Bhutan Complete East-West Overland Circuit

Arrive in Phuentsholing, Bhutan's main southern border town, and complete the immigration, entry permit and document formalities under the prevailing regulations. Processing time varies with nationality, office hours, crowds and document checks. Meet the local representative and transfer to the hotel. After check in and rest, visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, a quiet temple near the town centre, following temple etiquette and photography rules. Later, walk through the local market to see the border town's daily life, browse the shops or stop at a café.

After breakfast, leave Phuentsholing and drive up to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The day's sightseeing includes Tashichho Dzong and the Memorial Chorten. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, check out and drive from Thimphu to Punakha by way of the Dochula Pass. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong before checking in at the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Trongsa through forested valleys, mountain settlements and winding roads. On arrival, visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's largest and most historically significant fortress complexes. Continue to Ta Dzong, an old watchtower converted into a museum, with views across the dzong and the valley. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Trongsa.

After breakfast, check out and continue to Bumthang, Bhutan's cultural and spiritual heartland, crossing forested mountain terrain and traditional settlements. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong, which overlooks the Bumthang valley, and continue to Kurje Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most sacred pilgrimage sites and associated with Guru Rinpoche. Transfer to the hotel and check in for the night.

After breakfast, check out and drive east from Bumthang to Mongar. Visit Mongar Dzong, then check in at the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, drive to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan, through steep valleys, mountain roads and rural country. On arrival, visit Trashigang Dzong, a fortress overlooking the surrounding valleys, where access depends on official functions and visitor arrangements. Later, explore the local markets and streets to see daily life in eastern Bhutan, then check in at the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey west to the Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery, then check in at the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Wangdue Phodrang through forested valleys, farmland and mountain settlements. Visit Wangdue Dzong, subject to its current accessibility, restoration work and official visitor arrangements, for wide views over the surrounding landscape. Later, explore the Wangdue market, then check in at the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Paro through mountain valleys and forested roads. On arrival, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress linked with Bhutan's defence history, from where clear weather may show Mount Jhomolhari, though visibility cannot be guaranteed. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, following the dress code and photography restrictions. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and complete any required exit formalities. Transfer to the confirmed border point, vehicle terminal or onward departure location, where the east to west overland circuit concludes in Phuentsholing.