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East to West: A Journey Through Bhutan

17 days from £9,240 for 2025 per person

This pioneering itinerary is the perfect journey for those who want to explore Bhutan’s remote countryside in depth. This adventurous tour has only just become possible with the opening of the entry point at Samdrup Jongkhar, a sub-tropical region which borders India.

Completely off the beaten path you will be able to visit the heartlands of Bhutan including the eastern provinces and town of Trashigang and Mongar where the indigenous people are semi-nomadic. Journey on to the more frequently visited valleys of the Bumthang ValleyTrongsaGangteyPunakhaThimphu and Paro, staying in local guesthouses and traditional farm houses. Each of these destinations is home to its own unique and distinctive attractions including dzongs, markets and beautiful, sweeping vistas. The infrastructure and accommodation for the first few days in Bhutan will be a far cry from a luxury holiday but with each passing day this will change and you will certainly feel that you have earned your luxuries by the end of the trip. 

This is purely a suggested itinerary, so it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of Bhutan. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Epic Journey and Active Holiday collections; as well as our favourite Mountains & Trekking itineraries.


Itinerary details

17 days from £9,240 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
  • Day 2 - Tashi Gasel Lodge - Samdrup Jongkhar
    Fly from Delhi to Guwahati and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Afternoon sightseeing Samdrup Jongkhar.
  • Day 3 - Lingkhar Lodge - Trashigang
    Drive to Trashigang (approx. 7-8 hours) stopping to take in the stunning scenery along the way.
  • Day 4 - Lingkhar Lodge - Trashigang
    Full day sightseeing of Trashigang Valley.
  • Day 5 - Wangchuk Hotel - Mongar
    Morning drive to Mongar (approx. 3 hours). Afternoon sightseeing in Mongar.
  • Day 6 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    Drive to Bumthang (approx. 6-7 hours). The roads are lined with pristine forests and dotted with quaint rural settlements.
  • Day 7 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    Full day sightseeing in Bumthang valley with your guide.
  • Day 8 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
    Drive to Gangtey (approx. 6 hours) stopping at interesting points along the beautiful mountain roads.
  • Day 9 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
    Day at leisure to explore Gangtey valley, including the Black-Necked Crane Centre and the Gangtey Gompa.
  • Day 10 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
    Drive to Punakha (approx. 3 hours) via Wangdue Phodrang and Wangduephodrang Dzong at the confluence of the two rivers.
  • Day 11 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
    Full day sightseeing in Punakha visiting the famed Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stupa.
  • Day 12 - Zhiwa Ling Ascent - Thimphu
    Drive to Thimpu (apporx. 2 1/2 hours) via the Dochu La pass.
  • Day 13 - Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge - Haa Valley
    Spend the morning exploring Thimphu. Afternoon drive to the Haa Valley (approx. 3 1/2 hours).
  • Day 14 - Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge - Haa Valley
    Spend the day at leisure for local activities in the Haa Valley.
  • Day 15 - Uma Paro - Paro
    Drive to Paro (approx. 2 1/2 hours) and spend the afternoon at leisure to explore Paro.
  • Day 16 - Uma Paro - Paro
    Take a day hike in the valley ending at the Tiger's Nest.
  • Day 17 - In transit.
    Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight home.
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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

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