Bhutan Off Beaten Path – 9 Days

General Information

Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Start/End: Guwahati/Trashiyangste
Tour Route: Paro – Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang – Radhi – Merak – Trashiyangste – Khoma Village – Lhunste
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Tour Highlights:

• Visit the country’s home of traditional hand-woven weaving and purchase authentic textiles in Khoma Village
• Get a glimpse to peaceful villages, picturesque paddies, and approach the vibrant local communities
• Overnight at a homestay, sleep on a hard mattress to experience an authentic Bhutan
• Admire the heritage sites in the dzongs and monasteries

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati – Samdrup Jong Khar (D)
Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang (B)
Day 3: Trashigang Excursion – Radhi Village (B)
Day 4: Trashigang – Merak (B)
Day 5: Merak – Miksa Teng (B)
Day 6: Miksa Teng –  Sakten Trekking (B, L, D)
Day 7: Trashigang –  Trashiyangste (B)
Day 8: Trashigangste – Khoma Village – Lhunste (B)
Day 9: Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati – Samdrup Jongkhar

Upon arrival in Guwahati airport, meet your private guide and transfer to the oldest town Samdrup Jongkhar also known as the gateway to Eastern Bhutan by car. It is a small but fascinating town which is a commercial hub and urban center of Eastern Bhutan. This 3-hour drive will be the most breathtaking one going through the pristine forests and admire the mountain ranges running one after another horizontally appear in and out of the drifting clouds.

Be sure to bring your camera to take magnificent photos during this journey. Upon Sadrup Jongkhar, take a rest then enjoy a cozy lunch in the local restaurant before hitting the vibrant border Samdrup Jongkhar town of Bhutan kingdom. This is also the oldest town in the country where exist at least 6 to 7 different dialects. Get a glimpse of the street town before returning to the hotel for an overnight and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang (B)

After breakfast in the hotel, visit some outstanding sites in Samdrup Jongkhar before taking a north drive to Trashigang. This morning sightseeing begins with the first stop in Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong – one of the lastest dzongs in the country well-known for its location. Unlike other dzongs that are built on the hill-top or between the confluence of the rivers in Paro, Trashigang or Punakha, it was built on a flat and wide area. Afterward, go ahead to the Mithun breeding farm to marvel at the best breeding of cattle in this country and witness the milk production as well as the variety of animals.

Later, transfer to Trashigang for a long drive to pass through the untouched highway with a wide range of vegetation zones on the Himalayan slopes. Gaze out at the diverse ferns, rhododendrons as well as the sleeping villages along the way. If there is time, stop for a short trip to Khaling village to learn and experience the traditional weaving culture of the Bhutanese people. Moreover, if you love the Bhutan traditional dress, here offers you a great chance to purchase authentic Bhutanese textiles.
Overnight in Trashigang.

Day 3: Trashigang Excursion – Radhi Village (B)

A full day to discover the fairyland with the morning’s highlight in Trashigang Dzong-one of 20 Buddhist dzongs in the country features Bhutan’s built heritage. Situated on the top of a promontory overlooking at the mountain ranges around and the two beautiful Gamri and Drangme rivers. Here admire the colorful Buddhist paintings and carvings and learn more about the traditional arts and crafts inside the dzong. Next, head for Gomphu Kora – the picturesque temple surrounded by magnificent terraced rice fields. If you visit Gomphu Kora in spring between the 8th and 10th of the second lunar month (often March or April), you will have a chance to join in the Gomphu Kora (or Gom Kora) Festival. This occasion attracts many people to travel to this sacred site for a night celebration and watching different mask dances. Next, drive Eastward to visit Radhi village to behold the picturesque rice fields in the remote region, witness the fine raw-silk textiles as well as learn about the traditional weaving of clever women living in 200 households of the village. Later, return to Trashigang for an overnight.

Day 4: Trashigang – Merak (B)

This full-day enjoys the main highlight in the trek to explore Merak. Take time to indulge in the dreamy landscapes in the settlement of about thirty households, admire the gorgeous mountains overlooking the beautiful valley below. Once you visit Merak, do not miss the chance to experience the life of a Yak herdsman with the villagers. This evening offers an option to overnight in one of the homestays to get closer to people to get the first-hand experience of culture and lifestyle in the remote village and enjoy a cozy meal with the host.

Day 5: Merak – Miksa Teng (B)

Today head for a tough journey trekking to Miksa Teng. Along the way, be mesmerized by the spectacular mountain ranges and diverse vegetation. As soon as you reach the campsite, enjoy the picturesque rhododendron trees that surround you.
Overnight at the camp.

Day 6: Miksateng – Sakteng – Return to Trashigang (B, L, D)

Today’s trek route is easier to let you immerse in the beautiful aura passing through a small pass to the Sakten valley. Leave early in the morning to reach the Sakten village before lunchtime to get a chance to visit the local homes, greet the friendly people and enjoy a warm meal in the village.
Return to Trashigang in the late afternoon for overnight.

Day 7: Trashigang – Trashiyangste (B)

The morning of day 6 begins with a memorable visit to Trashiyangste Dzong. Dating back to the 19th century, this is one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan well-known for the Buddhist statues and the legend of how Chuchuzhey (the Avalokiteshvara) came to the Dzong. Here listen to your guide about the story and the unique architecture of this sacred site. Afterward head for a south trip to the Chorten Kora – a giant stupa in East Bhutan lies on the riverside of Kulong Chu River. The stupas were built in the 18th century by Lama Ngawang Lodro, the nephew of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the Bearded Lama) to subdue the harmful demon. This important site witness an amazing Chorten Kora festival (or Dakpa Kora) which was held annually from the 16th to the 30th of March on the 15th of the first Lunar month attracts people from different parts of the country.
Overnight in Trashiyangste.

Day 8: Trashigangste – Khoma Village (B)

Today head for a traditional culture discovery in the beautiful Khoma Village. Home to the hand-woven weaving of the country, the village is a must-see destination for visitors when traveling to Bhutan to approach authentic textiles and purchase this product at a much cheaper price than in other places of the country.

Day 9: Departure (B)

After breakfast, be free until the driver picks you up to transfer to the airport for a flight to your departure. Trip ends. Thank you for joining the Bhutan vacation with Go Bhutan Tours!