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12 Nights 13 Days The Last Shangrila
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
Trip priceRequest priceGet a quotation from the operator
Trip length13 Days / 12 Nights
Duration13 days
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Known as the "Last Shangrila," Bhutan is a captivating realm where time-honored traditions and breathtaking landscapes converge. Nestled in the Himalayas, this pristine kingdom remains untouched by the frenetic pace of the modern world. Bhutan's lush valleys, guarded by formidable peaks, house ancient monasteries, and fortresses that symbolize a harmonious blend of culture and spirituality. The people of Bhutan, deeply rooted in their Buddhist heritage, cherish their unique way of life. With a commitment to preserving its environment and culture, Bhutan embodies a rare, unspoiled sanctuary where tranquility, happiness, and natural splendor reign, making it a true Shangrila for seekers of the
The memorable moments
DAYS Activities Accommodation Meal DAY1 Arrive in Paro HOTEL [-/L/D] DAY2 Sightseeing in Paro HOTEL [B/L/D] DAY3 Paro – Thimphu HOTEL [B/L/D] DAY4 Thimphu – Punakha HOTEL [B/L/D] DAY5 Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (Phobjikha) Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY6 Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY7 Trongsa – Bumthang (Jakar) Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY8 Sightseeing in Bumthang Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY9 Bumthang – Monga Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY10 Mongar – Trashigang Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY11 Trashigang (excursion to Trashiyangtse) Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY12 Trashigang – SamdrupJongkhar Simple Lodge [B/L/D] DAY13 SamdrupJongkhar – Guwahati [B/L-D]
YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Your journey to Bhutan begins with a breathtaking flight to Paro, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Your flight to Paro will be a memorable experience as you soar above the Himalayan Mountains. On clear days, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of iconic peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu. As you approach Paro, you'll also get a glimpse of Bhutan's stunning snow-covered peaks, including Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. Upon landing at Paro Airport, you'll step out of the aircraft into the crisp, clean mountain air of Bhutan. The airport itself is nestled amidst the mountains, providing a picturesque introduction to the country. After disembarking, you'll be met by a representative who will assist you with the arrival formalities and ensure a smooth transition to your hotel.
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Day 2: Sightseeing in Paro — Your second day in Bhutan will be spent exploring the picturesque Paro Valley, filled with traditional hamlets and stunning landscapes.
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Day 3: Paro to Thimphu — After breakfast at your hotel in Paro, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital city. The journey will take you through picturesque countryside, passing by charming villages and lush paddy fields. En route to Thimphu, make a stop at Semtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. Today, it houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies, where students learn about Bhutan's rich culture and traditions.
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Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha — On the fourth day, you'll journey from Thimphu to Punakha, experiencing cultural and natural attractions along the way. Begin your day with visits to several important cultural institutions in Thimphu:
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Day 5: Punakha to Wangduephodrang to Gangtey — After breakfast in Punakha, drive to Wangduephodrang. Here, you'll visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, which is situated on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The dzong's location offers commanding views of the valley, making it a remarkable architectural and strategic structure. Wangdue district is known for its craftsmanship, particularly in bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate production. Following your visit to Wangduephodrang, embark on a picturesque mountain drive. You'll pass through enchanting oak and rhododendron forests, winding up to a high pass before descending into the Phobjikha Valley. This valley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is considered one of Bhutan's most picturesque high-altitude valleys.
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Day 6: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa — On the sixth day, you'll continue your journey through the stunning Bhutanese landscape, with the hope of sighting black-necked cranes in the morning. Begin your day by exploring the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. If you are visiting at the right time of year, you may have the opportunity to spot black-necked cranes, which migrate to this valley from the Tibetan plateau during the winter months. Observing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat is a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang (Jakar) — On Day 7, you'll continue your Bhutanese adventure with visits to historical sites in Trongsa and a picturesque drive to the beautiful Bumthang Valley. Start your day with a visit to Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. This dzong was constructed in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and holds a significant place in Bhutan's history. Explore the magnificent architecture and historical significance of this fortress. Next, visit Ta Dzong, which is situated on the hillside above Trongsa town. Originally built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Then, you will have your lunch in Trongsa. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Bumthang, which is often considered one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan. The journey covers a distance of approximately 68 kilometers and takes about 3 hours. As you drive, you'll encounter the Yutong-la Pass at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). The road winds through dense coniferous forests, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. As you continue, you'll enter the Chumey Valley, a wide, open, and cultivated valley known for its natural beauty.
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Day 8: Sightseeing in Bumthang — Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Bumthang region, which comprises four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, each with its unique charm and altitudes ranging from 2,600 to 4,000 meters (8,530 to 13,125 feet). Begin your day with a visit to Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. This place holds special significance as it is associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), considered Bhutan's "patron saint." Guru Rinpoche meditated here, and the site features three temples with impressive murals and sculptures. From Kurje Monastery, you can follow a tarmac road that leads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This ancient temple, constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is among the two oldest temples in Bhutan, the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. Enjoy a delightful lunch in Bumthang, savoring Bhutanese cuisine and taking in the serene ambiance.
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Day 9: Bumthang – Mongar — Today, your journey takes you further eastward, and you'll continue to be treated to breathtaking vistas as you wind through the rugged terrain of Bhutan. The drive from Bumthang to Mongar is approximately 6 hours, filled with scenic beauty and memorable experiences. As you depart Bumthang, you'll ascend into the hills above the valley, passing by the picturesque Ura village. The road then takes a sharp climb to reach the highest point on Bhutan's motorable road network, Thrumsing-la Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,000 meters (13,125 feet). This pass offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. Later, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the way to Mongar. The perfect opportunity to savor a meal amidst the stunning natural surroundings. Continuing your journey, you'll gradually descend from the high altitudes of the past into the alpine valley of Sengor. Along the way, you'll be treated to views of cascading waterfalls and the picturesque hills of eastern Bhutan. As you lose altitude, you'll notice a change in vegetation from alpine to subtropical. The road will be adorned with bamboo groves and lush ferns as you drop down to the valley floor. The descent eventually leads you to the Kuri Chu River, which you'll cross at an elevation of 700 meters (2,300 feet). Afterward, you'll ascend once more, passing through pine forests, maize fields, and charming eastern hamlets before arriving at Mongar town. This town is situated high on a gentle slope above the valley, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
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Day 10: Mongar – Trashigang — Your journey today covers approximately 96 kilometers and will take about 3 hours. This leg of the trip offers a variety of landscapes and experiences as you travel from Mongar to Trashigang. Start your day by driving through a leafy forest that's filled with ferns, creating a serene and green environment. Afterward, you'll reach the Kori-la pass, which stands at an elevation of 2,450 meters (8,040 feet). The pass is marked by a pretty chorten (Buddhist stupa) and a mani wall (stone wall inscribed with Buddhist prayers). From this point, you'll begin a rapid descent, passing through corn fields and banana groves. As you descend, you'll encounter the famous road zigzags just below Yadi, a growing settlement. The winding road leads you along the Gamri River, offering picturesque views of the landscape. A turnoff on the left will take you up to Drametse, where you can visit the Drametse Monastery. This temple is perched atop a steep hill above the village and was founded by Choeden Zangmo. It's the most important monastery in eastern Bhutan and is known as the place of origin of the famous Drametse NgaChham, a masked dance accompanied by drums. After lunch, you'll reach Trashigang, which is situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters (3,610 feet). Trashigang is the principal township of the largest and most populated district in Bhutan, and it's known for its steep hillside location above the Gamri River. Visit Trashigang Dzong, a significant structure standing at the end of a rocky outcrop high above the river gorge. This dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district and is also home to the local monastic community. Explore the dzong and its surroundings, taking in the stunning views and the unique architecture. After your exploration, return to your lodge in Trashigang for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Day 11: Trashigang (excursion to Trashiyangtse) — After breakfast, embark on an exciting excursion from Trashigang to Trashiyangtse, a town rich in cultural and historical significance. Your first stop is the Gom Kora temple, located 24 kilometers from Trashigang on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river. Gom Kora is renowned for its association with Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have subdued a demon here and trapped it in a rock. Explore the temple and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Continue your journey down the road to Doksum village, where you'll have the opportunity to witness local women busy at work, weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric. You'll also encounter a chain-link swing bridge dating back to the 15th century, offering a glimpse into the region's historical heritage.
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Day 12: Trashigang – SamdrupJongkhar — Prepare for a memorable journey from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar, a road trip that showcases Bhutan's diverse landscapes and historical landmarks. The road you'll be traveling on was completed in 1965 and has since become a vital connection between eastern Bhutan and the Indian border. As you make your way, you'll pass by Sherubtse College in Kanglung. Founded in 1978, Sherubtse College is a degree-granting institution affiliated with the University of Delhi, playing a significant role in higher education in Bhutan. Near Kanglung, visit the Zangtho Pelri temple, a beautiful representation of Guru Rinpoche's paradise. This temple was built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs and offers a tranquil setting for spiritual reflection. After having lunch continue your drive to Khaling, a notable destination on this route. Khaling is home to the National Institute for the Disabled and the Weaving Centre, where traditional Bhutanese textiles are produced. Note that visits to these institutions may need to be arranged in advance, typically before leaving Thimphu. From Khaling, it's approximately 80 kilometers to Deothang, which holds historical significance as the site of a famous 19th-century battle during the Duar Wars. Then arrive in Samdrup Jongkhar, where you'll spend the night at a lodge. Reflect on your journey through Bhutan's eastern regions, appreciating the natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and historical significance you've encountered along the way.
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Day 13: SamdrupJongkhar – Guwahati (B) — Early morning after breakfast in Samdrup Jongkhar as you prepare for your departure from Bhutan. Today's journey will take you out of Bhutan and into the northeastern state of Assam, India. Embark on a scenic drive to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian northeastern state of Assam. The drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes of the region, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and local culture. Arrive in Guwahati, where you will have the option to catch a flight to Delhi, Kolkata, or another onward destination in that region. Guwahati has an airport with domestic flight connections to major cities in India for your onward journey.
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KNOW WHAT'S COVERED
What's included in your experience
Included
- Double rooms on twin sharing basis.
- All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
- Afternoon tea and snacks
- English-speaking and knowledgeable guide
- Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
- Museum entrance fees
- Visa fee and processing charges
- Tourism Development Fund
- Government taxes
- All administrative cost
- Full service & assistance before, during, and after your Bhutan trip
Not included
- Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange tickets for you if you wish)
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
- Travel or health insurance
- Wire transfer
- Laundry
- Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
PLAN AHEAD
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Paro
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