• Overall

  Looking for something different from your Bhutan tour? Look no further. Koryo Tours has spent months researching a unique Bhutan itinerary, and we've finally perfected it. We will travel from East to West, exploring one of Bhutan's least-known eastern regions. A unique area with a distinct culture and spiritualism, combined with a beautiful, unscathed natural environment.

  Most of Eastern Bhutan lives in tiny hamlets and are often shielded high above roads or can
  even be situated in isolated valleys. With limited interaction with the outside world, the culture and traditions here run deep. 

  Of course, no Bhutan tour is complete without covering the highlights such as Paro and Tiger's Nest. This trip combines the must-sees as well as offering a unique road trip adventure across the Eastern region. 

  Journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

  Over the course of 11 days, this trip will take you on a cultural deep dive through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. Traversing both land and air as we drive up landscapes over 3,500m and take a domestic flight to enjoy the nail-biting landing into Paro Airport (famously one of the world’s most thrilling runways). 

  Our journey starts in Guwahati, the vibrant gateway to Northeast India and Bhutan. From there, we cross into Bhutan’s wild east. A land of ancient weaving traditions, hidden alpine villages, and untouched valleys where age-old ways of life continue to thrive. Over the next ten days, we'll traverse dramatic landscapes, from thick forests to soaring mountain passes, stay in charming homestays and characterful lodges, and experience the incredible warmth of the Bhutanese people first-hand.

  Highlights of this one-of-a-kind expedition include visiting the mystical village of Merak, home to the Brokpa people whose distinctive customs have remained unchanged for centuries. Exploring the colourful markets and sacred temples of Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse. And witnessing Bhutan's finest textile arts at the heart of its eastern highlands. We'll wind our way westward into the lush Bumthang valleys, the cultural heartland of Bhutan, before reaching the iconic landmarks of Paro and Thimphu.

  All meals, accommodation, transport, entrance fees and guiding by both a local guide and Koryo Tours tour leader are all included. Along with, of course, the warmth and expertise that Koryo Tours is known for. Our small group tours are curated with curiosity, cultural respect, and a genuine sense of adventure. 

  Like with any Koryo Tours adventure, this Bhutan trip promises more than just following a scheduled itinerary. It will be a journey that gets you under the skin of Bhutan and leaves you with memories (and friendships!) to last a lifetime. 

  Spaces are limited, and Bhutan has a daily tourist cap - so don’t miss out! 

  ---

  ---

  Don't want the journey to be over so soon?
  How about joining this with our Bangladesh trip for a real sense of adventure - and contrasts.
  
  Check out our Bhutan & Bangladesh Combo Tour here. 

  Highlights

  • Chelela Pass at 3,988 metres, the highest motorable point in Bhutan.
  • Hike to Tiger's Nest, the most iconic building in Bhutan.
  • Bhutanese hospitality and a unique insight into life, mixed with a great sense of humour.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 11

  1. March 3 | Tuesday

     Arrival Day in Guwahati

     Arrival in the largest city of Assam and the gateway to Northeast India and East Bhutan

     • Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) from major Indian cities with international flight connections. The latest recommended arrival time in Guwahati is 16:00.
        
     • Your driver will wait for you at the airport to pick you up for a transfer to Dynasty Hotel, where Michael Palin also stayed during filming the BBC documentary Himalaya with Michael Palin.
        
     • Check-in at the hotel.

     Welcome Dinner

     • We will gather in the hotel's restaurant for orientation and a welcome dinner to sample some excellent Indian food.

      

     Accommodation | Dynasty Hotel, Guwahati

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. March 4 | Wednesday

     From India to Bhutan

     Drive from Guwahati, India to Sandrup Jongkhar, Bhutan

     • We will depart by chartered bus from the Dynasty Hotel in the morning and reach the Indo-Bhutanese border after driving ca. 100 kilometres in about 3 hours.
        
     • After Indian exit formalities, we will cross over to the land of the Thunder Dragon, where we will receive our Bhutanese visa and be stamped into Bhutan. Today's destination is just a few minutes drive from the border checkpoint.

     Sandrup Jonghkar (Alt.: 173 m)

     • Check-in and lunch at the hotel.
        
     • We will spend the afternoon exploring the streets of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is situated in the country's southeastern region. It is the largest urban centre in Eastern Bhutan. In the past, many British political officers stationed in Sikkim took the route from Samdrup Jongkhar to enter Bhutan.
        
     • During our stroll, we will stop at a Tashi Cell shop to get our local SIM card, and there will also be an opportunity to exchange Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). If you have Indian rupees, you can also use them throughout Bhutan, and the exchange rate is 1:1.
        
     • Refreshments and dinner at the hotel.

      

      

     Accommodation | T.L.T. Hotel 

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. March 5 | Thursday

     Drive to Trashigang 180km (Alt 1174 m)

     • After an early breakfast, drive to Trashigang. The driving distance is roughly 6 hours and you will see different vegetation as you drive towards Trashigang.
        
     • National Handloom Development Project | Enroute, stop at Khaling and visit the National Handloom Development Project operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan. The weaving centre uses only natural dyes for the exquisite traditional textiles that are produced here.
        
     • National Institute for the Disabled | Depending on time and interest, visit the National Institute for the Disabled. The Institute assimilates students from all over Bhutan who are blind or handicapped into the local educational system and provides special resources and training.
        
     • Trashigang | Trashigang is the country’s largest district with an altitude ranging from 600m to over 4000m. Trashigang town is set on a scenic hillside and was once a bustling trade centre for merchants looking to barter their goods in Tibet. Trashigang is also the principal marketplace for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose unique way of dress stands out from the regular Bhutanese gho and kira.
        
     • Trashigang has areas where certain shaman practices still exist and many age–old traditions and practices thrive in the rural areas here.
        
     • Enjoy some refreshments before retiring for the day.

     Accommodation | Lingkhar Lodge

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. March 6 | Friday

     Day Excursion to Merak, 64km (Alt 3520m)

     • After an early breakfast, we enjoy a day excursion to Merak. We will drive to the alpine village of Merak, which opened to tourism only in 2010, with great care to safeguard the unique customs and lifestyle of this small community.
        
     • Rangjung | En route, we pass through Rangjung, a small commercial hub of several villages in the area.
        
     • Rice Bowl of the East | Continue driving through Radhi, a village known as the 'Rice Bowl of the East' for being the largest producer of rice in the east. The village of Radhi is also known for producing naturally dyed raw silk textiles in the country.
        
     • The drive takes 3 hours or so to reach Merak.
        
     • Lunch served at 12 noon in Merak village Home Stay.
        
     • Exploration of Merak Village | You will visit some of the places of interest within the village with historical and religious significance, visit the family home, and observe their daily life. You may also want to try on their unique traditional costumes. These totally stand out from the national dress Gho (men’s dress) and Kira (women’s dress).
        
     • School Visit | Visit the school where you can interact with weather-beaten but inquisitive and cheerful students.
        
     • The whole village of Merak is a cluster of houses on a beautiful meadow surrounded by scattered dwarf rhododendrons.
        
     • Retrace the journey to Trashigang.
        
     • Refreshments are served before retiring for the day.

     Accommodation | Lingkhar Lodge

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. March 7 | Saturday

     Drive to Trashi Yangtse - Mongar, 58km (Alt 1800m)

     • After an early hearty breakfast, drive to Trashi Yangtse.
        
     • We retrace the road back towards Mongar by descending until Chazam (9km). From Chazam, take the side road through sparse vegetation to Gomkora (13km). Around 2 km after Gomkora, you will arrive at the sleepy little town of Doksum (860m). From Doksum, the road turns northwest following the Kulong Chu valley and finally arrives at Trashiyangtse. 

     Chorten Kora

     • Chorten Kora of Trashi Yangtse is said to be built in the same style as that of the Buddha Stupa of Nepal, lying on a low river valley below the Trashiyangtse town.
        
     • The structure is said to be the most historical structure of Buddhist culture. Lots of tourists are attracted throughout the year in this beautiful place which is gaining its importance as a popular location of sightseeing in Trashiyangtse.
        
     • Lama Gnawang Lodey built this chorten in 1740. It is said that the chorten was built in the site where a demon was subdued. An annual festival is celebrated in Chorten Kora on the 15th day of the third month. People from different places assemble here to celebrate this festival. Hundreds of Dakpas from Arunachal Pradesh visit the chorten every year during the festival time.
        
     • Lunch served in Trashi Yangtse.

     Institute of Zorig Chusum

     • Institute of Zorig Chusum | The Institute of Zorig Chusum was established in order to promote and preserve the cultural Heritage of Bhutan. Formerly, the institute of Zorig Chusum was known as the Rigney Training Institute.
        
     • The institute works under the Department of Human Resources and the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources. This training institute was established on 2nd June 1997. Mr. Lam Kelzang acted as the Principal with two instructors and 22 students.
        
     • The institute provides courses in various fields, including painting, carving, sculpting, wood carving, traditional ornament making, tailoring of traditional clothes and hand embroidery, etc.
        
     • Drive to Mongar (136 km, Alt:1648m)
        
     • Refreshments are served before retiring for the day.

     Accommodation | Wangchuk Resort in Mongar

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. March 8 | Sunday

     Drive to Ura, 141km (Alt 3100m)

     A journey to Central Bhutan

     • After breakfast, your journey to central Bhutan commences today. Although the drive is long (7 hrs), it is an interesting one where you will go through high passes, scenic villages, rivers and vegetation.
        
     • Driving along the east bank of Kuri Chuu and climbing up to Sengor village, and the Thrumshingla pass, the highest pass in Bhutan (3750m), the route slowly descends into Ura Valley, a serene village. 

     Ura Valley

     • Ura valley is fascinating (3100m), the highest of the four Bumthang valleys. Ura is one of the most picturesque villages in Bhutan, having about 50 closely packed houses along cobblestone streets.
        
     • You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience spending a night at Chimmi Wangmo Home-stay, which is one of the best home experiences in the village.
        
     • Aum Chimmi and her family run a farm stay which is almost 50 years old, and it is a two-story house situated just below Ura Lhakhang. The farmhouse flaunts beautiful architectural works and an impressive structure. You can enjoy the Bhutanese hospitality at Chimmi Wangmo Farm Stay.
        
     • Refreshments served before retiring for the day.

     Accommodation | Chimmi Wangmo Home Stay in Ura valley

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. March 9 | Monday

     Drive to Tang Valley & Sightseeing in Jakar (Alt 2587m)

     • After breakfast at the farm stay, we will take a walk in the beautiful village and also visit Ura Lhakhang (temple) dedicated to Guru Rinpoche.
        
     • Ura Lhakhang Temple | Inaugurated in 1986, the temple contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Over the last few decades, Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.
        
     • Traversing further for about 56km and a 2-hour drive, we end up in the Tang valley of Bumthang.

     Tang Valley of Bumthang

     • Ogyen Choling Museum | Visit a privately owned Ogyen Choling Museum. Although Ogyen Choling was a palace owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan, it was regarded as a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longchen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim of sharing its heritage and also preserving and maintaining its religious and cultural significance.
        
     • Lunch served.
        
     • Drive to Jakar, which is the heart of Bumthang town.

     Jakar

     • Jakar Dzong | Visit Jakar Dzong, founded by the great-grandfather of the first Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Zhabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646.

     • The Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.
        
     • Visit Kenchosum Lhakhang.
        
     • Refreshments served before retiring for the day.

     Accommodation | Yu-Gharling Resort

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. March 10 | Tuesday

     Thimpu

     Scenic flight to Paro

     • Druk Air flight KB13 at 06:50 from Bumthang Airport, arriving at Paro International Airport at 07:25. Take the seat on the right side as it will give you amazing views of all the Himalayan ranges in Bhutan.
        
     • Drive to Thimpu (1-1.5 hrs), check-in and refreshments at the hotel.

     Thimpu (Alt.: 2,250 metres)

     • Kajaa Throm Farmers' Market | The central market of Thimpu. The ground floor sells imported products, while on the upper floor you can sample locally grown products such as different types of chillis and honey. There is also a food court here.
        
     • Gongzur (Memorial) Chorten | A stupa erected in the memory of the 3^rd King of Bhutan, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuk (reign: 1952-1972). It was built in 1974 by the Royal Grandmother Ashi for her son. There are no mortal remains of the King here, only a photograph draped in ceremonial scarves.
        
     • Buddha Dordenma | Also known as the Buddha Point, this 51 metre high grand statue of Buddha was erected in 2015 to celebrate the 60^th birth anniversary of the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk (reign: 1972-2006).  
        
     • Royal Takin Preserve | At this wildlife preserve, which reopened in 2024, we can see the national animal of Bhutan, the takin (Dong Gyem Tse), which, according to legend, was assembled from the skull of a goat and the skeleton of a cow by prechear Drukp Kunley in the 15^th century.

     Accommodation | Thimphu Central Hotel, Thimphu

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. March 11 | Wednesday

     Paro

     Arts and Crafts in Thimpu

     • Bhutan Postal Museum | This is more like a souvenir shop than a museum, selling stamps and books. Here you can even make your own stamp and use it to send your postcard to your loved ones.
        
     • Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory | A small factory where paper is manufactured traditionally. You can see all stages of the paper production from the preparation of the fibre to drying. Next to the factory is a small shop selling paper products.
        
     • National Institute of Zorig Chusum | There are two schools in Bhutan where students can master the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, one here in Thimphu and one in Trashiyangtse. Here we can visit classrooms where students learn the craftsmanship of, among others, wood carving, weaving, painting, and sculpting. Opposite the institute is an Art Gallery and Art Shop where you can buy Bhutanese art.

     Paro (Alt.: 2,250 m)

     • Drive to Paro (1-1.5 hours).
        
     • National Museum of Bhutan | Once the watch tower for the defence of Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century, it was reestablished as the National Museum in 1967. It holds a fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.
        
     • Rinpung Dzong | The “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” was built in 1646 for defence against frequent incursions. Historically, it was an important administrative centre and the seat of many feudal lords and Penlop (governor). Today, it is the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro. It was also a filming location for Bernardo Bertolucci's 1993 movie, Little Buddha.

     Accommodation | Hotel River Valley, Paro

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. March 12 | Thursday

      Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

      Tiger's Nest

      • Taktsang Monastery | Commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most revered temple is perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. According to the legend, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse, to meditate in a cave where Taktsang now stands, hence the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
         
      • Note: the hike takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours down and requires good stamina. The first part of the hike up to Taktsang Cafeteria is moderate and can also be done on horseback, while the last bit just before reaching the monastery includes about 700 steps down and 250 steps up (and the reverse on the way back) that can be challenging for those not used to doing some regular exercise or have knee problems.

      Paro River Valley

      • Kichu Lhakhang | One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, which was built in the 7^th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 temples the Emperor built in Bhutan, and the main reason for the construction of the temple was to pin down ‘the left foot of the Ogress’, which was going against the establishment of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
         
      • Bhutanese Farm House | After the successful hike to Tiger's Nest, you can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath here to regenerate your muscles and joints.
         
      • Our last dinner will also be served at the farmhouse preceded by a cooking class.

      Accommodation | Hotel River Valley, Paro

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. March 13 | Friday

      Departure from Bhutan

      Paro to Dubai/Delhi/Bangokok on Drukair

      • Dukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines flights leave from Paro International Airport throughout the morning. To Dubai at 09:30, to Bangkok at 11:00, and to Delhi at 11:55. Drop-off from the hotel is included.

      End of Tour

      Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Flights from Bhutan (March 2026)

    <p>For our Bhutan tours, you can arrange your own Druk Air flight, or you can purchase your flight through Koryo Tours. For this tour the following flight options are available:</p> <p>Paro (PBH) - Dubai (DXB); 630 USD</p> <p>13MAR KB800 PBH 09:30 DXB 13:40</p> <p>Paro (PBH) - Bangkok (BKK); 520 USD</p> <p>13DEC KB152 PBH 11:00 BKK 15:10</p> <p>Paro (PBH) - Delhi (DEL); 325 USD</p> <p>13MAR KB202 PBH 11:55 DEL 13:45 </p>

  • Upgrade to your own room in Bhutan (March)

    The default rooming option for this tour is a shared hotel room. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 30 EUR per night.

• What is / is not included?

  • Three meals a day and one tea/coffee upon check-in at hotels, unlimited bottled water throughout the day 
  • Accommodation in 3* hotels and 1 night at a homestay in twin rooms
  • All transportation in Bhutan
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at Paro International Airport
  • Entry fees, cultural programs, and activities as indicated on the itinerary 
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Koryo Tours Tour Leader

  • Bhutan visa fee (40 USD)
  • Flight to/from Bhutan (460-1,195 USD depending on origin/destination)
  • Tips for the local guide and the driver (15 USD per day per traveller, i.e. 105 USD in total)
  • Single room supplement (30 USD per night)
  • Personal expenses and beverages, apart from water
  • Insurance

• Notes

  Visa to Bhutan

  Your tour application counts as your visa application to the Kingdom of Bhutan, which will be arranged by Koryo Tours and its partner in Bhutan. All we need is your passport copy and a visa photo that you supply when signing up for the tour. The visa fee is 40 USD.

  Flights to/from Bhutan

  For this tour, three international Druk Air flights are available:

  Dubai (DXB) - Paro (PBH) - Dubai (DXB); 1,1195 USD

  02DEC KB801 DXB 04:00 PBH 10:30 // 08DEC KB800 PBH 10:10 DXB 13:40

  Bangkok (BKK) - Paro (PBH) - Bangkok (BKK); 680 USD

  02DEC KB131 BKK 07:30 PBH 10:40 // 08DEC KB130 PBH 16:20 DXB 22:00
  *1 stop in IXB

  Delhi (DEL) - Paro (PBH) - Delhi (DEL); 460 USD

  02DEC KB201 DEL 12:30 PBH 15:20 // 08DEC KB200 PBH 09:40 DXB 11:30

  Please note that if you opt for the flight from/to Delhi, it is very likely that you will need a visa for India. Most nationalities can apply for a double-entry visa for India on the official e-Visa website of the Government of India.

Please apply by 10th February, 2026.