Eastern Wilderness Expedition

Into the Untamed Valleys of Eastern Bhutan

Venture far beyond the well-trodden paths of Western Bhutan into the untamed beauty of the East — a realm of remote valleys, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted traditions. The Eastern Wilderness Expedition takes you on a captivating overland journey from Paro to Trashigang, through misty mountain passes, pristine forests, and timeless villages rarely visited by outsiders.

This is Bhutan as few have seen it — raw, spiritual, and profoundly authentic. Discover the region’s hidden monasteries, unique dialects, and warm-hearted locals, while traveling through dramatic landscapes that reveal Bhutan’s wild soul.

Trip Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Start Point: Paro International Airport
End Point: Samdrup Jongkhar (exit by road to India or return flight to Paro)
Best Season: March–May & September–November
Activity Level: Moderate
Tour Type: Overland Cultural Expedition

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Gateway to the Himalayas

Arrive at Paro International Airport, greeted by your Bhutan Lhome Adventure guide.
Visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong (National Museum).
Evening leisure walk around Paro town.
Overnight: Paro
Highlights: Cultural immersion, scenic valley views

Day 2: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

Early morning hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage site.
Return to Paro for lunch and afternoon rest.
Evening briefing on your Eastern expedition journey ahead.
Overnight: Paro
Highlights: Iconic monastery, spiritual energy, acclimatization

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu (Capital Exploration)

Drive to Thimphu (1.5–2 hrs).
Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and Centenary Farmers Market.
Evening free for local dining or traditional arts shopping.
Overnight: Thimphu
Highlights: City-meets-tradition, cultural contrast

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochu La Pass

Drive to Punakha, crossing Dochu La Pass (3,100 m) with breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Visit Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
Overnight: Punakha
Highlights: Dzong visit, mountain panoramas, temple blessings

Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa (Heart of Central Bhutan)

Journey eastward through lush subtropical valleys and winding mountain roads.
En route, stop at Wangdue Phodrang for a short village walk.
Arrive in Trongsa, Bhutan’s central stronghold.
Visit Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Overnight: Trongsa
Highlights: Historical fortress, deep cultural roots

Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang (The Spiritual Heartland)

Scenic drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual epicenter.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, and Jambay Lhakhang — among Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
Overnight: Bumthang
Highlights: Sacred valley, monasteries, spirituality

Day 7: Bumthang – Ura Valley – Mongar

Morning drive through the picturesque Ura Valley, dotted with quaint stone houses and yak pastures.
Cross Thrumshing La Pass (3,800 m) — one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes — into eastern Bhutan.
Arrive in Mongar, a gateway to the East.
Overnight: Mongar
Highlights: Himalayan pass crossing, remote beauty, village life

Day 8: Mongar – Lhuentse (Ancestral Valley of Royal Lineage)

Excursion to Lhuentse, birthplace of Bhutan’s royal ancestors.
Visit Khoma Village, famous for exquisite kushuthara textiles woven by hand on backstrap looms.
Meet artisans and learn about Bhutan’s rich weaving tradition.
Return to Mongar by evening.
Overnight: Mongar
Highlights: Textile heritage, cultural immersion, scenic drive

Day 9: Mongar – Trashigang (The Jewel of the East)

Drive to Trashigang, one of Bhutan’s largest and most vibrant eastern districts.
Visit Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched above the Gamri River.
Explore Kanglung College town, a lively educational hub.
Overnight: Trashigang
Highlights: Eastern culture, scenic landscapes, dzong visit

Day 10: Trashigang – Trashiyangtse Excursion

Full-day trip to Trashiyangtse, renowned for its Chorten Kora and traditional wood carving workshops.
Visit Chorten Kora, modeled after Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa, a sacred pilgrimage site.
Observe black-necked cranes (seasonal, winter months).
Return to Trashigang.
Overnight: Trashigang
Highlights: Pilgrimage site, local craftsmanship, birdwatching

Day 11: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar

Begin your descent toward the warmer lowlands of southern Bhutan.
Drive through subtropical forests, passing villages and monasteries.
Arrive at Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s southeastern border town.
Farewell dinner with your guide and driver.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Highlights: Scenic transition, farewell reflections

Day 12: Departure

Cross the border to India or fly back to Paro (depending on chosen exit route).
End of Eastern Wilderness Expedition with blessings and gratitude.

Inclusions

11 nights’ accommodation in 3–4 star hotels / lodges
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Licensed Bhutanese cultural guide
Comfortable private transport with professional driver
All entrance fees to monuments and monasteries
Visa assistance, trekking permits (if applicable), and government royalties

Exclusions

International flights to Bhutan
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, tips)
Travel insurance
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Recommended Packing List

Comfortable walking shoes
Layered clothing for altitude variation
Rain/wind jacket
Sun protection & reusable water bottle
Camera & binoculars for landscapes and birds

Why Book With Us?

Expert local guides offering authentic insights
Carefully curated itineraries for immersive experiences
Focus on responsible and sustainable travel
Personalised attention for small groups

Optional Add-ons

Hot stone bath in Punakha
Extended trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Cultural workshops: traditional weaving or archery lessons