East Textile Tour

Morning you will drive to Punakha, with a stop at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters) for the tea. The passes are marked by either Chorten or the cluster of prayer flags.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Dochu la Pass: It is one of the most loved passes that has 360-degree view point, blessed with 108 stupas built with perfect back drop of stunning Himalayas at the distance.
• Chime Lhakhang: (1455-1529) : The temple popularly known as Chimi Lhakhang is associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenlay or the Devine Mad-man whose esoteric method of spreading Buddhism continues to be revered even today. Amongst others, Drukpa Kuenlay is also greatly associated with the worship of Phallus that is made out of wood. It draws a large number of tourists and locals especially the women for the expectation of high fertility after the blessings.
• Punakha Dzong: It is the magnificent Dzongs (fortress) of Bhutan surrounded by Pho Chu the male and Mo Chu, the female rivers. This Dzong also replicates the Majestic Ship being floated on these rivers.
• Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest swinging bridges (160m) ever built in the country. It is a must visit sight in Punakha for all ages.

Evening leisure time, stroll around Khuru town. Overnight halt at hotel in Punakha.

As we proceed towards Trongsa, reaching at Pele La Pass you will come across the yaks grazing on vast green land, Golden langur, wild pheasants and the variety of Rhododendron flowers.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Trongsa Dzong:
Trongsa Dzong is the largest Dzong built in 1648. During olden days, it had served as an ancestral home to the Royal Family. King in Bhutan hold the post of Trongsa Penlop at Trongsa Dzong prior being crowned as the King.
• Ta Dzong:
Earlier, Ta Dzong had served as a watch tower overlooking Trongsa Dzong and now it is converted into the state-of Art and Heritage Museum.
• Yathra Weaving Centre at Chummy.
Overnight halt at the hotel in Bumthang.

HIGHLIGHTS
Bumthang valley is fascinating and spiritual heartland of the nation. It is also home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. The valley is famous for production of honey, apples, Cheese and wine.
You will have a full day visit in few Sacred Temples, Burning Lake, Cheese manufacturing unit and Wine production.
Overnight, halt at the hotel in Bumthang.

HIGHLIGHTS
Driving along the east bank of Chamkhar Chhu from Jaker and climbing up to Tansibi Village, the road slowly ascends to Sertangla Pass (3590m) then slowly descends into URA Valley. The valley is sparsely populated and a very serene village. Then we will drive through the Thrumshingla National Park, over cliffs and past camp areas to the Thrumshingla Pass which sits at 3750m. With clear weather, the pass affords an amazing view of Gangkar Phuensum (7570m).Then we continue on the road to Kuri Chhu valley a very good area for bird watching. Gradually driving past terraced rice paddies and pine forests we arrive at Monger.
Overnight in Mongar.

HIGHLIGHTS
Today you will spend a full day exploring the historic Dungkhar village. After breakfast, you will drive 40km to this small village through unpaved road. You will visit the one of the main sites in the region, the ancestral home of the Royal Family, Dungkhar Naktshang, which is a centuries-old traditionally built mansion. It is the birth place of the first King’s father and from this house sprung the current Royal Family of Bhutan. You will explore some of the farmhouses and even lunch at a local farmhouse. Later you will drive back to Takila for night halt.

HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast you will explore Khoma Village, a unique village with an ancient cluster layout of traditional farmhouses. This village is renowned for its high-quality production of the hand-woven silk textile the Kishuthara. It is high-priced not only because of the material but also because of its intricate and meticulous designs that fills up the entire textile. The Kishuthara is highly celebrated by the Bhutanese, worn only on special occasions, celebrations and festivals. Weavers from Khoma village are praised for their nimble hands. This is how they make a living weaving the whole day every day. Watch the women weave in their makeshift textile cottage. In the olden day’s weavers from Khoma were hired in the court to weave for the Royal Family. Witness this ornate textile come to life as you walk in the streets of the village, and maybe even purchase one. Travel back to Takila for the night or may experience the village life in one of the farm houses in Khoma.

You will trace your journey back to Monger and continue on to Trashi gang. From Monger the road ascends a while to Kori La pass (2400m) marked by a café and a few prayer flags. As you descend from the pass you will cross Yadi, a small town. Continue your drive to cross the Sherichhu river bridge at 600m. The road from here is almost flat till Dangme Chhu River Bridge from where you ascend till Trash gang. You will notice that Trashi gang is a compact and bustling town which acts as a business hub in eastern Bhutan. Overnight, you will halt at the hotel in Trashi gang

HIGHLIGHTS
A day excursion to Radhi Village awaits you today. After visit to Rangjung Monastery and an exploration of Rangjung you will drive to Radhi and Phongmey villages. They are renowned for two things their ample rice fields and for being pioneers of the production of Bura textile made of fine raw silk. Almost all households in the Radhi village make their living from Bura textiles. Using traditional weaving and dyeing techniques the village residents are skilled in producing this famous textile. If lucky, you may come across a few Brokpas; semi-nomadic yak herders from Merak and Sakteng who have come to barter their Yak butter, cheese and dried meat with other food commodities. Later in the evening, you will drive back to Trashi gang for your night halt.

HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, you will head to Khaling, 35 KM from Trashi gang. In Khaling we will pay a visit to the National Handloom Center, a non-governmental organization, a pioneer of enforcing and preserving the weaving culture in Bhutan. Shop for authentic Bhutanese textiles produced using ancient indigenous dyeing and weaving techniques. Khaling also has the first and only school for the blind, established in 1973, Muensiling Institute which is also worth a visit to see a school inclusive for the differentially abled students. Night halt back to Trashi gang.

From Trashi gang to Yonphula, the drive takes up to a little more than an hour. We will then take a flight from Yonphula to Paro which takes only 45 minutes.

Visits in Paro:
• Paro National Museum:
The Museum houses some of the finest Bhutanese arts and Crafts and the detailed exhibition on National Bio-diversity of Bhutan.
• Paro Rinpung Dzong:
It is the landmark of beautiful Dzong built at the bank of Pa chu river. It is believed to have built on the heap of jewel. The figure is adorned with the beautiful traditional wooden bridge built at its foreground.
Overnight halt will be at the hotel in Paro.

HIGHLIGHTS
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest): Early breakfast from hotel and drive to Taktsang base is always better for hiker to start early before the sun gets too strong. The temple, popularly known as the “Tiger’s nest” is perched on the side of the cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley. It is the must visit sight of the entire tour. The uphill hike takes about 3 to 4 hours for the normal hiker. Initially you might face challenged to hike but one would be rewarded when reached to the sight. However, there are riding ponies at the base if required with minimal charges.
One can be recommended to have lunch served from the Taktsang cafeteria because it is interesting and worth having there with its prime location on the hilltop facing the entire cliff and the monastery. It is amazing to view the scene from there. After lunch, if the time permits, you will go for the following sight-seeing.

• Drugyal Dzong: It was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over allied Tibetan- Mongolian forces. The Dzong that served as a defense fortress is said to have housed the finest armory in the country.
• Souvenir Shopping: You may complete some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in Paro town.
• Hot stone bath: (evening) : In conclusion of your stay in Bhutan, we recommend you to experience the best of Bhutan traditional Hot Stone Bath for revitalization after days of tiring treks and tours in Bhutan. Your aches and pains will just melt away as you relax in and will emerge with renewed vigor and vitality.
Overnight, halt at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive to airport for departure. Our representative will bid you a farewell.