Cross the Land of the Thunder Dragon
West to East drive across Bhutan | 17 days
Mystical Bhutan is a virtually forgotten kingdom, sandwiched between India and Tibet in the very heart of the Himalaya. Landlocked, and still with relatively limited tourism, much of its magic and charm lingers despite the arrival of the 21st century. Just one tarmac road crosses the country from west to east. Along it unfolds a tale of extraordinarily diverse scenery, peoples and their customs.
Day 1: Fly to Delhi
Day 2: Tour India’s capital city
Day 3: Fly to Paro in Bhutan
Day 4: Trek to the mysterious Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
Day 5: Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city
Day 6: Admire the dramatic Himalayan views and Thimphu’s yellow roofed dzong
Day 7: Drive to Wangdiphodrang
Day 8: Visit Punakha, Bhutan’s former winter capital, and Wangdi
Day 9: Drive to Tongsa
Day 10: Drive to Bumthang, the agricultural heart of Bhutan
Day 11: Visit Bumthang’s monasteries, some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world
Day 12: Drive to Mongar
Day 13: Drive to Tashigang
Day 14: Enjoy Tashigang’s temperate climate and tropical fruit orchards
Day 15: Drive to Samdrup Jonghkar in South East Bhutan
Day 16: Drive to Assam’s Guwahati and fly to Delhi
Day 17: Fly to London
Guide price : please ask for a quotation

Trip Report relating to Bhutan

Map

Travel Tips

Comments

Fiona’s travel tips
FESTIVALS: Festival dates vary according to the lunar calendar, so all itineraries will be individually crafted.
MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE: Having to abandon my vehicle due to a landslide and walk 10 very wet, dark kilometres through rainforest with only fireflies to guide the way.
TOP TIP: The interior of Bhutan’s monasteries are officially closed to foreigners. Combine Bhutan with Sikkim, where the monasteries are open to all, for an all-round appreciation.
DZONG DATA:Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 and was the scene of the coronation of the first King of Bhutan in 1907. Built in 1692 on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley, Taktsang Dzong is also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
BEST TIME TO GO: Spring and Autumn
JOURNEY TIME: 9 hours direct + 3 hours indirect
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Clients’ comments
“As you know all too well, this trip had a long and painful gestation! The first thing to say is how much we appreciated all your help and support not only in the original planning of the trip but also even more in the complex business of repeatedly rescheduling the arrangements at a time which must have been a nightmare for anyone working in the travel industry. Secondly we were repeatedly impressed by the faultless way in which all the complex logistics of the trip worked seamlessly throughout our travels. This certainly did not happen by accident or good luck and we know a lot of hard work by you and your in-country representatives lay behind this – one very good reason for drawing on the expertise of seasoned professionals like you when planning a trip of this nature. We were also greatly impressed by the fact that the bespoke itinerary you devised for us accurately reflected our tastes and wishes, rather than trying to shoehorn us into some off-the-peg package. As for the destinations, Glenburn Tea Estate was an absolute delight and perfect for relaxing. In Bhutan, the planned trekking and cycling activities were challenging but tremendously rewarding. Passang was excellent company. Finally Diphlu River Lodge suited us down to the ground. With thanks for all you did to make this trip happen, at last!”
Dr Andrew Mounstephen & Dr Suzanne Waterer, Bhutan and India
“The bespoke trip that Far Frontiers Travel organised for us was truly amazing. We travelled the length of Bhutan – ‘The Land of the Thunder Dragon’ – a real eye opener of a trip seeing a Himalayan country that was just on the verge of coming into the 21st Century from an almost Medieval lifestyle, after years of isolation from the rest of the world. We enjoyed a well-planned and organised trip and will never forget a fantastic holiday and experience.”
Mr and Mrs Andrew Gale, Bhutan
“Eye-opening, exciting, enlightening, challenging, wonderful! A real adventure for the two of us, with some unexpected extras thrown in, like meeting the King and Queen of Bhutan! Everything worked like clockwork. All the right people were there at the right time to meet us, move us on, or take us somewhere – a great relief in strange countries.”
Mr and Mrs Richard Watson, Bhutan and India
“My visit ended with a three day trek through the Gangtey Valley and time to reflect on my return to this wonderful country and its friendly open people, all made possible through Fiona and Far Frontiers Travel. Bhutan is truly magical and to anyone planning to go I would say, do it.”
Ian Stubbs, Nepal and Bhutan
“Fiona could not have been more helpful. Her knowledge and advice about Bhutan was invaluable in the planning of my trip and her perseverance with the Tibet situation was much appreciated.”
Sybil Johnson, Bhutan