Season: Available throughout the year (Best seasons – March – Mid-June & Mid-Aug – Mid Nov)

(The itinerary can be revised in feasible order, to incorporate local events or celebrations depending on your interest. Please revise in consultation with your guide). Journey through West to East Bhutan.

Day 1: Arrival: Paro – Sightseeing

Start sightseeing in Paro. Some of the attractions in Paro are 1. National Museum- ancient watch tower, 2.Rinpung Dzong – the fortress of the heap of jewels built in 1646, 3. Kyichu Lhakhang- oldest temple built in 7^th century by Tibetan Emperor, 4. Drukgyel Dzong- built in 1649 to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. If the sky if clear, you can see Mt. Jomolhari, 5. Tachog Lhakhang- built in 14^th century by son of the builder of Iron chain bridges in Bhutan. ; Night halt: Paro

Day 2: Paro- day excursion to famous Paro Taksang( Tiger’s Nest) ( 5-6 hours)

Short hike to Paro Taksang- popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche – Popularly regarded as the 2^nd Lord Buddha and founder of Mahayana Buddhism, rode on a tigress and meditated in this cave.

Night halt: Paro

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu: Sightseeing (Drive: 1 hour) : Some of the attractions and visits include

1. Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.
2. Kuensel Phodrang with one of the tallest Bhuddha statue in Bhutan.
3. Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha (drive: 2-3 hours)

Visits to

1. Dochula pass (3040 masl) where you will also find the 108 stupas built in 2004 war causalities.
2. Chimi Lhakhang- the seat of the divine madman alias Drukpa Kunley. Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for its fertility blessings; it also fulfills the other religious and spiritual needs of the Bhutanese.
3. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. And it is still the winter capital or residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha dzong (fortress) is strategically located between Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers.
4. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal chorten – a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and sculptures. : Night halt: Punakha

Day 5: Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang – Phobjikha (drive: 3 hours)

1. Wangduephodrang dzong:  constructed in 1638 after a boy named Wangdue- which also means bringing power under ones control.
2. Phobjikha (2900 masl) is a beautiful valley. It is winter home for black necked cranes (grus nigricollis).
3. Gantey Gomba monastery is also the only Nyingmapa monastery (the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Bhutan). Enjoy nature – morning or evening walks.  : Night halt: Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha – Trongsa (Drive: 3-4 hours)

1. Pele-la pass (3300 masl) conventional division point between the East and the West Bhutan.
2. Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa in Bhutan. It is called Chendbji Chorten- built in 18^th century by Lama Shida of Tibet.
3. Enjoy lunch on the way and drive slowly to Trongsa. Before reaching Trongsa, a good viewpoint for your camera to catch majestic shot of Trongsa dzong. : Night halt: Trongsa

Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang (Drive: 3 hours)

1. Trongsa Dzong;  The dzong was built in 1648.
2. Drive to Bumthang , Night halt: Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang (daylong excursion in Bumthang)

1. Bumthang (2600 – 4000 masl) is known an cultural capital of Bhutan.
2. Places of interest and to visit are: Kurje Lhakhang – where Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body mark on a rock. Also visit Jambay lhakhang, Tamshing lhakhang and the Jakar Dzong.
3. One popular site to visit is the Membertsho or the Burning Lake – not that the lake is burning but Pema Lingpa – treasure discoverer of Guru discovered important relics from this lake. ; Night halt: Bumthang or try farm house lodging at Ura.

Day 9: Bumthang – Mongar (Drive: 6-7 hours)

1. Ruins of Zhongar Dzong which was built in 17^th Century. It is worth a visit to the ruins to get a feel of medieval Bhutanese administration.
2. Visit Jarung Khashor Chorten at Lingmithang – similar to that of the Nepal. ; Night Halt: Mongar

Day 10: Mongar – Trashiyangtse (Drive: 4-5 hours)

1. Dramitse Lhakhang- notable religious site from where the popular dance held during festivals originated.
2. Gom Kora- religious site of Guru Rinpoche.
3. Chorten Kora – the stupa is very much similar to that of Bodnath Stupa in Nepal. It was built in 1740 and is believed that a woman prayed inside (gave her life) as the temple was built; Night halt: Trashiyangtse

Day 11: Trashiyangtse – Tashigang (visit Rangjung) (Drive: 2-3 hours)

1. Tashigang is one of the biggest districts in the country. The Tashigang Dzong is built in 1659. Typical town – congested.
2. Rangjung Osel Cholling Monastery, Radhi village (rice bowl of the east), etc; Night halt: Tashigang

Day 12: Tashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (Drive: 5-6 hours)

1. Sherubtse College – look at the structures (typical Canadian style- different architecture). It was started by late Father William Mackey in 1960.
2. Kanglung Zangdopelri. When you reach Khaling –visit Khaling School, the school of disabled and the Handloom.

Before reaching Samdrupjongkhar, you will reach Deothang; Night halt: Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 13: Depart from Samdrup Jongkhar – Guhati, India

Samdrupjongkhar is known as the gateway of the East. Many businesses in Eastern Bhutan come to Samdrup Jongkhar for business.  Try visit sites such as the dzong, town, etc.

Drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide and driver will be through and through till you leave the airport and have bid you farewell with onward journey wishes.