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  • Bhutan: Eastern Bhutan Revealed
Overview

Explore this Remote Himalayan Kingdom with Boundless Journeys

Eastern Bhutan is practically off the map. Here, the mountains are steeper, the valleys are deeper, the trails are wilder, and the villages are more secluded. We wander the most mysterious part of the kingdom seldom experienced by visitors but perfect for the adventuresome few who choose to journey here.

On our journey, appreciate Bhutan’s varied and dramatic scenery of beautiful river valleys, snow capped sacred mountains, and terraced rice fields. Meet welcoming locals while visiting Bhutan’s iconic dzongs, hike to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, and walk through peaceful villages in emerald valleys surrounded by a spectacular mountain backdrop.

What Our Guests Have To Say About This Tour

Outstanding

★★★★★
5 5 1
Simply outstanding!

Exceptional Trip

★★★★★
5 5 1
The Eastern Bhutan Revealed experience is an exceptional trip for the adventure traveler. While it requires a reasonable level of physical condition for the high altitude walking, the traveler will be rewarded with spectacular views and an exceptional cultural experience in a relatively unknown and remote location. This trip was exceptional. While the pre-trip support from the “home office” was important, the exceptional quality largely was the result of the expertise and efforts of the guide (Leki Phuntsho) and driver (“Big Man”).

Excellent guide and driver!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions and we asked a lot of questions! Guide and driver were outstanding and really made the trip special! I felt safe and well taken care of. Very skilled at analyzing participant's skill level and desires and being flexible to meet clients' needs.

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Itinerary &
Accommodations

Itinerary & Accommodations

Day 1

Arrival in Paro

  • Activity Overview: Cultural touring & hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy, hiking on local paths with minimal elevation gain and loss
  • Activity Length: About 2 miles

Our flight into Bhutan provides breathtaking views as we approach Bhutan's only international airport tucked between mountains in the Paro Valley.

We meet our guide and embark on a short warm-up hike beginning at the village of Shaba and crossing the Paro Chu River and ascending up an old path once frequently used by local villagers. The hike affords you views of the village, its surrounding farm fields, and the clear river below, its source the glaciers high in the mountains. The path's gradual descent takes us to the neighboring village of Bondey, where our tour vehicle will be waiting for us to transport us to our hotel for the evening.

Accommodations
Rema Resort

Rema Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Rema Hotel is situated along the banks of the Paro River with rooms enjoying scenic views of the rice paddies and farm fields of the tranquil Paro Valley. The hotel features stunning traditional Bhutanese architecture, yet provides modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Day 2

Fly to Trashigang

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Moderate, hiking on local paths with 1,181' elevation gain (highest elevation: 3,347')
  • Activity Length: 1.5 miles

Today, we depart Paro for eastern Bhutan, our destination being the district capital Trashigang. We will fly into Yonphula airport, the lone domestic airport serving Bhutan's isolated eastern region, providing an alternative to the nearly 15-hour overland journey from Paro to Trashigang.

Our exploration of eastern Bhutan begins with a short, but steep hike from Chagzam Bridge up to the Trashigang Dzong, perched high above the river valley below. A short walk will take us from the dzong to downtown Trashigang, where local farmers sell their crops along the street and local shops contain everyday essentials alongside interesting handmade crafts.

Accommodations
Hotel Lingkhar

Hotel Lingkhar
Trashigang, Bhutan

Located in picturesque suroundings, this is one of the nicest hotels in the area. Ensuite rooms are decorated in traditional Bhutanese style and have private balconies with panoramic vistas.

Day 3

Mongling Temple Hike

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous, hiking on local paths and trails with 2,970' elevation gain and 820' elevation loss (highest elevation: 8,137')
  • Activity Length: 4 miles

We'll begin our day with a hike to the remote Mongling Lhakhang. This small temple sits atop a hill high above Nimshong village and contains a statue of the local deity Jampelyang Shenjey, which many locals still worship. Our hike up to the temple takes us through the countryside, past farmers' fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.

After our hike and a picnic lunch, we will head back to Trashigang for the opportunity to visit the campus of Sherubtse College and chat with some students. Gain some insight from the young Bhutanese students to learn what it was like growing up in Bhutan during a time of great change.

Accommodations
Hotel Lingkhar

Hotel Lingkhar
Trashigang, Bhutan

Located in picturesque suroundings, this is one of the nicest hotels in the area. Ensuite rooms are decorated in traditional Bhutanese style and have private balconies with panoramic vistas.

Day 4

Hike to Rangshikhar Lhakhang

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Strenuous, hiking on local paths and trails with 2,214' elevation gain (highest elevation: 5,856')
  • Activity Length: 1.5 miles

This morning, we partake in another short, but steep hike up to the unique Rangshikhar Lhakhang, a newly constructed temple where the grounds contain a variety of statues depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. Rangshikhar Lhakhang is the residence of the revered Rangshikhar Rinpoche, making this temple a popular place for local people to receive Rangshikhar Rinpoche's blessings.

We enjoy a picnic lunch or perhaps lunch at Rangshikhar Ngagtshang, the neighboring homestay. In the afternoon, we will drive to the sacred Gom Kora Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese due to its religious signficance.

Accommodations
Hotel Lingkhar

Hotel Lingkhar
Trashigang, Bhutan

Located in picturesque suroundings, this is one of the nicest hotels in the area. Ensuite rooms are decorated in traditional Bhutanese style and have private balconies with panoramic vistas.

Day 5

Transfer to Mongar

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate, hiking on local paths and trails with 1,345' elevation gain (highest elevation: 6,726')
  • Activity Length: 1.5 miles

This morning, we depart Trashigang and head to the neighboring town of Mongar, the fastest growing district in eastern Bhutan. Upon arrival in Mongar, we will check into our hotel and explore the town and visit the nearby Mongar Dzong before lunch at our hotel.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic hike passing small gompas with views of the Kuri Chu river valley from Yakgau Village to Phungchula.

Accommodations
Hotel Wangchuk

Hotel Wangchuk
Mongar, Bhutan

Situated on a hill overlooking the small town of Mongar and terraced farmland, Hotel Wangchuk offers comfortable ensuite rooms, each with views of the mountains and valleys below.

Day 6

Transfer to Khoma Village

  • Activity Overview: Cultural touring & hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy

Today, we drive to the remote village of Khoma, a small village but well-known throughout Bhutan for producing the most elaborate and high quality hand-woven textiles. On the drive to this rural area, we have the opportunity to stop and stretch our legs, enjoying the mountain scenery.

Upon arrival to the quaint Khoma village, your gracious homestay host family welcomes you into their home, offering a cup of ara, a traditional Bhutanese rice wine that is a customary offering to guests. Although the homestay is a very basic accommodation, the opportunity to stay with a local family allows for a very special connection to the Bhutanese culture, one that adventurous travelers will surely never forget.

Accommodations
Chimi Yuden Homestay

Chimi Yuden Homestay
Khoma Village, Bhutan

This remote village is known for its homestay program, and Chimi Yuden was not only the first to be established, but is also one of the best in area. Owner Tshering Yangki ensures a comfortable stay with basic amenities and warm hospitality.

Day 7

Sangwa Lo Dru Cave; Gangzur

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate, hiking on local paths and trails with 919' elevation gain and loss (highest elevation: 5,200')
  • Activity Length: 2.5 miles

This morning, we hike from the homestay to the Sangwa Lo Dru meditation cave, high above Khoma Village. This is a popular meditation spot, and the hospitable caretaker shares with us the history behind the meditation cave, as well as details about the holy relics of this sacred site.

In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore Khoma Village, perhaps observing the local women weave the vibrant and intricate textiles for which they are famous. Later in the day, we drive to the nearby village of Gangzur to learn about this region's vanishing art of handmade clay pottery.

Accommodations
Chimi Yuden Homestay

Chimi Yuden Homestay
Khoma Village, Bhutan

This remote village is known for its homestay program, and Chimi Yuden was not only the first to be established, but is also one of the best in area. Owner Tshering Yangki ensures a comfortable stay with basic amenities and warm hospitality.

Day 8

Takila Temple

  • Activity Overview: Cultural touring
  • Activity Length: Easy

We bid our homestay family farewell and leave the village of Khoma behind to make our way back to Mongar. En route, we drive up the steep mountainside past traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, our spectacular mountain views expanding as we continue our climb upwards, our destination being the magnificant Takila Temple. Reaching 173 ft tall, Takila Temple is home to the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche in the world.

Upon arrival in Mongar, we have lunch at our hotel before a visit to a local ara maker, where we learn more about this traditional Bhutanese beverage.

Accommodations
Hotel Wangchuk

Hotel Wangchuk
Mongar, Bhutan

Situated on a hill overlooking the small town of Mongar and terraced farmland, Hotel Wangchuk offers comfortable ensuite rooms, each with views of the mountains and valleys below.

Day 9

Transfer to Jakar

We leave eastern Bhutan and make our way to central Bhutan's Bumthang Valley (approximately a 6-hour drive). We stop for lunch at a local teahouse located in a small village where yak herders pasture their herds during certain months of the year.

Further along on our drive, depending upon timing, we have the option to enjoy a short hike in the lovely Ura Valley. We may stop at Tang Mebartsho (Burning Lake) before arriving at our hotel on the outskirts of Jakar. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps.

Accommodations
Bhutan Mountain Resort

Bhutan Mountain Resort
Jakar, Bhutan

With views of the pine wood forest and historic Wangduechoeling palace, Bhutan Mountain Resort is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang. The family-owned property offers simple, comfortable accommodations and warm service. All 27 rooms are appointed with wood paneling, heated by firewood stoves (or Bukhari), with ensuite baths. Featuring an attentive professional staff and in-house restaurant, the lodge is within walking distance of the Wangduechoeling palace, Jakar Dzong and Chamkhar Town.

Day 10

Bush Man Trek

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous, hiking on local paths and trails with 1,509' elevation gain and 1,148' loss (highest elevation: 10,072')
  • Activity Length: 4 miles

After breakfast we will partake in a hike known as the "Bush Man Trek" that takes us from Chamkhar Kharchu Dratshang Monastery to Bebjur village. While on the trail we'll keep an eye out for wild boars, deer, monal pheasants, and other animal inhabitants of the forest. Our hike concludes with lunch at Bebjur village. After lunch, we will drive to a local estate where the residents converted sections of their ancestral home into a museum in an effort to preserve and share their heritage. Now both travelers to Bhutan and generations of young Bhutanese can learn what life was like for the nobility of the past.

Accommodations
Bhutan Mountain Resort

Bhutan Mountain Resort
Jakar, Bhutan

With views of the pine wood forest and historic Wangduechoeling palace, Bhutan Mountain Resort is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang. The family-owned property offers simple, comfortable accommodations and warm service. All 27 rooms are appointed with wood paneling, heated by firewood stoves (or Bukhari), with ensuite baths. Featuring an attentive professional staff and in-house restaurant, the lodge is within walking distance of the Wangduechoeling palace, Jakar Dzong and Chamkhar Town.

Day 11

Transfer to Paro

This morning, we fly from central Bhutan back to western Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, we will have the day at our leisure. We have some time this afternoon to stroll the Paro market, partake in an easy hike arranged by our guide, or one can opt to simply rest at the hotel before dinner.

Accommodations
Rema Resort

Rema Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Rema Hotel is situated along the banks of the Paro River with rooms enjoying scenic views of the rice paddies and farm fields of the tranquil Paro Valley. The hotel features stunning traditional Bhutanese architecture, yet provides modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Day 12

Tiger's Nest Hike

  • Activity Overview: Hiking & cultural touring
  • Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous, hiking on trails and stone steps with 1,650' elevation gain and loss (highest elevation: 10,171')
  • Activity Length: 4-5 hours (4.5 miles)

This morning, we hike to the famous cliff-side hermitage called Taktsang — "Tiger's Nest" — a monastic retreat built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley. Our hike begins on the valley floor and is a steady uphill climb on a wide hiking trail that switchbacks through pine forests, with glimpses of Tiger's Nest along the way. We pass water-powered prayer wheels and mani stones, as well as a shrine where a high lama was supposedly born — all reminders that for many, this is not just a hike, but a spiritual pilgrimage. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint, Padmasambhava, flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

We return to the valley floor, where we enjoy a trail side picnic lunch before heading back to our hotel. We have some time this afternoon to unwind and relax after our hike, or perhaps stroll the Paro market before dinner.

Accommodations
Rema Resort

Rema Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Rema Hotel is situated along the banks of the Paro River with rooms enjoying scenic views of the rice paddies and farm fields of the tranquil Paro Valley. The hotel features stunning traditional Bhutanese architecture, yet provides modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Day 13

Departure from Paro

We are transferred to the airport in time for your departure from Paro.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.

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Dates &
Prices

Dates And Prices

2024
Trip Length

13 Days

Trip Dates

Nov 4-16, 2024

Festival Dates: March 18

2024 Land Cost

From $6,995 Per Person


Internal Airfare

$995 Per Person

Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok; Domestic flights total: $465, Paro-Yongpulla and Jakar-Paro. Airfare prices subject to change.

Single Supplement

First two reserved:$195

Additional:$695

See single supplement policy below.

Pricing Notes

MAKE IT PRIVATE

9+ Guests: $6,995 per person

4 to 8 Guests: $7,495 per person

Make it Private price is based on Land Cost only, and a guarantee of the specified number of guests in double occupancy. For groups smaller than the numbers shown, or those requiring single occupancy, we reserve the right to adjust the per person price. Additionally, some trips have minimum group sizes. Please call 1-800-941-8010 for details.

What's Included

  • Expert leadership
  • All accommodations
  • All meals
  • Local wine and beer with dinner
  • All on-tour transportation
  • All activities as noted in the itinerary
  • Bhutan visa
  • Explorers Club savings on your next scheduled, small-group trip (conditions apply)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.

Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).

Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.

What To
Expect

What To Expect

Physcial Activity

Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. This custom journey is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are moderate day hikes ranging from 2-5 hours in length with minimal vehicle support. A few days involve some long drives on narrow, winding roads.

Meeting Point

Paro, Bhutan International Airport upon arrival of your flight on Day 1.

Departure point

Paro, Bhutan International Airport in time for your departing flight on Day 13.

Traveling to and from

Most Convenient Airport:
Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK)

Meeting Time and Place:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok (other regional airports upon request).

Departure Time and Place:
Paro, Bhutan in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok (other regional airports upon request).

Weather

The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in October and November and it is the harvest season. During March through May, beautiful flowers are in bloom and it is the planting and ploughing time of year. The months of December through February are clear and cool (can be below freezing at night) and it is the shoulder season, so you will encounter fewer visitors. June through August is the monsoon season and it is generally not recommended to travel to Bhutan at this time of year. You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.

Jakar

October

High: 67
Low: 42

Mongar

October

High: 73
Low: 60

Paro

October

High: 66
Low: 45

Trashigang

October

High: 84
Low: 64

The Altitude

Our trip begins in Paro, which is situated at 7,300 feet, in the foothills of the Himalayas. We make our way over passes and down into valleys reaching a maximum elevation of 13,125' and a minimum elevation of about 3,610' in Trashingang. There is time to move at a comfortable pace, allowing for the adjustment to the mountain air. Keeping well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.

Accommodations

This itinerary includes a combination of the standard and deluxe hotel options available in Bhutan. Although the hotels in Bhutan cannot be compared to international standards, they are comfortable and offer all necessary facilities. We believe that any inconveniences due to these modest accommodations are far outweighed by the unforgettable experience of visiting Bhutan (If you prefer to stay in luxury hotels in Bhutan, please contact us to discuss a private journey).

Due to the unique tourism policy in Bhutan, we are unable to confirm which hotels we will be using until four weeks prior to departure. The accommodations listed will most likely be what we can expect, but may alter due to availability.

When to reserve

It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations. Seats can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as the payment for these flights (subject to change). Please contact our office with any questions regarding these important policies.

Development in Bhutan

Although visiting Bhutan in many ways is like stepping back in time and has been a longtime favorite of Boundless Journeys' travelers for this reason, it is important to understand that this evolving society is also eager to keep pace in the modern world. While the government is approaching the development of their country with sensitivity towards preserving the environment and culture, you can still expect to encounter some of the less positive signs of modernization. Some examples include: road construction projects that may hinder driving or cause noise and dust; litter in developed areas; and begging. We ask you to visit Bhutan with an open mind and leave any rigid expectations about the pristine nature of the country behind. It is important to embrace what you see and experience without judgment and recognize that Bhutan, just as any country, is struggling to be a part of this complex and rapidly changing world. We are confident that with this attitude, the Bhutan you experience will be a fascinating and memorable place.

Cuisine

Bhutanese dishes borrow elements of Indian and Chinese cuisine, however it is also unique in its style and tastes. One of the most distinguishing features of Bhutanese cuisine is the ubiquitous chili. The Bhutanese are passionate about chili; you will see them spread all over to dry - on the roadsides, on rooftops and in courtyards. Ema datse, a dish made with chilis and cheese, is a spicy favorite. Some excellent non-spicy options include kewa datse (potatoes and cheese sauce), and shamu datse (mushrooms with cheese sauce). Bhutanese also love momos. Though a Tibetan specialty, these dumplings now occupy a permanent place in Bhutanese cuisine. Chicken or pork momos are favored, but cheese momos are most common. Another important feature of this exotic cuisine is the use of rice, found in various forms in dishes ranging from breakfast to dinner.
We do our best to offer a la carte meals at unique local establishments, however, options are quite limited in the smaller towns, so many of the meals will be served buffet-style at our hotels. There are usually continental, Bhutanese, Chinese, and Indian dishes served.

While we do our best to offer our guests the best possible meals and food available in Bhutan, it is important to know that the food there is basic and does not offer the variety and quality that we may be accustomed to at home. Please travel to Bhutan with an open mind and do not have high expectations in this regard and you will not be disappointed. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated with advance notice.

Guides

Featured Guides

About Our Guides

With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.

From $6,995 / person* *airfare not included
13 Days
Reserve This Tour
  • Departure Dates: Nov 4-16, 2024
Festival Dates: March 18
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Bhutan: Eastern Bhutan Revealed

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Activity Level 3 Moderate

2-5 hours of walking, hiking, and cultural touring with some long drives on narrow, winding roads.

Read about our Activity Levels
  • Group Size: 2-16 Guests

Make it Your Own!

This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.

Prefer a Custom Tour?

Questions?

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

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