Overview
Experience Bhutan like never before on this 16-day Grand East to West Bhutan tour, an in-depth journey covering the country’s least-visited eastern regions, sacred central valleys, and iconic western highlights. From the cultural heartland of Bumthang to the weaving villages of Lhuentse, the pristine valleys of Phobjikha, and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this itinerary offers a rare and authentic Bhutan experience.
Perfect for culture enthusiasts, slow travelers, photographers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers, this extended Bhutan tour reveals the kingdom’s living traditions, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and deep-rooted spirituality.
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Begin sightseeing with visits to:
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) – A majestic fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley
National Museum (Ta Dzong) – A former watchtower showcasing Bhutanese history and art
Paro CSI Market – A local handicrafts and community-based market
Overnight stay in Paro
Fly to Trashigang, the gateway to eastern Bhutan. Upon arrival, enjoy a short nature walk or visit:
Trashigang Dzong – Dramatically perched above the confluence of the Drangme Chhu rivers
Overnight stay in Trashigang
Explore the rich cultural traditions of eastern Bhutan:
Visit Radi Village, famous for traditional handwoven textiles
Explore local handicrafts and village life
Optional excursions to Sakten Valley (home of the Brokpa semi-nomads) or Trashiyangtse, known for woodcraft and chorten architecture
Overnight stay in Trashigang
Drive west through lush agricultural landscapes toward Autsho, stopping en route at:
Mongar Dzong – A fine example of Bhutanese architecture without nails
Continue through scenic valleys and rural settlements.
Overnight stay in Autsho
Travel to Lhuentse, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal Family. Visit:
Khoma Village, renowned for its intricate Kushuthara weaving, worn by Bhutanese royalty and nobility
Overnight stay in Autsho
Enjoy a relaxed morning before visiting:
Jarung Khashor Chorten – A sacred stupa linked to Tibetan Buddhist legends
Birdwatching near Shongar Dzong, an area rich in Himalayan birdlife
Overnight stay near Yongko La
Cross the spectacular Thrumshing La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes.
Stop en route at:
Ura Valley – A picturesque high-altitude village
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – A sacred pilgrimage site associated with Tertön Pema Lingpa
Overnight stay in Bumthang
Explore Bhutan’s spiritual heartland with visits to:
Jambay Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century)
Kurjey Lhakhang – Associated with Guru Padmasambhava
Tamshing Lhakhang – A 16th-century monastery
Leisure walk through Chamkhar Town
Overnight stay in Bumthang
Drive to Phobjikha Valley via Trongsa, stopping at:
Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum – Detailing Bhutan’s monarchy
Scenic alpine passes and forests
Arrive in the glacial Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes.
Overnight stay in Phobjikha
Travel west toward Punakha, descending into subtropical valleys. En route visits include:
Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
Local nunneries
Talo Village, known for traditional houses and flower gardens
Overnight stay in Punakha
Discover Punakha’s cultural highlights:
Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge
Visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers
Scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, built for world peace
Overnight stay in Punakha
Drive to Thimphu via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), offering panoramic Himalayan views and the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Arrive in Bhutan’s capital and explore selected landmarks.
Overnight stay in Thimphu
Explore Thimphu’s cultural and modern attractions:
Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point)
Motithang Takin Preserve
Simply Bhutan Living Museum
Local markets, museums, and optional short hikes
Overnight stay in Thimphu
Return to Paro Valley with visits to:
Drukgyel Dzong, overlooking Mount Jomolhari
Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, famous for its miraculous orange tree
Overnight stay in Paro
Embark on the highlight of your Bhutan journey – the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Perched dramatically 914 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is one of the most revered monasteries in the Himalayas.
Choose between a viewpoint hike or the full monastery trek
Experience Bhutan’s deep spiritual energy
Overnight stay in Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, and spiritual heritage.
Your feedback means the world to us
Our tour guide, Sangay Wangchuk was knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply passionate about Bhutanese culture and history. His insights added so much depth to each location we visited, and he made sure we understood the significance of each place in a way that was engaging and easy to follow. He was always just a call or message away, ready to assist with any queries or requests, which gave us a lot of comfort throughout the trip. Also he entertained us with his beautiful Shero -shayri & hind songs during the long travel.
Every aspect of the tour – from transportation and accommodations to sightseeing and local experiences – was thoughtfully curated. Thanks to the Teem Travel, we could fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and serenity of Bhutan without any logistical stress.
On behalf of our Group of Four, may I thank you, your Guide Kinley Lekpa and Pilot Pratap for taking excellent care of us, right from the moment we landed in Paro Int. Airport on Aug 17, to the time we reached the Paro Int. Airport on Aug 22, to take a return flight back to India.All four of us are immensely pleased with your Company and your officers Kinley and Pratap for the kind courtesy and genuine warmth extended to us throughout our 6 day stay in Bhutan-rightly called as the Happiest Country in the World.
Our family had the most incredible experience in visiting Bhutan and I thank TEEM TRAVEL BHUTAN. I recently had the pleasure of touring Bhutan with Teem Travel, and I must say, it was a truly memorable and seamless experience right from the very beginning (Pick up from Bagdogra Airport), the planning and coordination were handled with professionalism and care, ensuring we had nothing to worry.
