| # | 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 5-hour rough road ride, reach Mon-la Pass, where a welcome party of Brokpa nomads in traditional dress awaits. Enjoy local hospitality with nomadic lunch, spirit, and chang beer. ➜ Continue to Merak village (3,500 m) and stay in a local farmhouse as a guest of a 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.