DETAILED ITINERARY 13 Night/14 Days GRAND EASTERN TO WESTERN BHUTAN ROAD JOURNEY
A complete himalayan overland expedition from Samdrup Jongkhar to Phuentsholing through the hidden valleys, High Mountain passes sacred monasteries, nomadic villages and cultural heartlands of Bhutan.
Day 1: Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang
Day 2: Trashigang – Merak
Day 3: Merak – Sakteng
Day 4: Sakteng – Trashigang
Day 5: Trashigang – Trashiyangtse
Day 6: Trashiyangtse
Day 7: Trashiyangtse – Lhuentse
Day 8: Lhuentse – Mongar
Day 9: Mongar – Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang
Day 11: Bumthang – Phobjikha
Day 12: Phobjikha
Day 13: Phobjikha – Paro
Day 14: Paro – Phuentsholing
DAY1: ARRIVAL SAMDRUP JONGKHAR to TRASHIGANG
Upon arrival at Samdrup Jongkhar terminal, our representative will warmly receive and
Complete immigration formalities for guest and Car permit.
Distance: Approx. 180km (6 – 7 hours) drive. Altitude of 1150M
Highlights:
• Enter Bhutan through the eastern gaterway of Samdrup Jongkhar
• Scenic drive through lush subtropical forests and mountain roads.
• Villages of khaling and Kanglung
• First views of Eastern Himalayan landscapes.
• Evening walk around Trashigang town.
Overnight stay in Trashigang
DAY 2: TRASHIGANG to MERAK
It is in the highlands of Brokpas. Travel toward the remote alpine village of Merak, home to the nomadic Brokpa community and dramatic mountain scenery.
Distance; Approx. 65 km
Drive: 3 – 4 hours
Altitude: 3500M
Highlights:
• Traditional Brokpa settlements
• Highland Yak grazing landscapes
• Authentic eastern Bhutanese culture
• Remote mountain villages
• Mountain photography and cultural immersion.
Overnight stay in Merak
DAY 3: MERAK to SAKTENG
Explore the pristine valley of sakteng before descending back to Trashigang through untouched Himalayan wilderness.
Distance: Approx. 16 to 18 km depending on road route access
Driver Time; 5 – 6 hours
Altitude: 3500M
Highlights:
• Travel through the protected Sakteng Wildflife sanctuary.
• Visit one of Bhutan’s most isolated settlements
• Traditional nomadic lifestyle
• High altitude alpine meadows and untouched Himalayan wilderness.
• Scenic mountain drive
Overnight stay in Sakteng
DAY 4: SAKTENG to TRASHIGANG
Distance: Approx. 62km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
Altitude: 1750M
Highlights:
• Descend from the alpine region back toward eastern valleys.
• Scenic mountain viewpoints throughout the route
• Leisure evening in Trashigang town.
Overnight stay in Trashigang
DAY 5: TRASHIGANG to TRASHIYANGTSE
Drive to Trashiyangtse through river valleys and forests.
Distance: Approx. 55km
Drive Time: 2 hours
Altitude: 1750M
Highlights:
• Chorten Kora
• Trashiyangtse Dzong
• Traditional handmade wooden bowl workshops
• Riverside landscapes
• Peaceful eastern Bhutan countryside.
Overnight stay in Trashiyangtse
DAY 6: TRASHIYANGTSE
Explore Trashiyangtse
Distance: Local excursions
Altitude: 1750M
Highlights:
• Relaxed cultural exploration
• Traditional Bhutanese village life
• Bird watching and nature walks
• Bumdeling Valley region
• Local handicraft villages
Overnight at Trashiyangtse
DAY 7: TRASHIYANGTSE – LHUENTSE
Lhuentse is famous for traditional textiles and remote Himalayan landscapes.
Distance: Approx. 140km
Drive Time: 5 -6 hours
Altitude: 1460M
Highlights:
• One of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain drives’
• Traditional Khoma weaving village
• Authentic eastern Bhutanese culture
• Deep river gorges and pine forests
Overnight stay at Lhuentse
DAY 8: LHUENTSE – MONGAR
Drive westward through steep mountain roads and scenic valleys towards Mongar.
Distance: Approx.95km
Drive time; 4 -5 hours’
Highlights sightseeing include:
• Kori la Pass
• Scenic Cliffside roads
• Traditional Bhutanese architecture
• Panoramic mountain views
Overnight stay in Mongar
DAY 9: MONGAR – BUMTHANG
Crossing Thrumsing la Pass
One of Bhutan’s most spectacular drives takes you across Thrumsing la Pass into Bumthang valley.
Distance: Approx.200km
Drive time; 7 – 8 hours
Altitude: 2600M
Highlights:
• Thrumsing la Pass (3750M)
• Dense rhododendron and conifer forests
• Scenic waterfalls
• Arrival in spiritual Bumthang
Overnight stay in Bumthang
DAY 10: BUMTHANG
Bumthang exploration, spend the day exploring sacred monasteries, ancient temples and peaceful valleys.
Distance: local excursions
Altitude: 2600M
Highlights of sightseeing include:
• Mebar Tsho (Buring Lake) Forest walk
• Jakar Dzong (Optional)
• Tang valley village Trail
• Tamshing Monastery (Optional)
• Bumthang Valley Villages
• Traditional local experience
Overnight stay in Bumthang
DAY 11: BUMTHANG – PHOBJIKHA
Travel to Phobjikha via Pele la Pass.
Distance: Approx. 190km
Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours
Highlights of sightseeing include:
• Pelela Pass (3,420M)
• Scenic drive across Phobjikha through Trongsa Dzongkhag.
• Long but incredibly scenic Himalayan drive
• Panoramic mountain roads.
Overnight stay in Phobjikha
DAY 12: PHOBJIKHA
Distance: Full day exploration
Altitude: 2900M
Highlights:
• Enjoy the beautiful Gangtey Nature trail hike through pine forests and the valley.
• Visit the black necked crane information Centre.
• Explore the peaceful wetlands and traditional villages.
• Relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Phobjikha.
• Optional hot stone bath.
Overnight stay at Phobjikha
DAY 13: PHOBJIKHA – PARO (via Dochula Pass)
Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass(3100M)
Distance: Approx.210 km
Drive: 6 hours
Altitude: 2250M
Highlights:
• Stop at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and on clear days, enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
• Explore the peaceful Paro valley.
• If time permits, visit Rinpung Dzong and take memorable picture with Bhutanese traditional attire.
Overnight stay at Paro
DAY 14: PARO – PHUENTSHOLING DEPARTURE
As your journey comes to an end, we bid you farewell to your journey of beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. After breakfast, check out from Hotel. Transfer to Phuentsholing Terminal.
Distance: Approx.170km
Drive time: 5 or 6 hours
End of the Himalayan Road journey at Phuentsholing boarder town. We hope you leave Bhutan with wonderful memories. Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back again in future.