Grand Bhutan: West to East
The whole kingdom, end to end: from Paro's cliffs to the rarely visited east, exiting overland to India.
This is Bhutan in full. After the great sights of the west and centre, the road climbs over Thrumshing La into the east, a region of weavers, cloud forest and hilltop dzongs that very few travellers reach.
Expect long but spectacular driving days. The journey ends overland at Samdrup Jongkhar and Guwahati; exiting through India requires a valid Indian visa for most nationalities.
Highlights
- Crossing Thrumshing La (3,780 m) into the east
- Trashigang Dzong above the Gamri river
- Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse
- The weaving village of Radhi
- Every great dzong of the west and centre
Day by day
-
Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide and visit Rinpung Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 2
The Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang, then visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 3
Paro to Thimphu
Drive to the capital; afternoon at the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong.
National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Prof Ranga Sai, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 4
Thimphu
Craft schools, markets, the Folk Heritage Museum and Buddha Dordenma.
Buddha Dordenma · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 5
Thimphu to Punakha
Over Dochula pass to Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 6
Punakha to Gangtey
Into the glacial Phobjikha valley and Gangtey Goenpa.
Gangtey Goenpa · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 7
Gangtey to Trongsa
Over Pele La to Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong tower museum.
Trongsa Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 8
Trongsa to Bumthang
A short drive over Yotong La; afternoon at Jakar Dzong.
Jakar Dzong · Photo: PgyamtshoBT, CC0 -
Day 9
Bumthang
Jambay, Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhangs, and Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake.
Kurjey Lhakhang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 10
Bumthang to Mongar
Via the village of Ura, cross Thrumshing La through cloud forest thick with rhododendron, then descend dramatically to Mongar.
Thrumshing La · Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 11
Mongar to Trashigang
Visit Mongar Dzong, then drive east to Trashigang, whose dzong stands on a spur above the Gamri river.
Trashigang Dzong · Photo: Franzfoto, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 12
Trashiyangtse
A day excursion to Gom Kora temple, the great white stupa of Chorten Kora and the woodturners of Trashiyangtse.
Gom Kora · Photo: Franzfoto, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 13
Radhi & Rangjung
Visit Rangjung monastery and the weaving village of Radhi, known for its raw-silk textiles.
Rangjung Monastery · Photo: Franzfoto, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 14
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
A long, scenic descent from the hills to the plains at the Indian border.
Trashigang · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 15
Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
Cross into Assam and continue to Guwahati.
Samdrup Jongkhar · Photo: Franzfoto, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 16
Depart
Transfer to Guwahati airport for your onward flight.
Included on this journey
More journeys
Classic Western Bhutan
Bhutan's essential first journey: cliffside monasteries, the capital's living culture and the great dzong of Punakha, at an unhurried pace.
The Happiness Tour
A deeper journey into the heart of the kingdom: from the western valleys to glacial Phobjikha and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.
Hidden Haa & the Western Valleys
A quieter West: over one of Bhutan's highest road passes into Haa, a valley that only opened to visitors in 2002.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally