Cultural

14-Day East to West Bhutan Tour

A fourteen-day overland journey across Bhutan, entering at Samdrup Jongkhar in the east and finishing in Paro after Trashigang, Bumthang, Phobjikha and Punakha.

Duration: 14 days
Route: Guwahati – Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang – Mongar – Bumthang – Trongsa – Phobjikha – Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
Best time: October to November and March to May. Winter is possible but high passes can see snow; avoid the monsoon months of June to September.
Activity: Easy walking with several long mountain drives; the Tiger's Nest hike is optional.

The journey

This fourteen-day East to West Bhutan tour crosses the whole country by road. It enters at Samdrup Jongkhar on the border with Assam, continues through Trashigang and Mongar in Eastern Bhutan, and follows the lateral highway west through Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha and Punakha to Thimphu and Paro. It suits travellers who want to see the quieter east as well as the well-known western valleys.

Why travel east to west?

Most Bhutan itineraries stay in the west. Starting in the east lets you see Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse and the weaving villages of Eastern Bhutan, then cross the central valleys and finish with the Tiger’s Nest hike in Paro before your flight out. The route can also run in reverse, from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar.

How long are the drives?

Bhutan’s mountain roads are slow. The longest day, from Mongar to Bumthang over Thrumshing La, usually takes seven to eight hours with stops. Other days are shorter, and rest days in Bumthang and Paro break up the travel. Drive times depend on road works and weather and are confirmed in your final itinerary. Ask us about a domestic flight if you would rather shorten the longest stretches.

Entering Bhutan overland

The journey begins in Guwahati, India, and crosses into Bhutan at Samdrup Jongkhar. Travellers who are not Indian nationals need a valid Indian visa for this section. Confirm border arrangements and visa requirements with us before booking flights.

Your itinerary and quote

We tailor the hotels, meals, visits and pace to your group. Your written itinerary and quote identify the agreed services, government fees and applicable GST before you book. See our visa, SDF and tax guide for the current fee breakdown.

Send your dates, group size and interests to request your itinerary and quote.

Tour highlights

Overland entry to Bhutan at Samdrup Jongkhar
Trashigang Dzong and Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse
Crossing Thrumshing La on the lateral highway
Bumthang's Chokhor and Tang valleys
Phobjikha valley and Gangtey Goenpa
Tiger's Nest hike in Paro

Day by day

Day1Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar

Meet in Guwahati and drive to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. Complete entry formalities and settle in for the evening. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day2Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang

A long drive north through forested hills, with a stop at the Khaling area, known for weaving. Overnight in Trashigang.

Day3Trashi Yangtse day trip

Visit Gom Kora on the way to Trashi Yangtse, then Chorten Kora and the dzong. Return to Trashigang for the night.

Day4Trashigang to Mongar

Visit Trashigang Dzong in the morning, then drive west to Mongar. Overnight in Mongar.

Day5Mongar to Bumthang over Thrumshing La

The longest drive of the journey, crossing Thrumshing La through forest and stopping at Ura village. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day6Bumthang: Chokhor valley

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing and Jakar Dzong at an easy pace. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day7Bumthang: Tang valley

Visit Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake, and a village in the Tang valley. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day8Bumthang to Trongsa

A short drive to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong museum. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day9Trongsa to Phobjikha

Cross Pele La, stopping at Chendebji Chorten, then visit Gangtey Goenpa above the Phobjikha valley. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Day10Phobjikha to Punakha

Walk part of the Gangtey nature trail, then drive to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight in Punakha.

Day11Punakha to Thimphu

Visit Punakha Dzong, then cross Dochula to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day12Thimphu to Paro

See Thimphu's main sights in the morning, then drive to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

Day13Tiger's Nest hike

Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, at your own pace, or choose a gentler day in Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day14Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your confirmed flight.

Good to know

Included

Accommodation in the hotel category and room arrangement stated in your quote
Private vehicle, driver and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary
English-speaking guide for the agreed programme
Meals and attraction entry fees specifically listed in your quote

Excluded

International and domestic flights unless expressly included in the quote
Travel insurance, personal purchases, laundry and gratuities
Optional activities and services outside the confirmed itinerary
Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee unless expressly included in the quote

Your questions

Can foreign travellers enter Bhutan overland at Samdrup Jongkhar?

Yes. Samdrup Jongkhar, on the border with Assam, is a land entry point for international travellers. We confirm the current border arrangements before you book.

Do I need an Indian visa for this tour?

Travellers who are not Indian nationals need a valid Indian visa to travel from Guwahati to the border. Check the visa type you need before booking flights.

How long is the longest drive?

The Mongar to Bumthang day over Thrumshing La is usually seven to eight hours with stops. Final drive times depend on road and weather conditions.

Can I fly instead of driving the longest stretches?

Domestic flights within Bhutan are limited and weather-dependent. Ask us about flight options when you request your itinerary.

Can the route run from west to east instead?

Yes. The journey can start in Paro and finish at Samdrup Jongkhar. Tell us your preferred direction and arrival plans.

Is the tour price available?

Price is on request. Your written quote sets out the travel dates, group size, rooms, hotels, meals, SDF, visa charges and applicable GST, with payment and cancellation terms.