Mongar and Trashigang - 16 Days

You can take flight to Paro from Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka etc. We recommend you to fly from Bangkok because Druk air offer everyday flight from Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok whereas Druk air do not operate everyday flights from other sectors.

The flight into Paro on Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will drive you to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 98,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

In the morning we first stop at Bhutan’s National Bank to exchange currency as well as visit the post office to view and purchase elaborate and exquisite Bhutanese collector item stamps. We then will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king. Also, the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Takin Reserve which protects the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch visit the Textile Museum and the Arts and Crafts School. A visit to the House of Incense and House of Paper are always favorites as well.

Today we will depart for Wangdue. The drive takes about 3 hours. En route stop at Dochula Pass for tea and biscuits and enjoy a view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains amongst hundreds of fluttering prayer flags and beautiful hilltop chortens. We enjoy our scenic drive and stop for lunch in Lobesa. We now check into our hotel in Wangdue. Rest and relax and enjoy the pristine views from your room. Later we visit the Punakha Dzong. This is the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Head Abbot, and the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong is built between two rivers known as Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). After Punakha take a short hike to Chhi-Med Lhakhang in the picturesque Lobesa valley, to visit the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman.

After lunch we drive to Gangtey in Phobjikha, a glacial valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain national park. The valley is a designated conservation area and borders the Black Mountain National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winter here (from late October to late March), it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country Phobjikha Valley is circled by beautiful pine covered mountains. Along the way, look for nocturnal red pandas that sleep in the trees during the day. At the valley’s center, rising dramatically from a small ridge, stands Gantey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingma Bhuddist monasteries in Bhutan. Gantey Tulku Rimpoche, the head lama of Gantey Gompa, is the ninth incarnation of Terton Pemalingpa, the famous 14th-century Treasure Revealer from Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s famous Buddhist saints and an ancestor of the ruling Wangchuck dynasty. Visit the Gangtey monastery overlooks the large green expanse of Phobjikha Valley. The extensive complex consists of the gomba itself, the monks’ quarters, meditation centers, and schools.

In the evening visit the Black-necked cranes roost in the swampy marshland from observatory overlooking the fields.

Enjoy an early morning visit once more to view the magnificant Black Neck Crane. We then depart towards the village of Trongsa. The drive from Phobjikha to Trongsa takes about two and half hours. Our route crosses Pele La (11,155 ft), which is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. If the weather is clear we should see Mt. Jumolhari (23,684 ft) and other peaks from the pass, which marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Beyond Pele La is Longte Valley where people raise sheep and yaks. We’ll come to the village of Rukubji Valley, with its big school and Gompa.

The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. As we drive down through rhododendrons and ferns, we’ll reach Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans traveling from Trongsa during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan. Just below Chendebji village is the Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century. The last village before we reach Trongsa is Tangsibji, which affords us a full view of Trongsa Dzong and its distinctive yellow roof. Built in 1648 AD it is presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. The view from here extends for many miles and in the old days, it was a vigilance point for both the eastern and western routes. Thus, the strategic importance of this Dzong. Continue onwards to central Bhutan. Today is a long day of driving to reach our destination tonight in Jakar. We will take ample breaks and rest stops. Tonight we overnight at local Lodge in Jakar valley of Bumthang; Bhutanese family hospitality at its finest!

In the morning we visit the historical Jakar Dzong, built in 1646 A.D. by MinjurTenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler). In 1683 A.D. it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi. Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries such as the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Return to our lodge for lunch and in the afternoon we take an excursion to the Thangbi Monastery, an 18th Century temple Evening: Visit a local farm house and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality; perhaps try a local favorite; Arak! Stops along our way to watch expert textile weavers at their ancient and back strap looms; here is the best place for purchase of quality Bhutanese textiles.

After an early breakfast, gear up for a fantastic drive to Mongar. The journey is long and crosses Thrumshing La, which at 3,800m, is the highest pass. Check in at hotel/guest house. Mongar is the district headquarters but hardly more than a transit town. It is also the first town built on a slope instead of the usual valley. This is characteristic in eastern Bhutan where there are few valleys. The true homeland of the Eastern People; the Sharchogpas, begins from Mongar.

Visit the Mongar Dzong to attend a full day at the remote and unique Mongar Festival. Today you will witness Mongar Festival- Bhutanese “country style”. Mongar Dzong is a new Dzong just completed recently. It was built in the 19th century, restored in 1953 and again in 1990 after being demolished by a fire. The administrative scat and the monk body reside in the Dzong. Enjoy and evening strolls through Mongar quaint village.

From Mongar we drive to Trashigang; we stop for lunch and continue onwards to visit the Trashigang Dzong and attend Trashigang Festival. Again your senses are awakened and you are transported into another time and place. Converse with Bhutanese locals as you gain merit from the religious ritual of purification you now witness. Good Fortune is yours.

Return to attend the last day of the Trashigang Festival; you are fully immersed in Bhutan’s rich culture. Masked dancers whirl in medieval religious purification dance and evoke blessings on all who attend; your camera is snapping away.

After an early breakfast, drive to Khaling. Enroute, visit Sherubtse, Bhutan’s only college and the sacred Zangtokpelri Monastery. At Khaling, visit the blind school and Traditional weaving centre and return to Trashigang in the evening; Dinner in Kanglung at a local house and then return to Trashigang.

Begin our return drive westward as we today drive back to Bumthang. We enjoy many stops along our route and watch for photo opportunity and local yak herds.

Departing Bumthang we drive to Wangdue. Stop in Trongsa town for lunch and arrive in Wangdue to check into our hotel. Tonight we will tour the Wangdi Dzong courtyard; a most impressive Dzong perched strategically high on a hilltop. Tonight you may hear the sound of jackals in the nearby hills.

Depart Wangdue and enjoy a leisure drive to Thimphu. Stop at the high pass along the route for tea and snack. Arrive Thimphu and check into your hotel. This afternoon after lunch is your free time for shopping and we visit Dechen Phodrang Monastic School and paper factory to see hand-made paper. Evening at your leisure; ask your expert Bhutanese guide to assist you in your special request.

This morning we attend the famous Thimphu “weekend market”. Load your camera and get ready to mingle with Bhutanese locals; this is a favorite Bhutanese open shopping market; the marketplace bustles with excitement as local Bhutanese farmers sell their produce and family’s get together to shop and socialize. This is a colorful market and a wonderful opportunity to experience a true Bhutanese experience. Fun and lively, guaranteed to please! Lunch and depart Thimphu towards Paro.

Along our route we take an excursion to Taktshang Monastery; the most famous monastery in Bhutan; Tigers Nest. Here you will embark on a path and hike up to the cafeteria viewpoint for Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 ft. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted here upon. Returning to our vehicle we continue on to Paro and enjoy farewell dinner tonight in a cozy restaurant in Paro village.

An early breakfast served at your hotel and then drive a short distance to the Paro airport where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Good-bye and happy journey back home.