East Bhutan is certainly little known and little explored, Not yet plastered with luxury hotels, the landscape is rugged, the valleys are steep and flora and fauna exceptionally amazing.
The east does offers a wealth of nature, culture and history and makes for a destination for the adventurous travellers. We do visit the area of Trashigang, Merak and Sakteng, Bumdeling, Drametse and Mongar, before ending in the central valley of Bumthang.
Our journey in the East begins in Trashigang, before we head into the remote region of Merak and Sakteng, an area that stands out as a distinct region in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in the kingdom, it offers the traveller to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
You journey then continues to the north east, to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda, as well being a paradise for butterflies. Besides natural beauty and diversity many significant religious and cultural places can be found inside the sanctuary.
Leaving Bumdeling, we drive west, visiting Drametse before spending the night in Mongar, which is a transit point before we cross into Thrumshingla National Park. It is a spectacular drive through the Thrumsingla, brining you from tropical regions (1000m), sub-tropical, temperate, all the way up to 4500m till we reach the alpine forest. This has to be one of the best drives in Bhutan. Our Journey then ends in Bumthang before flying back to Paro.
These are a selection of lodges that we feel combine well for this journey. However we do also have a range of options to consider in each region, and can tailor them to you preference.
Lingkhar Lodge is one of the local lodges in the small but bustling town of Trashigang in Eastern Bhutan. It blends the best of Bhutanese hospitality with comfortable facilities to assure you a happy and rejuvenating stay.
Get close to nature and the wilderness without giving up on comfort. Camping trips include serviced tents and an experienced team of cooks and guides to assist you.
Bumthang, directly translating as ‘beautiful field’, is home to 29 temples and monasteries, including the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, and is a treasure-trove of Bhutan’s art and painting traditions. The 16-Suite Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley
Amala Travel
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