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From$1,390

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Billionaire Singapore found that the top three things that luxury travel segment guests are looking for while on holiday are cultural experiences, food and drink, and experiencing local life and people. Bhutan, one of the least-visited countries in the world and home to a wealth of natural and cultural discoveries made it to the list of five destinations that are trending with Asian travellers for 2023, based on a luxury survey.

6 Days 5 Nights

Samdrup Jongkhar

Max People : unlimited

Tour Highlights

starting in Guwahati and ending there
Seeing all the attractions sites in Trashigang and Trashi Yangse
Remote Highland Yeti-populated settlement in Merak
Staying in farmhouses in nearby villages
Genuine Hospitality of the Brokpa nomads
Start or end of an optional trip in Paro

Arrival Location

Samdrup Jongkhar (Google Map)

Departure Location

Samdrup Jongkhar (Google Map)

Price Includes

Airport Transfers
Stay in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
All three meals, tea and coffee
Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver and
English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
Short hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
Monumental Fees
Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
VISA processing Fee

Price Excludes

International Air fare
Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcohol
Tips/gratuities
Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

Tour variations, Extensions and Combination

Extend hike from Merak to Sakteng village (+1 or 2 days): This alternative crossing through Merak-Sakteng National Park is strongly advised if you enjoy hiking.

Visit Mongar and Lhuentse (+2 days): Explore all the Eastern Bhutan attractions, such as the enormous statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the well-known saint from the eighth century, the Khoma traditional weaving town, and the Drametse Monastery. Details can be found in the 8-day itinerary, Best of Eastern Bhutan.

Extend with Omba Nye “The Tiger’s Nest of the East” hike (+2 days): Omba Nye, a newly popular 3-day trekking route in Bhutan, can also be completed as a 2-day, 1-night hiking expedition with an overnight stay in a homestay in the Omba hamlet. Similar to Taktsang in Paro, the Omba Nye Monastery is perched on a magnificent rocky ledge.

Start or finish in Paro (0 or more days): You can simply begin or end your vacation in Paro, Western Bhutan, where you can visit the well-known Tiger’s Nest monastery and other attractions, thanks to a domestic flight that connects Yonphula Airport in Eastern Bhutan with Paro in the West.

Itinerary

Day 1Guwahati-Samdrup Jongkhar-Tashigang

You will be picked up in Guwahati at 5 a.m. and driven to Samdrup Jongkhar. Your driver and guide from Bhutan will be waiting for you, and they will take care of the immigration procedures. The day-long ascent to the Himalayas will then begin. After a short drive, we will halt to receive a Hindu hermit’s blessing for the safety of our voyage. Soon after, you will have the chance to explore Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, one of several enchanting Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan that features intricate mural painting. You will make a stop in Khaling village in the afternoon to see the National Handloom Development Project, which upholds a rich local weaving culture.
Also, on your itinerary is a stop at the National Institute for the Blind. The creation of the Bhutanese version of the Braille script is one of this modern institution’s accomplishments. You’ll also pass past Sherubtse College, the first campus of a Bhutanese university founded in 1978, and Karma Thegsum Dechenling Goemba, a large monastery school. We will also visit a temple in the neighboring village of Kanglung. Arrive at Tashigang.

Day 2Tashigang-Trashiyangtse

Visit the Trashigang Dzong in the morning, which was constructed in the 17th century and boasts a commanding outlook of the valley. There are a few notable temples and regional government buildings inside. You will next drive to Trashi Yangtse for around two hours. Visit the Gom Kora temple along the journey to see the physical remains of the saint and magician Guru Padmasambhava, who lived in the eighth century. A longer trip will occasionally provide clear-weather vistas of snowy mountains. The historic Trashi Yangtse dzong, which houses 300 monks, is the last striking structure you will encounter. The monk Pema Lingpa founded the dzong, which served to guard an ancient trade route with Tibet.
The renowned Chorten Kora, the largest stupa in Bhutan constructed in Nepali style, is located next to the Trashi Yangtse. At the start of the year, two vibrant local festivals are held here. The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, a school where young people learn the skills and crafts of their ancestors to preserve Bhutan’s traditional arts, is located in Trashi Yangtse. If you have the time, it’s also a good idea to take a detour to the Bumdeling Bird Reserve, which is farther to the north, since you might be lucky enough to see the rare Black Necked Cranes there in the winter. Return to Trashigang in the evening.

Day 3Trashigang-Merak

Ascending to the high mountains of Merak – Sakteng, also known as Migoi National Park, will begin early in the morning today after you swap your vehicle for a dependable Bolero jeep. Most locals will be able to recall several instances when they or their families came across yeti in the wild. Yeti are known locally as migoi. The welcome group of Borkpa nomads dressed in indigenous garb will be waiting at Mon-la pass after a roughly five-hour journey on a difficult road. Experiencing the warm welcome of the locals, a delicious nomad meal, a delectable local spirit, and a chang beer that tastes like milk. Continue your trip to the village of Merak (3500 m), where you will stay in a local farmstay as a guest of the Brokpa family.
Discover the village to learn more about the culture there. You’ll observe how locals weave wool into beautiful traditional textiles and clothing. Learn how to prepare ara, butter tea, and yak cheese (local rice, wheat or corn spirit).

Day 4Merak-Tashigang

To enjoy stunning views of the village and Aum Yomo hill, trek above the settlement in the morning. After bidding your hosts in Merak village farewell, get back in a Bolero and head back to Tashigang. Rangjung monastery is a stunning Nyingma style of Buddhism monastery where you may see a number of intriguing statues and artifacts if you arrive early. Enjoy your leisurely evening.

Day 5Tashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar

Drive 45 minutes in the morning to the Rangjung monastery. There are many intriguing statues and artifacts housed in this lovely Nyingma institution. The next day, you will travel back to Smadrup Johngkhar to spend your final night in Bhutan.

Day 6Back to Guwahati at noon

After completing your morning immigration procedures, you will bid your Bhutanese driver and guide farewell. Your Indian counterpart will then drive you to Guwahati, where you will arrive before midday in enough to catch a flight to your final destination.