong Dzong: regal and impressive, Dzongs are arguably one of the most distinct and important structures of Bhutan – architectural masterpieces as fascinating for their function as for their beauty! Finally, you’ll hike down to the wooden bridge and enjoy some free time exploring the town.

Overnight at the hotel: Paro

DAY 02: THE MAJESTIC TAKSHANG GOEMBA OR “TIGER NEST”

Hike to the Guru’s Glory. Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is considered one of the holiest sites in the entire Buddhist faith. Taktsang has been an important pilgrimage place for more than 1200 years. The monastery clings to a sheer cliff two thousand feet above Paro valley. You’ll be able to venture to multiple temples inside the main Taktsang complex. Stop over for lunch at the teahouse on the way back, a paradise for photographers! Apart from the stunning view, you’ll cast your eyes over waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, many prayer flags, and stupas. Total hike time: 4 hours
In the evening visit a homestay in the Paro valley, where you can enjoy the traditional hot stone bath, and local’s foods, try playing traditional archery games (National sports of Bhutan) and have good interactions with the local families.

Overnight at Dorji Dema homestay: Paro

DAY 03: PARO TO HAA 

The Chele La Pass and Kila Gompa Hike. Start the day with a visit to Dzongdrakha village, the village that clings to a cliff overlooking rice fields and Paro valley. After about an hour’s drive, hike up to Kila Gompa Monastery. The Monastery consists of about 30 nuns. You can meet them over a cup of tea in the temple! Continue your hike to Chele La Pass, at an altitude of 3988m. You’ll see lots of yaks on the way! From the Pass, get your cameras out for the spectacular view over the Himalayas.

The Haa valley is one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. The Haa valley is characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain. Legend says that the Haa valley was previously dominated by animist traditions before the tantric master Guru Rinpoche visited the valley in the 8^th century and transformed their beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions.

In addition to its natural, Haa also features several interesting sites including Chhundu Lhakhang, dedicated to the valley’s protecting deity, 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (white) and Lhakhang Harpo (black) and Haa Dzongs.

Overnight at the hotel: Haa

DAY04: HAA TO THIMPHU 

Tour of ‘The Capital with No Traffic Lights’ On the way to Haa, stop at Dobji Dzong, currently, the Dzong is dedicated to one of the very important Yogis called Jetsun Milerpa of the 13th century.

The biggest town of Bhutan boasts many places of interest: painting schools – the learning center for Bhutanese artists and crafts, and the zoo, where you can see the national animal of Bhutan – the Takin! Found above 3000m, these enormous creatures are rare, so take your camera! Continue visiting the memorial stupa, traditional handmade paper factory, and Changzamtog weaving center. In the evening, why not wander into town and meet the locals? In the evening visit the weekend market and craft market opposite the Thimphu river.

Overnight stay in a hotel: Thimphu

DAY 05: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA 

Dochula Pass and the Rice Fields of Punakha. Stop at Dochula Pass, at a whopping 3150m high, to take in the panorama of the Bhutan Himalayas. Spend some time walking around photographing the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, religious monuments reflecting Bhutan’s spiritual and artistic traditions. As you descend, you’ll also observe changes in vegetation. At the lower elevations in Punakha and Wangdue, cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical plants dominate the exotic landscape.

Continue your drive towards Punakha and stop at Thinley gang lhakhang (2300mtrs). From there hike to the Tomb Changdana lhakhang and visit lhakhang. Continue hiking towards Lhabtsakakha, It will take around 03 -04 hrs. It is a gradual climb passing through the villages and rice fields. Get ready with your cameras as the landscapes are stunning and the views are spectacular.

Overnight at the hotel: Punakha

DAY 06: THE BEAUTIFUL PUNAKHA DZONG

In the morning drive around 15 minutes to the Nyziner gang and visit the very different architecture of Khamsum Yuelley Lhakhang (45 minutes hike) and spend some time the meditation

Later, visit Punakha Dzong (an ancient castle fortress built in 1637). Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the second Dzong built in Bhutan. The Dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
After lunch visit Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kunely, otherwise known as “divine madman” due to his unorthodox methods of religious teaching, Walakha nunnery monastery, and Khuruthang Zangtopelri. In the evening, a short hike to Rinchengang village for a unique cultural experience.

Overnight at the hotel: Punakha

DAY 07: PUNAKHA TO GLACIAL VALLEY OF PHOBJIKHA 

Early morning drive to the beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha. You will be driving through the rich vegetation of the Sha Valley and up to the famous Black Mountain Ranges, the longest mountain range in the country.

Upon arrival, visit the beautiful village and take a look around the Nyimapa School of Gangtey Gompa. This is the biggest of its kind in western Bhutan. Then, hike down to the nature trail (4.3 km) to the valley to soak up the stunning landscape also known as the valley of the Rare Black Neck Cranes. You can further down hike to the Kilkor thang village. It will be a gradual walk in the open space, witnessing the spectacular landscape and exploring the village.

Overnight at the hotel: Phobjikha

DAY 08: PHOBJIKHA TO BUMTHANG

Travel towards Bumthang, En route, we will stop at Trongsa. The ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty, Trongsa is strategically located on the east-west route. During the reign of the second King, the village was used as the night stop-off point for his caravan of mules. Take a trip to Trongsa Dzong, once the summer home of the royal family. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the most strategically located dzongs in the country. The Ta-Dzong or Watch Tower was converted into a museum in 2008. Today the museum contains roughly 244 items used for centuries by the Wangchuck dynasty. It also displays the famous Raven Crown used by the first King.

Then, we shall resume of journey uphill. Again, en route, we will stop at Tharpling. Visit the very sacred Tharpaling Lhakhang. The Monastery was built by a great saint called Longchen Runjam and it houses about 100 monks today who spent a few minutes the meditation. After the meditation, hike to the Lamai Goenpa and then to the Jakar valley. You can even hike further above the monastery to around 3800m for an incredible view over the Chamkhar Valley. (The highest altitude -is 3500mtrs-2800mtrs – the distance will be 04 – 05 hrs). The walk runs along the ridge of Kikila, through a forest of pine and bamboo then finally follows the royal trail, used by the Kings of the past. Get your cameras ready for an amazing view of the surrounding valleys.

Overnight at the hotel: Bumthang

DAY 09: DISCOVER SACRED TEMPLES

Today, you will be discovering several sights, starting with Jambay Lhakhang. Built by King Tsongtsen Geombo of Tibet, it is one of the oldest temples in the country, dedicated to the Buddha Myatriya. Next stop: the famous Kurjey Lhakhang – this is the place where the Guru Rimpoche came for the first time to Bhutan in 8 AD and converted the king and his people to Buddhism. Thangbi Village and its Temple are also well-worthy of a visit. The temple has rare, ancient paintings which date back to the 15th Century. Followed by Jakar Dzong built in 1646 A.D by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal ruler). In 1683 AD it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi, Wangdichoeling palace, Tamshing lhakhang, and Kenchosum lhakhang.

Overnight at the hotel: Bumthang

DAY 10: DAY EXCURSION TO TANG WITH A PICNIC LUNCH 

In the morning drive to Tang valley. Hike to the Ugyencholing museum, and later visit Tag Rimochen lhakhang. Tang nunnery monastery and Zangtogpelhri lhakhang. In the evening hike from Nunnery monastery to the Dhungmi thang (Sheep breeding center) and enjoy the stunning landscape, fresh air, etc…Later stroll around the Chamkhar town, Leisure walk and interact with the local people.

Overnight at-homestay: Bumthang

DAY 11: PARADISE FOR BIRDS (BUMTHANG – MONGAR -06 HRS DRIVE)

The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most scenic drives in Bhutan. You will be driving through thick forests, waterfalls, remote villages, and high passes. This area is a paradise for bird watchers. You can make numerous stops on the way for pictures and to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Stop at Ura village and stall around the village and continue driving towards Mongar.

Overnight at the hotel: Mongar

DAY12: ANCESTRAL HOME OF THE KINGS 

The father of Bhutan’s first King came from this region. It is also home to the most famous and expensive fabric called Kushetahra. Pass past the left side of the Kuri Chu River, through the villages of Menji and Tangmachu to Lhuentse. Upon arrival in the village, take a tour of one of the biggest statues of Guru Rinpoche, Takila, and explore the area on foot. On the way back, pop into Khoma village, known for its textiles woven out of pure silk.
In the evening drive back to Mongar. On the way, you make an enormous stop for the pictures, etc.

Overnight at the hotel: Mongar

DAY13: DEEP VALLEYS AND REMOTE VILLAGES (MONGAR – TRASHIGANG-03HRS DRIVE)

After following the deep valley for about an hour, the road ascends towards Korila passing 2400m with an amazing view of surrounding mountains and villages.
On the way to Tashigang, you can visit Dragmitse lhakhang. One of the most notable religious sites was built in the 16^th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the daughter of the renowned Terton (religious treasure seeker) Pema Lingpa. The very popular Dramitse Ngacham or the “Drum of the Drums of Dramitse” was created in this lhakhang in the 16^th century. Today, it is a popular dance performed at all major festivals. It is also on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage list.
On arrival at Tashigang, Check in at the hotel and explore the town. Visit Tashigang dzong; built-in the 17^th century, it houses about 200 monks and the district administration. It is possible to visit some temples inside the dzong.

Overnight at the hotel: Tashigang

DAY 14: DAY EXCURSION TO TRAHIYANGTSE WITH PICNIC LUNCH

Drive to Trashi Yangtse from Trashigang. On the way stop and visit the very sacred monastery called Gom Kora. The Legend says, Guru Rinpoche, mediated and subdued the demons to establish peace in the region. Continue the drive to Trashi Yangtse and visit Chorten Kora followed by Arts and crafts school. Explore the very little town on foot and visit the Crane information. You can also spot the blacked-necked cranes which migrate from Tibet.

Overnight at the hotel: Tashigang

DAY15: RAW SILK AND RICE FIELDS

Drive for an hour and visit the monastic school founded by Garab Rimpoche. This is the biggest Nyimapa school in the east. You can take photos of rice fields, colorful houses, picturesque villages, prayer flags, chortens (religious monuments) prayer wheels turned by water.
Visit Radhi village and visit some houses to see women weaving. In the evening drive back to Tashigang, en route stop at Tanjung village and stall around for some time.

Overnight at the hotel: Trashigang

DAY16: OVER THE FOOTHILLS AND DENSE FOREST (TRASHIGANG-SAMDRUPJONGKHAR – 06 HRS DRIVE)

Leaving behind the plains and you will be climbing towards the foothills of the Himalayas; you will be rewarded with the stunning landscape, and rich tropical forest. At Narphung village you find some local products including the famous homemade tea.

After lunch at Wamrong, stop at the Khaling textile weaving center. Descend through the only public university in the country in Kanglung.
Overnight at the hotel: Samdrup Jongkhar

DAY17: DEPARTURE 

Today, you will depart from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati from Samdrup Jongkhar. It is about 03 hour drive. We hope to see you again.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry