Remote east to west Bhutan Tour

• Our representative will receive you at the Guwahati airport 
• Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar: 3-4 hours
• Stop at Guwahati Zoo if time permits
• Drive along tea gardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quite villages and small townships of vibrant culture
• Check in, freshen up and rest or walk through town area.
• Overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar

• After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Tashigang, the major commercial hub of the eastern Bhutan. This is going to be stunning journey passing through varied tropical to broadleaved forests, villages and varied vegetation zones.
• Visit Yongla Goenpa and the Pemagatshel dzong if time permits
• Stop at zangdopelri lhakhang in Kanglung, Khaling handloom center and Khaling Muenselling school of disabilities
• Evening free time in Tashigang town
• Overnight stay in Tashigang

The north eastern most twin villages of Merak and Sakteng are being inhabited by the semi-nomadic tribe called ‘brokpa’, which is believed to been migrated from southern Tibet long time ago.  You will experience their unique culture in our next two days of visit.  They speak a different language and wear a unique dress made on yak’s wool.

After early breakfast at hotel, we start our journey by retracing our drive to Rangjung and Radhi from where we continue on further up till we arrive Merak, which is situated at an elevation of 3520m.  You will spend a night here at local farmhouse belonging to the brokpa farmer.

In the morning drive back to Rangjung and take a farmroad to Sakteng which is expected to take about 5 to 6 hours drive. After reaching there socialize with nomadic brokpas and spend the day hiking and exploring the community.  Begin a short hike to get the panorama of the village.  This semi-nomadic community, Sakteng is bounded by Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in north.  Due to high altitude no other cereal crops can be grown except for some bitter buckwheat and vegetables, so the people of Sakteng depend upon yaks and cattle for their livelihood. You can interact with locals to get in-depth knowledge of their lives. As the village falls in Sakteng Wild life corridor, during monsoon you will also see blue poppy, the national flowers of Bhutan.  Yeti or abominable snowman is also believed to have been protected in this reserve.  Overnight at farmhouse in Sakteng.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey towards the west end of the village to the small ridge, descending to the river and walking along the riverbank through broadleaf forests, you will come to the start of countryside road where your car will be waiting here to take you to Trashigang.  Driving through several villages, you will arrive Joenkhar Village, which is the lower most area of Sakten inhabited by mixed of Brokpa and people who speak Sharchops (another popular eastern Bhutan language).  Driving further down through Rangjung, and downstream Gamri Chu Riverbank for a while we will reach Trashigang. Trashigang is a compact and bustling town that acts as a business hub in eastern Bhutan. After getting there you will begin for an hour and 22km exploratory trip to Rangjung and Radhi Villages with a picnic lunch.  Drive is along the bank of Gamri Chu River through rice fields leading to Rangjung. Explore Rangjung for a while and venture further up till the village of Radhi – it is rice bowl of eastern Bhutan and famous for weaving ‘bhura’ or raw silk, which is a classic tradition textile endemic to the region.  This trip will expose you in depth into the simplicity of lifestyle of eastern Bhutanese and how different from western Bhutan.  You may also visit Nunnery at Radhi to interact with nuns who devote their lives in practicing Dharma.  Overnight hotel at Tashigang. 

Trashiyangtse is an ethnically and culturally diverse district and the inhabitants include Yangtseps the regions indigenous dwellers, Tshanglas, Bramis from Tawang, Khengpas from Zhemgang and Kurtoeps from Lhuentse. This rich cultural tapestry has resulted in an interesting mix of languages and cultural practices in the region.

The people of the region have developed incredible skill at woodworking and paper making. The items they produce such as traditional wooden bowls are prized throughout the country. An Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum) has been established in the region leading to a greater number of skilled artisans. 

Visit Chorten Kora, modeled after Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, where local people and Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh (India) gather in February/March for a festival to circumambulate the chorten. A similar festival in Gom Kora takes place 10 days later. Bumdeling to the north is home to wintering black-necked cranes and to Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail, the national butterfly of Bhutan. Important religious sites are found all over the Dzongkhag and include Pemaling in the alpine area; Rigsum Gonpa, Dechenphodrang ney and Omba ney (the Taktshang of East Bhutan) between 2000 and 3000m, and Gongza ney and Gom Kora along the Drangme Chu (800-900m).

1)Omba Ney hike: Omba ney is also known as taktshang of eastern Bhutan. It is one of the three holy places linked to Guru Rinpoche, where the letter Om can be seen on the rock face, the other two letters Ah and Hum can be be seen at Mongar and Paro respectively. Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave for two months, where now a small temple was built over the cave.

Road Directions: After more than an hour drive from Tashiyangtse town, you will reach a crossroad called zangpozor before reaching Doksum. Take this farm road towards left for some time which leads to Kheni village and Tsenkharla. from the junction turn left and take Tsenkharla road for 5 to 10 minutes and again take Tsangphuchen farm road  to Sep village where you will reach your starting point of the hike. After crossing Tsangphuchen road junction take lower right farm road and then lastly after few minute’s drive take upper left road which will take you to Sep village.

2) Rigsum Goemba Hike: Lama Tshering Gyamtsho (Disciple of the 9th Je-Khenpo) from Punakha Drstshang lived during the 18th century founded a cave with clear body prints of Rigsum Goenpo when he reached a place called Pemaling located towards the north of Trashi Yangtse. A powerful local deity called Genyen Phanbu was the guardian of the sacred cave. The Lama befriended the deity with his spiritual power and built a small Lhakhang for his meditation. After the death of Lama, his nephew and spiritual heir Lama Jangchhub Gyeltshen renovated and extended the Lhakhang with unique mural paintings of the life history of Lord Buddha which can still be seen. The Lhakhang was named as Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses a Jowo Shakya Muni statue (The Buddha as a Prince) brought from Punakha Dzong. The fifth abbot reportedly witnessed the statue speak. There is a traditional religious school for about 40 monks. The monastery is 3 hours walk from Dungzam in Bumdeling. 

3) Dechenphodrang Ney Hike: Dechenphodrang Ney is located under Bumdeling Gewog at an altitude of 2260m. The monastery is hidden in a very idyllic valley amid huge boulders of religious importance near a stream. It has a narrow waterhole in the rock near the monastery believed to be as deep as the huge Tsenden (cypress) tree nearby. The main ney is about half an hour above the monastery. It is about 4-5 hrs walk from Rigsum Gonpa and half an hour from or to the end of the farm road in Woogmanang valley. For international visitors it might be one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan. There is a campsite along the trail across the Woogmanang river.

4) Gongza Ney Hike: This ney is located at a holy place next to the Gongri (Drangme) Chu and linked to Guru Rinpoche, who was offered tea here when subduing a demon in the area. It is 3 hours walk from the Yalang suspension bridge, 3 hrs downhill from Jangphu village and 1 hour from the Melongkhar bridge to where a road is planned. There is a small temple built into an overhanging rock. The gonpa holds a petrified treasure chest, shoe of Guru Rimpoche, devil’s egg and many other relics. Many sacred places are submerged in summer, so pilgrims mainly visit in winter and spring. The area is full of oddly shaped rocks and is hot and humid in summer.

After breakfast drive to Lhuntse a remote of eastern Bhutan, which is famous for its intricate and colorful weavings.  Formerly known as Kurtoe, the anscestral home of Bhutans royal family. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs, gorges and dense coniferous forests. 

1) Visit Lhuntse Dzong: Lhuentse Dzong is located on the eastern side of Kuri Chhu and perched on a spur at the end of a narrow valley. Lhuentse Dzong was originally a temple built on the site where Ngagi Wangchuk meditated in 1551. For many years, the Lama resided here and later on, went to Timula, where he established his summer seat.
There was also a story that Ngagi Wangchuk was meditating in Timula, and he arrived at the present location of Lhuntse Dzong, looking for a winter seat. A deity appeared before him in the form of a white bleating goat. The bleat was taken as an auspicious sign, and thus, he built the temple in 1552. The temple was named Leyley Dzong, ‘Fortress of the Goat’.

The monastery was originally established by Pema Lingpa’s son Kuenga Wanpo in 1543, although it wasn’t until 1654 that the Trongsa Penlop (governor), Minjur Tenpa, built a formal dzong here after winning a battle and named it Lhuentse Rinchentse. The dzong was later restored in 1962 and again between 1972 and 1974.

A legend has it that the origin of the statue of Tshepame, the most sacred artefact in Lhuentse Dzong. A fisherman who had laid his trap in a stream, possibly Kilingchu, found the image while inspecting the trap in the morning. It was decided that the image be kept in Killing Lhakhang but the image behaved strangely, construed as it refused to stay in the Lhakhang. On more than one occasion, it is believed to have flown outside of the Lhakhang. On one occasion, they found the image at a place called Nongma Chorten. An iron curtain was subsequently hung in front of the Lhakhang’s window in order to prevent the image from escaping. However, the image tore a gap in the chain and escaped. Killing Gonpo, the Lhakhang’s deity, is believed to have thrown a stone as it was escaping, which broke the centre of its crown, Rignga. A woman who was cutting grass in the paddy fields found the image. She heard the word atsa, an expression of pain and found that she had sliced the left thumb of the image. The statue then returned to dzong. Locals believe that smoke rises from the grave in the eighth month, prior to “blessed rainy day.”

2) Gangzur Pottery: Gangzur Village is situated around 2 km from the Dzong. This village is famous for its pottery as its women folk are skilled artisans of this dying art. The Government is now making efforts to revive it through financial support. When in Gangzur you will definitely want to witness the women displaying their skills. The village is set on a beautiful valley with traditional two storied houses overlooking meticulously manicured terraces and surrounded by lush green forest with spectacular mountains at the back which provides visitors with an amazing opportunity to photograph the beautiful landscape.

3) Drive back and visit Takila Guru Nangse Zilnoen:

The world’s largest statue Of Guru Padmasambhava, with the total height of 154 feet, stands imposingly on the Takila Mountain slope, which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lhuntse district, overlooking the entire valley of Tangmachu. This project was initiated and funded by Druk odiyana project under Menbi gewog. The construction was started in March 2008 and was consecrated in 2015. The site is located 15kms drive away from Thinleypang/Tagmochu chakzam. The Guru ststue is surrounded by eight big 108 small stupas (Chortens). As envisioned by late khenpo Karpo, this place would not only serve as a sacred place of learning for monks and nuns but also serve as a home place for the old age persons in the future.  Belonging to the Tangmuchu community, an old monastery (Lhakhang) exists at the site of Guru Statue.

It is believed that the statue was built after the sacred prophesy of the the great terton Lerab Lingpa (1856 – 1926), who prophesied that, ‘At one point of time, there will be a war of horses in Kurtoe valley. To prevent this war, a statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnoen should be built’. Similarly, the late Lama Sonam Zangpo in the 20th century, the most revered Yogi of Bhutan, emphasized that, for ensuring continued prosperity in the world in general and Bhutan in particular, a giant statue of Guru Rinpoche should be built in Takila, Lhuntse district in eastern Bhutan. 

After the late Khenpo karpo, Ugyen Dongagwas handed over ro lam Namdruk Zangpo on 9th june 2017.

4) Explore Khoma village: Drive and explore clustered  khoma village to see women weaving tapestry of textiles with their nimble hands. The women in this village are engaged in weaving the most exquisite and intricately patterned silk textile known as Kishuthara.

About Rinchen Bumpa Monastery:

The sacred place Rinchen Bumpa, the Vase of Jewel The sacred place called Rinchen Bumpa, the Vessel of Jewel, is a fascinating and charming place. It is very pleasing and mind-elevating place that makes ones hair stand on end at the instant one reaches the site. It is a place where the beings with karmic connection had attained accomplishment, a place where every beings pay homage and make offerings, and where sinful cleanse their defilement. Rinchen Bumpa, where Guru Rinpoche lived for three months, is located towards the west of Khen valley.The place was visited by Omniscient Longchenpa, Pedma Lingpa and was prophesized by great emanation RatnaLingpa.

The backdrop of the sacred site is akin to the glossy silk robe. The lower part of the site looks like a Tantric practitioner’s Hum Khung(a triangular-shaped fire-pit in which burnt offerings are made). The mountain at the right resembles the gingpo descending down the cliff. Towards the east lie Singye Dzong and Aja Lung to the south. Towards the west lie Choezang cave and Lha Chen Khari to the north. Towards the north-east lie LhamoKhar, Rolmoding to the south-eastand TajugThang to the north-east. Besides that, in the immediate vicinity, lie PemaTse to the east, Kham Phug to the south, Chittai Nyingpo in the west and Choegyel Lung to the north, PelsumPhug in the south-east, ChoedzongPhug to the south-west and MangdePhug towards the north-west. Trashichoeling lies in the east, BadingPhug in the south and Chung ZayPhug towards the north.

There is a white cliff bearing the shape of stupa,(choedten) and many facial image of wrathful and peaceful buddhas. There is a foot print of Yehsey Tshogyel and a possession of Moen Mo Tashi Khe-Doen and many other concealed treasures. A Lamp of Kalpa(aeon)is also there, a cave of Samten (meditation or concentration) and numbers of foot prints of Guru Rinpoche. There is Yeshey Tshogyel’s meditation cave called “point of a knife” and other meditation caves and caverns. The hill behind named “smile at sight” looks a lot like a heap of grain. Chagtshel Gang “a hill of prostration” and Lu len gang “a chanting hill” exist.

There is a place known to be a cremation ground, where, at the nightfall, all the eight classes of god and demon assemble. Vultures, carnivores in huge number gather. The river resounds “Hoo, Hung and Joo”. Eight classes of god and demon are said to be circumambulating. Hills and trees are bent towards it. As perceived by Terton Choeching Lingpa in a vision, there is the trident of Guru Padma Sambhava and the print of Kapala, the skull, the print of a fang of Ruta thrust downward. There are two foot prints of hero(pawo) and Dakini and many pleasurable display of spontaneously arisen images. Whoever makes feast offerings at this sacred site will attain the supreme taste of meditative stabilization. Whoever makes flower and incense offerings will obtain beautiful body figure and sweet odor. Whoever offers scented water and makes sacrificial offerings will be rewarded with decent retinue and wealth. Whoever offers songs and music will have voice as pleasant as the melody of Brahma. Whosoever renders service to this sacred site will enjoy the pleasure of the Lord of Immense Wealth(Zambala) for countless number of lifetimes.

One’s doubt of not taking rebirth in Ngayab Ling, the abode of Padma will be completely cut off. One will attain Buddha hood in one lifetime. If one dwells in this place, one will attain rainbow body. For those with faith, it is a place to seek a blessing of long life, wealth, fame, offspring, cattle and food and also a blessing of supreme and the common accomplishment.

It is located in Kurtoed Gewog and it takes six hours uphill walk from Kuenzangling Lhakhang. Rinchen Bumpa (Vase of the jewels) is a prominent domestic tourist destination in Bhutan. The sacred site manuscript mentioned that it was prophesied by Ratna Lingpa and later blessed by Longchenpa. Kunezangling Lhakhang is located at the base of Rinchen Bumpa, which is blessed by Kuenkhan Longchen Rabjam. The main sacred objects include a statue of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and God of Wealth (Zambala). Inside the temple, one can see the footprint of Kuenkhan Longchen Rabjam on the rock inside his small meditational hermitage.

If you are spending night at Kurtoe Dungkar after the hike to Rinchen Bumpa, do visit the historic Dungkar naktshang, an ancestral home of the royal family. Dungkar Naktshang is a centuries old traditionally built mansion. It is the birthplace of the first kings’ father and from this house sprung the current royal family of Bhutan.

Drive about 3 hours to Mongar and visit the fortress there and explore town area.

Toady you will begin your journey to central Bhutan, which is quite different from eastern Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The drive will be about 4 to 5 hours passing Thrumshing La (Pass) at 3750 meters above sea level. Enjoy picnic lunch or walk around to enjoy great sceneries and to stretch your muscles. Driver further and stop for lunch at one of the homestays in Ura valley. The village has a medieval look because of the cobblestone streets and typical clothing of the women.

Continue driving old highway and visit burning lake on the way to your hotel. If time permits visit the list of temples:

1)Jambay Lhakhang, One of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in 7th century to pin down the ogress which obstructed in the propagating Buddhist teachings.

2) Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a place where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint on the rock.

In the morning visit the places listed below:

1. Jakar Dzong

2. Kencho sum Lhakhang

3. Local red panda brewery and Swiss cheese outlet

4. if time permits visit Tamzhing Lhakhang

Drive to Trongsa and relax in the hotel.

In the morning visit Trongsa Muesum, five Storey Ta Dzong (watchtower) built by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. From 2005 to 2008 it underwent extensive structural and interior designing work in order to become a museum as there is no exterior threat since then.

Visit Trongsa dzong which is one of the largest dzong in the country. Trongsa means “New village” and it is located in the central Bhutan about 5 hour’s drive from Punakha. The rulers of Trongsa, the penlops(governors) of wangchuck dynasty, who resided at Trongsa dzong were very powerful as they control over east-west trade for centuries until the first king of Bhutan was elected unanimously in 1907 and the only way to eastern and western Bhutan was through the courtyard of the dzong. Trongsa dzong was initially founded as small meditation temple by lama Ngagi Wangchuk(The great grandfather of Zhabdrung) in 1543 on the spur overlooking the gorge of Mangde river. Lama Ngagi wangchuk came to trongsa in 1541 and when he was meditating nearby in the village called Yuling, he witnessed a light on the spur where now present dzong stands. He found small spring on the spot believed to be used by protective deity Mahakali (Palden Lhamo). Another version of the history says he found the hoof prints of a horse that belonged to the protective deity Palden Lhamo. He believed this to be auspicious sign and founded small meditation temple on the spur.

Lunch at Willing waterfall cafe and continue driving to Phobjikha valley. If time permits stop at Chendepji stupa. Continue driving further and again stop at Pelela pass and then you will open up towards the valley.

Once you get to Gangtey, do 4km nature hike which takes about 2 hours. Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. This hike takes you through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. From the canopy you can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes. 

After that shortly visit crane information center and overnight in the Hotel.

In the morning, before heading to Punakha, visit Gangtey Goemba. The Gangtey monastery was established in 1613 by the first spiritual head of the temple Rigzin Pema Thinley, the grandson of the renowned Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa. It is one of the most significant Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan and is affiliated with the Pema Lingpa lineage, which emphasizes the teachings and treasures of Guru Rinpoche.

As a Nyingma monastery, Gangtey Goemba holds great spiritual importance. It serves as a center for meditation, religious teachings, and rituals. The monastery is home to many monks and hosts annual ceremonies that attract devotees from across Bhutan.

The monastery is closely linked to the black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), which migrates to the Phobjikha Valley from Tibet every winter. These birds are considered sacred, and their arrival is celebrated with a festival at the monastery. The monks perform rituals to honor the cranes, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature. The Black-Necked Crane Festival is held annually on 11th November and is one of the monastery’s highlights. This event includes traditional dances, cultural performances, and rituals aimed at promoting conservation and celebrating Bhutan’s rich heritage.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong overlooks the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu. When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was in Chimi Lhakhang at Punakha, an old cripple approached him and told him that if he built a dzong in Wangdue Phodrang on a ridge that resembled a sleeping elephant, he would unite the country. Zhabdrung concluded that the old man was Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and sent a noble to study the location. The noble reported that he saw four ravens circling the ridge, which flew away in four different directions when he approached. Taking this to be a good omen, Zhabdrung constructed the dzong in 1638.

The tragic fire accident on 24 June 2012 led to the loss of one of the most important and historic heritage sites in Bhutan, the Wangduephodrang Dzong.  Under the guidance of His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, all the precious nangtens were saved and there was no human casualty.

Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. However, it was Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), the maverick saint (also known as the ‘Divine Madman’) who first built a chorten at the site.

According to local myth, a vile demoness by the name of Loro Duem resided in the high pass of Dochu La and she used to terrorise all those who attempted to cross this pass. There were two other demonesses who lived in two smaller passes. As a result, the folks in the valley lived in constant fear and misery.

When Drukpa Kunley first stepped foot in Bhutan, he heard about these demonesses and the sufferings they have been causing. Thus, he made his way to Dochu La and upon his arrival, the three demonesses recognised him and his divine power. They tried escaping to the valley but two of the demonesses ‘dissolved’ into the body of Loro Duem. Upon reaching the plains of Lobesa, Loro Duem morphed herself into a dog to disguise herself. However, Drukpa Kunley recognised Loro Duem and subdued her with his “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom” which is said to be the phallus, thus, the symbol of Chimi Lhakhang. Drukpa Kunley then buried the demoness under the mould of a hill that resembles the breast of a woman. He then uttered the word ‘Chime’ which means ‘no dog’ and built a black chorten on top of the mould. Later in the 15th century, Drukpa Kuenley’s cousin Lam Ngawang Choegyal built a temple in honour of Drukpa Kunley and named it Chimi Lhakhang, literally translated as ‘No Dog Temple’.

The Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness or bliss), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. The dzong was constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, in 1637–38. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertoen Pema Lingpa.

The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Ligshi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet. The Pho Chu River is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley. After the confluence of these two rivers, the main river is known as Puna Tsang chu.

In view of the healthy climate in the region, Punakha is the winter capital of Bhutan. The head of the clergy of Bhutan with his entourage of monks spend the winter in this dzong. Jacaranda trees grow around the dzong, blooming with mauve flowers in the spring. Punakha is also the center of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge (Punakha Suspension Bridge).

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu capital city which takes about 2 hours. On the way stop at Stunning Dochula pass (3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful  prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather.

Upon reaching Thimphu, visit National memorial stupa (Chorten) built in the memory of late third king of Bhutan to fulfill one of his last wishes.

Visit huge Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu valley. This project was initiated in 2006 by lam Tshering Wangdi with the purpose of bringing peace and prosperity to the valley as well as for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is made up of bronze and gilded in gold.

Visit Takin preservation center, Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and it is one of the endangered and rare animals in the world. The center though look like zoo with several animals like deer and reindeer, it is the Takin preservation Center. The present preservation center was originally small zoo but later it was converted into a preservation center of Takin when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.

If time permits, visit one of the largest vegetables market with varieties of local produce from different valleys in the country. 

Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby. It was first constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa where Dechen Phodrang now stands above Thimphu. In 1641, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal acquired it but finding it too small, he built another one, known as the lower Dzong. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and everything was moved to the lower dzong. The new building was later expanded several times over the years. It was damaged during an earthquake in 1897 and rebuilt in 1902. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had it completely renovated and enlarged over five years after he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1952 in traditional style using neither nails nor written plans. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Drive early morning which will take about 1 hr 30 minutes to get to the base of Tigersnest from Thimphu. Start hiking the famous Taktshang Monastery perched on the hanging cliff at about 3100 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktshang monastery now stands. The monastery is situated at about 900 meters above Paro valley. We will walk back the same way and the lunch will be served in Taktshang cafeteria or walk down to valley floor and enjoy lunch in the town. In the evening visit farmhouse and try traditional hot stone bath to heal the joint pains after your hike and try traditional Bhutanese meals. This is fantastic conclusion of your stay in Bhutan! Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning, our representative will drive you to the airport for departure.