Experience the serenity and pristine natural beauty of Bhutan’s eastern frontier on our Eastern Circuit tour. This area, also known as the eastern circuit, is a hidden gem that has been largely unexplored due to its well-guarded isolation. As a result, the region has managed to retain its traditional, cultural, and natural elements in their nascent and pristine form. Our journey takes you on a discovery of this breathtakingly beautiful region and offers a glimpse into the unique way of life of the Brokpa community in Merak. Immerse yourself in some of the oldest spiritual practices of the country and discover the social and cultural dimensions that make this region so unique. Join us on this journey to discover the tranquil and enchanting eastern circuit of Bhutan.
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HIGHLIGHTS
1
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Samdrupjongkhar
Meals: lunch, dinner
As you arrive at Guwahati Airport, a representative from T8 Untrodden Travels will greet you with a warm welcome in the traditional Bhutanese style, offering a Trashi Khadar. Your guide for the tour will be with you from here on.
Next, we will embark on a scenic drive of 2-3 hours to Samdrup Jongkhar, a town in southeastern Bhutan located near the Indian border. After completing the border formalities and entering the Bhutan side, we will take a brief stroll around the town.
Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong is a must-visit attraction in the town. It is an impressive fortress-like structure that houses the administrative offices of the region. You will be amazed by its grandeur and the intricate architectural details.
Another place worth visiting is the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang, a beautiful temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have visited the area in the 8th century. The temple features intricate wood carvings and paintings that are sure to leave you in awe.
Your tour of Samdrup Jongkhar promises to be an experience of a lifetime as you explore the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
2
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trashigang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive towards Trashigang, located in the northeastern part of Bhutan. As we drive towards our destination, you will witness a distinct change in vegetation and topography.
We will pass through several small villages along the way and make stops in some of them to interact with the locals and get a glimpse of their daily lives. The journey today is fairly long, spanning over 6 hours, but the breathtaking landscapes and the fascinating culture of the region will make it worth it.
As we reach Trashigang, we will check-in at a decent hotel and spend the night there. Get ready to wake up to the stunning views of the valley and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this vibrant town.
3
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trashiyangtse
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, we will embark on a picturesque drive towards Trashiyangtse, taking the lower road via Gomkora temple. The journey should take less than 3 hours, with plenty of stops along the way to admire the stunning scenery.
Upon reaching Trashiyangtse, you will be greeted by the peaceful surroundings of this small town. The town is famous for producing some of the finest wooden bowls and containers, and is also home to a School for Traditional Arts. You will have the opportunity to visit the school (when in session) and witness the incredible art created by the students.
Next, we will visit the wood workshop, where you can observe skilled craftsmen at work and learn about the traditional techniques used to create these intricate pieces. Finally, we will visit the famous Chorten Kora, a stupa that was built as a replica of the Boudanath stupa in Nepal.
After a day of exploring, we will spend the night in a simple yet clean guest house or homestay. On the way back, we will also visit the Gom Kora Temple.
It’s worth noting that every spring, the Chorten Kora comes alive with a vibrant festival, which is one of the most prominent festivals in eastern Bhutan. Despite its remote location, the festival attracts a large crowd from all over the country, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.
4
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trashigang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we will retrace our drive for a while and then turn off towards Ramjar, Bartsam and Bidung villages. These villages are some of the largest rural settlements in Eastern Bhutan, and we will take the opportunity to explore the area, meet locals, and visit their homes. We will then descend to Ranjung, a small satellite town of Trashigang, and climb up the hill to Radhi village. Radhi village is surrounded by vast expanse of terrace rice-field, and it’s aptly considered as the rice bowl of eastern Bhutan. You must not miss witnessing the women folks in action in the traditional back strap loom using raw silks and traditional dye, to make fine quality textiles locally called “Burha”. After exploring Radhi village, we will return to Trashigang for the night.
5
Accommodation: Village homestay in Merak
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today, we will embark on an adventurous journey using a local outback vehicle to explore the rugged countryside roads of Bhutan. We will pass through Chaling village, cross a pass, and descend into the scenic Damnongchu valley. As we continue our drive uphill, we will arrive at the first Brokpa village of Gengu, which is home to a temple. We will then proceed to the picturesque Merak village, which is located in a remote and isolated area. Merak is known for its unique community of yak herders and their distinct culture, which has been preserved over the years. We will spend the night in basic accommodation such as a homestay or guesthouse, where the local people will prepare simple meals for us. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the traditional way of life in this remote part of Bhutan.
6
Accommodation: Village homestay in Merak
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we will spend the entire day exploring the charming Merak village and its surroundings. This is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the daily lives of the Brokpa community, one of the most unique ethnic groups in Bhutan. We will have the chance to visit local homes and possibly the school to learn more about their education system. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn more about their social, cultural, and religious customs.
Merak is a relatively large village with around 60 households and is situated at an elevation of 3,480 meters above sea level. The village boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and we’ll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery. We can also explore the village’s charming streets and see how the locals have preserved their traditional way of life. Overnight accommodation will be in a basic guesthouse or homestay, where local people will prepare simple but delicious meals.
7
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trashigang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, we will retrace our drive back to Trashigang. Upon reaching Tashigang, we will visit the Tashigang Dzong. This impressive fortress-monastery dates back to the 17th century and is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. We will explore the various courtyards, temples, and administrative offices within the dzong.
After the visit, we will check into our comfortable hotel where we can relax and unwind after a long day of traveling. The hotel will offer modern amenities such as hot showers, comfortable beds, and Wi-Fi. We can also enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a variety of local and international cuisine.
8
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Samdrupjongkhar
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We will start our day early with a delicious breakfast and then hit the road towards Samdrup Jongkhar. As we descend from the mountains, the scenery will change and we will pass through several charming villages where we can stop and meet the locals. These pit stops will also give us an opportunity to stretch our legs and capture some memorable photographs.
Upon reaching Samdrup Jongkhar, you will have the evening at leisure. You can either rest in the comfort of your hotel room or take a stroll in the vibrant market and indulge in some souvenir shopping. The market is known for its variety of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs. You can also explore the local cuisine and sample some mouth-watering delicacies.
9
Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and begin our journey to Guwahati. The journey will take around 3-4 hours depending on traffic conditions. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your preferred location, either the airport or the city center, where you can continue with your onward journey or take some time to explore the city. Your guide will assist you with any further information or assistance you may need.
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