A Complete Journey Across the Kingdom of Bhutan
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Bumthang – Mongar – Lhuentse – Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
Tour Type: Cultural | Nature | Scenic | Off-the-Beaten-Path
Best Season: March–May & September–November
Tour Overview
The 16 Days West–East Bhutan Tour is the ultimate journey for travelers who want to experience Bhutan beyond the usual routes. From the iconic monasteries of Western Bhutan to the remote valleys and vibrant traditions of Eastern Bhutan, this tour offers deep cultural immersion, dramatic landscapes, and a true sense of Bhutan’s regional diversity. The journey concludes with an overland exit via Samdrup Jongkhar.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide from Druk Peaceful Travels.
Highlights:
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Leisure walk in Paro town
Overnight: Paro
Drive to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu.
Sightseeing:
Buddha Dordenma Statue
Memorial Chorten
Changangkha Lhakhang
Tashichho Dzong
Overnight: Thimphu
Full day exploring Thimphu.
Highlights:
Motithang Takin Preserve
Folk Heritage Museum / Simply Bhutan
Handicrafts market
Traditional Paper Factory
Overnight: Thimphu
Scenic drive to Punakha.
Highlights:
Dochula Pass (3,100 m)
108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Overnight: Punakha
Drive to Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley.
Highlights:
Wangdue Phodrang viewpoint
Gangtey Monastery
Phobjikha Nature Trail
Overnight: Phobjikha
Journey to Central Bhutan.
En route:
Pelela Pass (3,420 m)
Visit Trongsa Dzong
- Yotongla Pass
Overnight: Bumthang
Explore Bumthang Valley.
Highlights:
Jakar Dzong
Jambay Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang
Tamshing Lhakhang
Overnight: Bumthang
Drive eastward to Mongar.
En route:
Thrumshing La Pass
Scenic views of eastern valleys
Overnight: Mongar
Day excursion to Lhuentse, ancestral home of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Highlights:
Lhuentse Dzong
Traditional villages
Eastern Bhutan textile culture
Overnight: Mongar
Drive to Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan’s cultural hub.
Highlights:
Trashigang Dzong
Local market exploration
Overnight: Trashigang
Explore the eastern districts.
Highlights:
Radhi Village (optional)
Rangjung Monastery
Village walks
Overnight: Trashigang
Drive to Trashi Yangtse.
Highlights:
Chorten Kora
Traditional paper-making village
Overnight: Trashi Yangtse
Long scenic drive descending to the southern border town.
Highlights:
Dramatic change in climate & vegetation
Views of subtropical landscapes
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Relax and explore the border town.
Activities:
Local market visit
Cultural interaction with locals
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Complete exit formalities at the Bhutan–India border.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar / India (as per arrangement)
Tour concludes after exit via Samdrup Jongkhar.
