Skip to content
ELC
A forested Himalayan valley under low cloud, with a gilded temple roof in the foreground

The Central & Eastern Highlands Expedition

A 14-night, 15-day journey for serious trekkers and adventure travelers.

Duration
15 days
Difficulty
Challenging
Price
On request

For guests who want to go past Bhutan's western valleys entirely and into the country's rarely visited east — from the sacred sites of Paro, through the temple valleys of Bumthang, across long scenic drives to Trashigang and Trashiyangtse, and finally on foot into the remote Brokpa homelands of Merak and Sakteng. This is a physically demanding itinerary, best suited to fit, experienced travelers comfortable with several consecutive days of exertion and rustic homestay conditions.

Highlights

  • Merak and Sakteng homestays with Brokpa host families
  • A high-altitude trek to Jomokungkhar at 4,500m
  • A night at a yak herders' camp on the way to Tsolung Goenpa
  • The Tang Valley trek past the Drapham ruins
  • A hike to Thowadra Monastery
  • Gomakora Lhakhang and the ancient Golomzur / Jamkhar chorten
  • An acclimatisation hike to Zuri Dzong and a full day to Chumpu Nye
  • A choice of farewell hikes — Tiger's Nest, Bumdra, or Dragey Pangtsho
Package 04 poster — Highlands Expedition, central and eastern Bhutan, drawn as a 4,500m peak on a shield.

The route

Where this journey goes

The places this journey moves through, in order. Day-by-day timings are confirmed with you when we build your dates.

  1. 1

    Paro

    An acclimatisation hike to Zuri Dzong, and a full day to Chumpu Nye

  2. 2By air

    Bumthang

    Fly Paro–Bumthang, into the temple valleys

  3. 3

    Tang Valley

    The Tang Valley trek, past the Drapham ruins

  4. 4

    Thowadra

    The hike up to Thowadra Monastery

  5. 5

    Mongar

    The long drive east, over Thrumshingla

  6. 6

    Trashigang

    Gomakora Lhakhang, on the road north

  7. 7

    Trashiyangtse

    The ancient Golomzur / Jamkhar chorten

  8. 8

    Merak

    On foot into the Brokpa homelands, inside Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

  9. 9

    Sakteng

    Jomokungkhar at 4,500m, and a yak herders' camp below Tsolung Goenpa

  10. 10By air

    Taktsang

    Fly Yongphula–Paro, and close with Tiger's Nest, Bumdra or Dragey Pangtsho

Format

How it runs

Fixed 15-day expedition structure — built around domestic flight schedules (Paro–Bumthang, Yongphula–Paro) and trek logistics, though start dates and minor stops can be adjusted.

Best for

Who it suits

Adventure travelers, trekkers, and guests seeking Bhutan's remote eastern highlands rather than the classic western circuit.

Inquire

Ask about The Central & Eastern Highlands Expedition

Tell us your dates and group size and we will come back with availability and a firm price.

We use the details you provide only to answer your inquiry. We never share them with third parties.

See the other journeys

Five journeys, each one adjustable to your dates and interests.

All packagesPhoto gallery