Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tigers Nest Hike

Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tigers Nest Hike

Duration
13 Nights/14 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Paro
  • Thimphu
  • Punakha
  • Trongsa
  • Bumthang
  • Mongar
  • Lhuentse
Starting From
Nu. 4790 / Person
Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tigers Nest Hike

Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tigers Nest Hike

13 Nights/14 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Paro
  • Thimphu
  • Punakha
  • Trongsa
  • Bumthang
  • Mongar
  • Lhuentse

$4790

Package Description


This immersive journey takes you through Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, from the western valleys to the remote and less-visited eastern regions. The tour includes the breathtaking hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, visits to ancient fortresses and monasteries, interactions with local artisans, and scenic drives through Bhutan’s diverse landscapes. The journey ends with a cross-border exit into India via Samdrup Jongkhar.

This itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, combining the must-visit western sites with the less-explored but fascinating eastern regions.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Comprehensive Bhutan Experience: Unlike standard itineraries, this tour goes beyond the popular western circuit, offering a rare glimpse into Eastern Bhutan, known for its pristine nature and unique traditions.
  • Blend of Culture & Nature: Visit spiritual sites, fortress-dzongs, and local villages, while also exploring Bhutan’s breathtaking valleys, mountain passes, and subtropical forests.
  • Exclusive Encounters: Meet local artisans, monks, and weavers, gaining insight into Bhutan’s living heritage and craftsmanship.
  • Scenic & Spiritual Journey: From the high-altitude Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the remote Lhuentse Dzong and Tashiyangtse, experience Bhutan’s most sacred and picturesque sites.
  • Smooth Cross-Border Exit: This tour conveniently ends in Guwahati, India, offering easy international flight connections.
  • Expert-Guided & Hassle-Free: Travel with a knowledgeable local guide, enjoy comfortable accommodations, and experience a seamless, well-planned itinerary.

Package Highlights


  • Explore both Western and Eastern Bhutan, experiencing its rich cultural heritage and untouched landscapes.
  • Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous spiritual site.
  • Visit centuries-old monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and sacred temples, including Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, and Trashigang Dzong.
  • Experience authentic Bhutanese culture with visits to traditional villages, local artisans, and textile weaving centers.
  • Travel through dramatic landscapes, from high mountain passes (Dochula, Pele La, and Thrumshing La) to lush river valleys and dense forests.
  • Cross-border adventure, ending with a journey into India via Samdrup Jongkhar and Guwahati.

Daywise Itinerary

Driving Distance: Airport to Hotel – 10 km (20 mins)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, you will begin exploring Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress with beautiful paintings and intricate woodwork. Next, you will visit Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum, displaying artifacts showcasing Bhutanese history and culture. You will also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century. The evening is free to relax and adjust to the altitude.

Hiking Distance: 8 km round trip (5–6 hours)
An early morning start takes you on a rewarding hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliffside at 3,120 meters. This iconic monastery is where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. After exploring the monastery, you will descend and return to Paro. In the evening, you can relax with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional).

Driving Distance: 55 km (1.5 hours)
After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Along the way, you will stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the famous Tibetan bridge-builder. Upon reaching Thimphu, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, an important religious and administrative center. Other highlights include the Buddha Dordenma, a 169-foot statue of Buddha overlooking the valley, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Craft Bazaar, where you can see traditional Bhutanese textiles and handicrafts.

Driving Distance: 85 km (2.5 hours)
The journey continues with a drive to Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass (3,100m), which offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayan ranges. In Punakha, you will visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. You will then take a short hike through rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), associated with the Divine Madman.

Driving Distance: 129 km (5–6 hours) After breakfast, you will drive toward Trongsa, crossing Pele La Pass (3,390m). En route, you will pass through beautiful forests, traditional villages, and yak herding areas. Upon arrival in Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, and Ta Dzong, a watchtower-turned-museum that showcases Bhutan’s royal history.

Driving Distance: 68 km (2.5–3 hours)
The drive to Bumthang takes you across Yutong La Pass (3,400m), leading into open valleys with traditional houses and monasteries. In Bumthang, you will visit Jakar Dzong, known as the "Castle of the White Bird", and explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Other highlights include Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains some of Bhutan’s oldest murals, and the Swiss Farm, where you can try locally produced cheese and honey.

Driving Distance: 30 km round trip (1 hour)
Today, you will take a short drive to Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site where Pema Lingpa discovered hidden Buddhist scriptures. You will then visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and experience a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse lunch.

Driving Distance: 198 km (7–8 hours)
The journey eastward continues across Thrumshing La Pass (3,800m), the highest road pass in Bhutan. The drive offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and remote villages. In Mongar, you will visit Mongar Dzong, a unique fortress built without nails.

Driving Distance: 77 km (3 hours)
Traveling deeper into Bhutan, you will reach Lhuentse, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. You will visit Lhuentse Dzong, perched high on a ridge, and explore Khoma Village, famous for its Kushuthara textiles, considered Bhutan’s finest.

Driving Distance: 165 km (6–7 hours)
The drive to Trashigang takes you through stunning landscapes, including deep gorges and terraced fields. You will visit Trashigang Dzong, a fortress overlooking the Drangme Chhu River, and explore the local market.

Driving Distance: 55 km one way (2.5 hours)
A day trip to Tashiyangtse allows you to explore this culturally rich region. You will visit Chorten Kora, a large white stupa inspired by Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa, and explore Tashiyangtse Dzong.

Driving Distance: 180 km (6–7 hours)
The descent from the highlands to the subtropical zone begins. Along the way, you will visit Sherubtse College, Bhutan’s first university, and the Khaling weaving center, where traditional Bhutanese textiles are produced. Upon arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar, you will explore the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang monastery.

Driving Distance: 110 km (3.5 hours)
After completing border formalities, you will cross into India and drive to Guwahati, Assam’s largest city. You can visit the Kamakhya Temple, known for its spiritual significance, or take a Brahmaputra River cruise.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Guwahati International Airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions

  • Hotel Standard to (3 stars)
  • All meals
  • Transport/transfers within Bhutan
  • Entrance fees and permit
  • Sightseeing and trekking as per itinerary with English speaking guide
  • necessary arrangements
  • Daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • 24 hours service from Guide and tour operator

Exclusions

  • Travel Insurance
  • Airfares
  • Beverages
  • Airport taxes
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Excess baggage
  • Tips to guides and drivers

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