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
- Dates: 09 Mar – 16 Mar 2025
- Region: Bhutan
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture, Nature
- Grade: Easy
- Price: Rs.72,000 + GST
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 this trip you will witness the Chorten Kora festival where you will be able to witness unique dances and learn about the culture of people from Eastern Bhutan. Our journey will also take us to the remote Merak village to experience the ancient customs of the Brokpa community .
- Travel to some of the least visited parts of Bhutan
- Witness the Chorten Kora festival
- Stay in the little know Brokpa village of Merak
- Hike in Sakteng National Park Sanctuary
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. On reaching the border complete the immigration formalities , after which we explore the town. Check into hotel and relax in the evening.
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 punctuated 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. If time permits we will visit the dzong at Tashigang.
Day 3: Tashigang to Merak
Today we drive to Merak village, in the far Eastern corner of Bhutan. This remote village is inhabited by the Brokpa community who still lead their pastoral way of life. We will drive to Ranjung town from where a dirt road will take us up the obscure villages of Radhi and Chaling, till we reach Mendula pass. From here, it is downhill through the rhododendron forests, and meadows formed by Donmong chu.
In the second half we will walk around the village located at an altitude of 3500 meters. It will open our eyes to the way of living of the Brokpa community.
Day 4: Merak
In the first half we will go for a hike up the route which goes to Nagchung La pass. It is an extremely picturesque hike passing through rhododendron forests and open meadows which offer some spectacular views.
In the second half explore Merak village learning about the unique cultural practices and traditions of the Brokpa community. It is assumed that the people of Merak migrated from Tsona region in Tibet as their cultural practices and language are very similar.
Day 5: Merak – 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.
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.
Day 6 : Tashiyangtse
After Breakfast drive to chorten kora to witness the festival which attracts not only people from other parts of Eastern Bhutan but also from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh. We will have an opportunity to see unique masked Cham dances, depicting local stories related to the Chorten and the surrounding areas.
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.
Day 8: Samdrup Jongkher to Guwahati
After breakfast drop to Guwahati airport
Cost per person(for Indian nationals only): Rs.72,000/- (+ 5% GST)
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
- A knowledgabale English speaking guide through the trip
- Sustainable Development Fees
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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