BHUTAN WEST TO EAST CULTURAL TOUR

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO The flight to Paro offers one of the most breathtaking mountain views in the world, featuring a constantly shifting panorama of some of the highest peaks on earth. Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our representative after clearing customs. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses numerous religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts, providing a comprehensive introduction to Bhutan's historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzongs are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were originally strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel, your guide will provide an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill and brings you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor. For those unable to hike, a horse ride up to the cafeteria can be arranged. The sight of Taktsang Monastery, built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is truly spectacular. The Monastery is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, the great Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months when he introduced the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they transformed into Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built, is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby, there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong and the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO Enjoy a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. The valley is reached via the scenic Chelila Pass (3900m) and is characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain and unique architecture. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 04: PARO - THIMPHU Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which is about 1.5 hours away. Thimphu was once a rustic village situated in a broad river valley and is now the nation's capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including visits to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit coincides with the weekend, take a walk through the Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 05: THIMPHU Continue your exploration of Thimphu with visits to the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which features a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse. If time permits, you may visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion' that houses some government ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries, two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 06: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks on a clear day, before descending into the Punakha valley (3 hrs). The Dochu-La area is covered with vast Rhododendron forests that bloom in late April/early May, turning the mountains into a riot of glorious spring colors.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan'. The main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture, featuring four intricately carved entrance pillars made from cypress and decorated with gold and silver. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman for his unorthodox teachings. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

DAY 07: PUNAKHA - PHOBJIKHA VALLEY Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs) via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, crossing a high pass into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys and the chosen winter home of black-necked cranes (November - March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. After lunch, visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black-necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and the 16th-century Gangtey Gompa Monastery. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.

DAY 08: PHOBJIKA VALLEY - TRONGSA Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. En route, visit the beautiful 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, and the Ta Dzong museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.

DAY 09: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG After breakfast, proceed towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan's oldest palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries. Upon arrival, visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and the 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch, visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom, and the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG Spend the day exploring the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th-century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum, which offers an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan, and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire), where Pemalingpa, the founder of the Nyingmapa sect, is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.

DAY 11: BUMTHANG - MONGAR The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours and offers spectacular views along the way. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan's road network, Thrumshing-La Pass (4,000m). From there, the road gradually descends through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields, and hamlets before reaching Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s using traditional methods without the use of plans or nails. Overnight at your lodge in Mongar.

DAY 12: MONGAR - TRASHIGANG Drive to Trashigang (4 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns, crossing the Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi. Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch, visit Trashigang Dzong. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.

DAY 13: TRASHIGANG (Excursion to Tashiyangtse) Visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village, where you can observe women weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric, before reaching Tashiyangtse, the administrative center for this district. The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit Tashiyangtse Dzong, the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora, and the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are trained in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.

DAY 14: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR After breakfast, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and Assam, India. The drive takes about 9 hours, with many beautiful villages and landscapes along the way. Overnight at your hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

DAY 15: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - GUWAHATI After breakfast, your guide will arrange for an Indian vehicle to transfer you to Guwahati, the capital city of the Indian northeastern state of Assam, for your onward flight. Tashi Delek!