Architecture of Bhutanse House

Women weaving textile using traditional patterns using silk thread

Bhutan east west tour is popular tour destination in Bhutan. East west Bhutan tour can be done within 11 days east ridge to west ridge thus many travelers prefer this tour. This is a fantastic East-to-West traverse tour covering the best of both sides of Bhutan so you don't miss out on anything. 

Some of the highlights of this tours are, we will visit National museum, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, the absolutely out-of-this-world Taktsang Monastery perched on a sheer cliff, most of the important Dzongs (forts), then there's the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

We cover Bumthang valley like no other. Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan.

This tour also a visit to Meber Tso or "flaming Lake" and the lovely Ura valley with its old dzong and cobblestone paths giving it a unique medieval feel. This is a unique lovely tour covering all the important "must see, must visit" spots in Bhutan.

 Tour Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days Tour

Season: All season.

Group Size: Any

Tour highlight: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang – Wangduephodrang

Summarized itinerary description

Day 01 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air

Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Evening take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to King's Memorial Chhorten and Trashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress/monastery.

Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by visit to local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu - Punakha

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.

Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha).

Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

Overnight at Camp / Guest House.

Day 06 : Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)

Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters.

After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 07 : Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the master piece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08 : Bumthang

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.
Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country.

Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09 : Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours)

Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Wangdue . Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.

Evening take a stroll around Wangdue town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people.

Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Day 10 : Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours)

Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as 'Divine Madman'. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'field'. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Afteroon drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Depart Paro

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Detail costing for this tour

Land cost: USD $ 1400.00 (USD $ 280.00 per night) 

Airfare Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok:  USD $ 794.00

Visa Fee: USD $   40.00

Tourism Development Fund: USD $   10.00

Net package cost per person: USD $ 3644.00

What’s included:

a)    Expert leadership

b)    All accommodations

c)    All meals

d)    All transportation during the tour

e)    All activities as noted in the itinerary

f)       Bottled water while on drive and hiking

 * All rates based on three or more traveling together on twin room sharing basis.

 SURCHARGE

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to the following surcharges:

a)    Single Individual: US$ 40/ per night halt

b)    Group of 2: US$ 30/ per person per night halt

c)    The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.

d)  The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Contact details

Bhutan Sandalwood tours  & Treks

Po Box: 1458

Thimphu Bhutan    

Contact # : 00975 17172767

             # : 00975-02-323077

bhutansandalwood@gmail..com

www.bhutansandalwood.com