Art and Handicraft trail in Bhutan

 Arrive in Samdrup Jongkhar via Guwahati, following your flight from Delhi or Kolkata. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush tea gardens and lively Indian towns before reaching this vibrant border town in southeastern Bhutan. Upon arrival, check in the hotel and stall through local markets and handicraft shops, where you’ll discover Bhutanese handwoven textiles, intricate wood carvings, and traditional crafts—an engaging introduction to the region’s rich artisanal heritage. Overnight: hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Altitude: 300 m |  Drive: 3 hours | Distance: 150 km

Embark on a scenic drive to Trashigang, Bhutan’s easternmost district, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Along the way, stop at the traditional weaving villages of Narphung, Wamrong, and Khaling, where skilled artisans produce intricate silk and cotton textiles using age-old techniques.
Upon arrival, visit the impressive Trashigang Dzong, a historic fortress gracefully overlooking the town. This architectural landmark offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and a window into Bhutan’s spiritual and administrative traditions. Overnight: hotel in Trashigang.

Altitude: 1200 m |  Drive: 5 hours | Distance: 180 km

Embark on a captivating drive to Merak, a remote and picturesque highland village nestled amidst the dramatic landscapes of eastern Bhutan. Home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, Merak is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and the exquisite art of weaving intricate textiles using yak hair and wool—an ancient craft passed down through generations.
Arrive at a local home where you will have the rare opportunity to witness the meticulous process of traditional weaving. Observe the creation of beautifully crafted woolen textiles, each piece a masterpiece that reflects the skill, artistry, and cultural pride of the Brokpa people. Engage with the artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of their time-honored techniques and the profound cultural significance embedded in each woven thread.
As the afternoon unfolds, continue your journey to Radi village, where you will observe local women engaged in the art of weaving with raw silk. This intimate encounter offers yet another glimpse into Bhutan’s rich textile heritage, providing a fascinating contrast to the yak hair and wool weaving seen in Merak.
In the late afternoon, return to Trashigang, carrying with you memories of these rare cultural encounters and a deeper appreciation for Bhutan’s exquisite craftsmanship. Overnight: hotel in Trashigang.

Altitude: 3100 m |  Drive: 4 hours | Distance: 140 km

Enjoy a scenic drive to Mongar, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes and experiencing the rich cultural diversity of eastern Bhutan.

Upon arrival, explore the local markets and artisan workshops, where you'll find hand-painted masks, intricate wood carvings, and other unique crafts.
Visit Mongar Dzong, known for its elegant woodwork and detailed mural paintings—a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Overnight: hotel  in Mongar.

Altitude: 1200 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 90 km

Embark on a scenic journey to Lhuntse, followed by a visit to the idyllic Khoma village, renowned for producing some of Bhutan's most exquisite silk textiles. As you drive through lush, forested valleys and past traditional rural settlements, the route unfolds an enchanting landscape of serene beauty and timeless rural life.
Khoma is particularly famous for its finely woven kishuthara—a luxurious silk textile created with intricate patterns, each piece requiring immense skill and precision. In the village, visit local weaving houses where master artisans employ traditional backstrap looms to craft these vibrant, richly patterned fabrics, which are often used for ceremonial Bhutanese attire, embodying both cultural and artistic significance.
Beyond its renowned weaving tradition, Khoma offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythm of rural Bhutanese life. Engage with the local artisans, learn about their age-old techniques, and discover the profound cultural pride woven into each textile. Overnight: farmhouse in Khoma.

Altitude: 1400 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 80 km

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Lhuentse Dzong, a 17th-century architectural gem perched high above the dramatic valley below. This remote and rarely visited fortress houses a community of monks and serves as the district’s administrative center, offering a serene yet powerful introduction to Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Continue your journey toward Yongkola, stopping en route at the awe-inspiring Takila Guru Rinpoche statue—Bhutan’s tallest and one of its most revered representations of Guru Padmasambhava. Set against a stunning natural backdrop, this spiritual site invites quiet reflection.

Further along, pause at the charming village of Tagmachu, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe local women engaged in the intricate art of traditional weaving. Overnight: hotel in Yongkola.

Altitude: 1400 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 90 km

The drive from Yongkola to Bumthang, widely regarded as one of Bhutan’s most scenic and awe-inspiring routes. As you wind through lush forests, pass pristine waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs, and discover charming, remote villages nestled within the majestic mountains, you will be immersed in a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The drive offers stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and dramatic panoramas, blending natural magnificence with an invigorating sense of adventure.
After passing the quaint village of Sangkhor, ascend towards the Thrimshingla Pass, perched at an altitude of 3,700 meters, where sweeping views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains await. Descend into the serene Ura Village, a peaceful haven where you can visit the village’s sacred temple and leisurely stroll through its tranquil streets, absorbing the timeless charm of rural Bhutan.
Continue your journey for another hour and forty minutes to reach Jakar, a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of Bumthang. Overnight: hotel in Bumthang.

Altitude: 2,500 m |  Drive: 5 hours | Distance: 190 km

In the morning, drive to the picturesque Tang Valley, home to the revered Ogyencholing Palace, now transformed into a family museum. Here, immerse yourself in the exquisite art of Yahtra weaving, a centuries-old Bhutanese craft. Witness the skilled artisans at work, weaving vibrant textiles on traditional looms, and gain insight into the cultural significance of this intricate craft.
In the afternoon, return to Jakar, where you can explore the local handicraft shops, each offering a stunning array of hand-carved wooden items, intricate paintings, and delicate textiles—masterpieces of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Additionally, visit Bumthang’s sacred temples and monasteries, including the Jambay Lhakhang, renowned for its unique and revered artwork. These ancient spiritual sites offer a glimpse into the deep religious heritage of Bhutan, where art and culture are seamlessly intertwined.

Overnight: hotel in Bumthang.Altitude: 2,500 m |  Drive: 4 hours | Distance: 140 km

Continue your drive to Trongsa, a historical town nestled in central Bhutan, with a captivating stop in the serene Chumey Valley. Here, witness the skilled artisans weaving intricate textiles from yak hair and wool known as Yathra. Upon arrival in Trongsa, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic fortresses. Explore its majestic architecture, steeped in history, and discover the town’s vibrant art scene, where local artisans continue to craft Bhutan’s artistic legacy. As the evening draws near, walk around the small town to see some local artisans.  Overnight: hotel in Trongsa.

Altitude: 1800 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 70 km

Continue your drive to the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, a pristine glacial valley renowned for its serene beauty and as the winter home of the majestic black-necked cranes. Along the way, enjoy a visit to the Chendepji Chorten, a serene stupa with rich spiritual significance, before continuing to the quaint village of Rukup Ji.
Upon arrival in Gangtey, visit the revered Gangtey Monastery, an architectural gem nestled in the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore the charming village and gain insight into the local way of life, where traditions and culture are deeply intertwined with nature.
From Gangtey Monastery, hike down to the Phobjikha Valley. As you walk through this untouched landscape, absorb the peaceful ambiance of the valley, enveloped by mountains and forests, a true haven for both nature lovers and cultural explorers alike. Overnight: hotel in Phobjikha.

Altitude: 2,900 m |  Drive: 3 hours| Distance: 120 km

After breakfast, scenic drive to Punakha, a region revered for its lush, fertile valleys and the resplendent Punakha Dzong — a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture nestled at the confluence of two sacred rivers.

En route, pause at Wangdue Phodrang, where you will visit the majestic Wangdue Dzong, perched high above a dramatic gorge. The dzong commands sweeping views of the valley below and offers a quiet moment of reflection amid its spiritual grandeur.

Upon arrival in Punakha, delve into the spiritual and artistic soul of Bhutan with a visit to the iconic Punakha Dzong. This architectural gem, once the ancient seat of the kingdom's government, showcases the finest examples of traditional woodwork, elaborate murals, and sacred relics. Overnight hotel in Punakha

Altitude: 1200 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 90 km 

Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, crossing the magnificent Dochula Pass (3,100 m). On a clear day, the pass offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, with fluttering prayer flags and 108 chortens (stupas) adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, take time to explore the Handicraft Market, a vibrant space where local artisans display their traditional crafts. Browse a wide array of authentic Bhutanese products, from handwoven textiles and intricate thangka paintings to handmade paper, wooden carvings, and silver jewelry.

Next, visit the National Textile Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating Bhutan’s rich textile heritage. Discover the art of weaving, a cornerstone of Bhutanese culture, and view rare antique textiles and royal garments that reflect the diversity of the country’s regional styles and techniques.

This cultural immersion in Thimphu offers a unique glimpse into Bhutan’s artistic traditions and the continued importance of craftsmanship in everyday life. Overnight: hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 80 km 

Explore Thimphu’s vibrant art galleries, where local artists showcase their work in traditional Bhutanese styles, including the intricate and symbolic art of Thangka painting. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, where students are trained in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, from woodcarving and embroidery to sculpture and calligraphy.

Continue to the Changzamtok Weaving Center, where you can observe skilled women weavers at work, spinning, dyeing, and weaving exquisite handwoven fabrics—a living testimony to Bhutan’s rich textile tradition.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful walk to Wangditse Monastery, a serene trail that winds through pine forests and offers panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. The walk provides a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience the tranquil rhythm of monastic life in a stunning mountain setting. Overnight: hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 40 min | Distance: 30 km 

Drive to Paro (approximately 1 hour), a valley renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural heritage. En route, stop for a short walk across a traditional suspension bridge to visit Tachog Lhakhang, a picturesque temple built in the 15th century by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Upon arrival in Paro, begin your visit with the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of traditional paintings, sacred relics, ancient weapons, and rare artifacts that offer insight into the country’s rich history.

Continue to the Paro Rinpung Dzong, an architectural masterpiece perched above the valley, known for its intricate woodwork and its important role in Bhutanese religious and civic life.

Later in the afternoon, take time to explore Paro’s charming local handicraft shops and learn more about the artistry behind Bhutanese textiles, woodwork, and other traditional crafts.

Overnight: hotel in Paro.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 1h20 | Distance: 70 km 

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang): Embark on a hike to Taktsang, one of Bhutan's most iconic monasteries, dramatically perched on a cliffside. Along the journey, take in breathtaking views and admire traditional Bhutanese architecture and artwork. On the return, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. In the evening, enjoy a visit to a local farmhouse for dinner and a chance to taste the traditional Bhutanese alcohol, Ara. Overnight: hotel in Paro.

Altitude: 3150 m |  Drive: 20 min | Distance: 7 km |Hike : 5 hours

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.