East Bhutan Tour
This tour showcases the unexplored and little know part of Bhutan where one can experience the authentic culture alongside dense forests
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – April
- Region: Bhutan
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture, Nature
- Grade: Easy
Eastern Bhutan is one of the least explored regions of the kingdom, thus offering one of most authentic experiences for cultural and nature oriented tourists. The entire region is awash in unspoiled natural beauty, towering cliffs and pristine forests with great variations in altitude and climatic conditions. Alongside you will be able to experience some of the country’s most ancient spiritual practices while observing Animistic and Bon religious rituals.
On our East Bhutan tour you will witness the Ramjar Drubchen – a traditional meditation retreat led by a high monk, and learn about the unique culture of the people of Eastern Bhutan. Along with the way you will be visit some of the pristine forests and parks of Eastern Bhutan to see some unique birds and other forms of wildlife.
- Travel to some of the least visited parts of Bhutan
- Stay in a homestay in a village
- Witness a meditation retreat by monks
- Hike in Bumdeling Wild Life Sanctuary
Photos
Day 1: Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkher 106 kms; 4 hours
Pickup from Guwahati airport and drive to Samdrup Jongkher, the small border town which is the lifeline of the eastern part of Bhutan. Check into hotel and relax in the evening. O/n at Tashi Gasel Lodge or similar
Day 2: Samdrup Jongkher – Tashigang 180 kms; 6 hours
Today we commence our drive through up through thickly forested mountain slopes with deep gorges. The forests are punctuadet by small villages nestled on the steep hill slopes. Stop for lunch at Womrong, after which a gentle climb will get us to the village of Khaling, which loosely translates to the valley of birds. Here we will visit the weaving centre to learn about the rich weaving culture of Bhutan. Continue our drive to the charming town of Tashigang. O/n at Druk Deothjung Hotel or similar
Day 3: Tashigang to Ramjar
After an early breakfast we drive to the picturesque village of Ramjar near the banks of the Dangme Chu river. The village is inhabited by the Tshangla (Sharchop) community who are quite different from the people residing in Western and Central Bhutan. We will walk through the village to interact and learn about the culture of the local people. Our stay will coincide with the Drubchen – a traditional form of meditation retreat in which a large number of lay people and monks will recite prayers to promote inner peace and harmony . O/n at a homestay in Ramjar
Day 4: Ramjar – Gomkora – Tashiyangtshey
In the morning drive to Gomkora temple, around 16 kilometers from Ranjar. Surrounded by terraced fields, it is probably one of the most beautiful temples in all of Bhutan. Oral history mentions that Guru Rimpoche subdued an evil dragon here crushing it into the rock leaving impressions of the dragon’s body and his hat.
From here we continue our drive to Tashiyangtse following the Gamri chu, over a scenic road covered with forests and waterfalls. In some time we get the first glimpse of the valley, along with its landmark monument – The ChortenKora , a Nepal type of stupa. The Tashiyangtse valley was isolated from the outside world for a very long time, as a result their culture and dialect is very unique. The region is also well known for its highly skilled artisans who make wooded products, like curved bowls , cups and the like .
After lunch visit the arts and craft school where we will be able to see students learning the 13 different arts of Bhutan like woodcarving , thangkha painting , pottery , tailoring etc . In the evening visit the Chorten kora, joining the local people for a circumbulation around the stupa . O/n at Hotel Karmaling or similar
Day 5: Excursion to Bumdeling
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-western part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km of buffer zone encompassing parts of Trashiyangtse, Lhuntshe, and Mongar district. It shares international borders with the Tibetan region of China in the north and India in the north east. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda.
We will drive and walk though this evergreen sanctuary, enjoying the rich bird life along the way. By evening drive back to Tashiyangtshey . O/n at Hotel Karmaling or similar
Day 6: Tashiyangtshey – Ranjung – Radhi – Tashigang
After breakfast we will resume our drive to Tashigang. On crossing the Chazam bridge we take a bypass to Ranjung and Radhi village. Radhi village is often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ as it grows rice for most of Eastern Bhutan . This village is also famous for its hand woven textiles made of raw silk. All textiles are made using the traditional back-strap loom and natural dyes as a result the village produces some of the most authentic raw silk textiles in Bhutan . O/n at Druk Deothjung Hotel or similar
Day 7: Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkher
Continue our drive back towards Samdrup Jongkher, enjoying the scenic landscapes made up of dense forests, deep gorges and flowing waterfalls. O/n at Tashi Gasel Lodge or similar
Day 8: Samdrup Jongkher to Guwahati
After breakfast drop to Guwahati airport
Included
- Accommodation on a twin sharing basis in hotels mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals from dinnner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Transport using a Toyota Van or similar
- A knowledgabale English speaking guide through the trip
Not Included
- Flights to and fro Guwahati
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- GST
- Tips, Soft drink charges, table drinks, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, beer and liquor charges
- Any other item not mentioned in “Cost Includes” section above
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