| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guwahati – Samdrup Jongkhar – Tashigang | Early morning pick-up at 5 o’clock in Guwahati and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Meet your Bhutanese guide and driver who will handle immigration formalities. ➜ Start an all-day drive ascending into the Himalayas with a stop for a blessing from a Hindu hermit for journey safety. ➜ Visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, your first Bhutanese Buddhist temple, known for detailed mural paintings. ➜ In the afternoon, stop in Khaling village to visit the National Handloom Development Project preserving the weaving tradition, and the National Institute for the Visually Impaired which developed a Bhutanese version of Braille. ➜ Drive past Karma Thegsum Dechenling Goemba (a large monastery school), Sherubtse College (Bhutan’s first university, established in 1978), and visit a temple in Kanglung village. ➜ Arrive in Tashigang. |
| 2 | Trashigang, excursion to Trashi Yangtse | Morning visit to Trashigang Dzong, a 17th-century fortress with commanding views and a few interesting temples and government offices. ➜ Drive (~2 hours) to Trashi Yangtse, stopping at Gom Kora temple, a sacred site where Guru Padmasambhava left body imprints. ➜ Enjoy occasional views of snowy mountains along the way. Visit the impressive Trashi Yangtse Dzong, home to 300 monks and formerly guarding the trade route with Tibet. ➜ See Chorten Kora, Bhutan’s largest Nepali-style stupa, and the site of two colorful local festivals early in the year. ➜ Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, a traditional art school preserving Bhutanese crafts. ➜ In winter, if time allows, detour to Bumdeling bird reserve in hopes of spotting rare Black Necked Cranes. ➜ Return to Trashigang in the evening. |
| 3 | Trashigang – Merak | Start early morning drive ascending into the high mountains of Merak–Sakteng, also known as the Migoi National Park, named after the elusive yeti (Migoi), often "seen" by locals. ➜ After a couple of hours of drive we will reach Mon-la pass and will start descending to Merak. Upon reaching village, the welcome party of Borkpa villagers in local dress will be waiting. Experience of local hospitality and yummy nomad lunch, the tasty local spirit and milk-like chang beer. Accommodation in local farmhouse as a guest of Brokpa family. ➜ Explore the village to learn about local culture: wool spinning, traditional clothing, yak cheese, butter tea, and ara (local spirit). |
| 4 | Merak – Tashigang | Hike above Merak village to enjoy panoramic views, including the peak of Aum Yomo. ➜ Bid farewell to your hosts and start drive back to Tashigang. ➜ If arriving early, visit Rangjung Monastery, a Nyingma Buddhist establishmet with significant relics and statues. ➜ Enjoy a leisurely evening in Tashigang. |
| 5 | Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar and Guwahati | Start the morning drive back to border in Samdrup Jongkhar. ➜ Undertake immigratio formalities and change to Indian vehicle. ➜ Part good-bye to your Bhutanese team and start journey to Guwahati, reaching by the late evening. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Extend hike from Merak to Sakteng village (+1 or 2 days): If you're found of hiking, this variant crossing through Merak-Sakteng national park is highly recommended.
- Visit Mongar and Lhuentse (+2 days): Cover all the Eastern Bhutan sights including gigantic statue of Guru Pamdmasambhava, the famouse 8th century saint, traditional weaving village of Khoma and Drametse monastery. See Best of Eastern Bhutan, 8 day itinerary for details.
- Extend with Omba Nye "The Tiger's Nest of the East" hike (+2 days): Omba Nye is new popular 3 days trekking trail in Bhutan, which can be also done as 2 days / 1 night hiking excursion with overnight in Omba village homestay. The Omba Nye Monastery has stunning setting on the rocky cliff, which is similar to Paro's Taktsang.
- Start or finish in Paro (0 or more days): Thanks to domestic flight which is connection Yongphula airport in Eastern Bhutan with Paro in the West, you can also conveniently start/conclude the trip in Paro in Western Bhutan, see famous Tiger's Nest monastery and other sights.