Samdrupjongkhar: The road from Trashigang to Samdrupjongkhar was completed in he 1960s and it enables the eastern part of the country to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the Indian border. There is little for travelers to see in this area but it is used as more of a convenient exit town.

1. Meri Phuensum Resort(3 star hotels): Surrounded by magnificent scenery, Meri Phuensum Resort lies on a Wolakha – Talo road, south of the historic highly recommended for its quality of food and high standards of personalized services.
The resort overlooks the beautiful and pristine Puna Tsang Chu (river) and offers a panoramic view of the nearby villages and surrounding country side. For the convenience and Comfort for our guests, we offer all basic amenities, a lounge plus a conference room.
Our deluxe and standard room, fully furnished offers a scenic view of the valley. The restaurant and bar also offers wide selection of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and continental dishes.

Contact Address:
Tele:+975-2 584237, 584195
Fax: 584236

2. Hotel Zangto Pelri(3 star Hotels): The hotel is 6 Km south from Punakha town and is located on the slopes of the ridge overlooking the Punakha valley and river. There are villages and paddy fields surrounding near the hotel. The 45 rooms are located in the main building and in the several cottages surrounding it. Every room in of the cottages has private balcony. The main building houses the restaurant, bar and reception. There is also an outdoor swimming pool but there seems shortage of water here and it is not used often. The cottage rooms are great but the reception areas of the hotel need polishing wood floors.

Contact Address:
Tele:+975-2-584125,584321
Fax: 584203

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644 and was enlarged in 17th century by the Desi (secular ruler) Tenzin Rabgye. The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. It is an impregnable fortress.

Kunga Rabten: It used to be the winter palace of the 2nd King. The building has a superb wood work and decorations and presently part of the palace is used as a library. From the palace one can take a hike up to the road and further along the village to a nunnery. Just beside the palace we can see five great water prayer wheels.

Ta Dzong: Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned into a heritage museum.

The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century.Some of the prominent places to visit in Gangtey are:

Early morning Crane Observation / Crane Counting: The centre provides information about the Black-necked Crane and has a viewing room equipped with powerful telescopes to help you observe or count the Cranes in their roosting area. A guide from RSPN can also be arranged for a crane watching tour along the wetland, if requested in advance.
Early morning observation (5:00-7:00) is best recommended for a satisfactory counting of the bird. There are also facilities to hold talks or discussion should you wish.

Visit to Local Carpet Factory: As you walk a few minutes from the crane information centre towards Gangtey trail and the Tabading town. Tabading is small commercial community with typical Bhutanese grocery shops. If you take this road and walk few minutes, you will find a farm road going up towards Phuntsholing Guest house. Behind the Phuntsholing Guest house is a small carpet factory established in 1992. here there is small weaving hall where 8 to 10 people (can) work

Day walks(Gangtey Nature Trail): (Duration: Half day- two hours at a quicker pace) The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails. The trail can be walked in either directions bet we recommend starting the walk from the Gangtey Monastery, so that you first have an opportunity to visit this magnificent gaempa. From here the walk heads south and ends over the meandering chhu Nap ( Black river) near Khewang village.

Village Excursion (Khewang- Dang / Hal Tour): This walk can be done in quick three hours or spread over a day if done at a more leisurely pace. It is an ideal walk for families, and provides one of the overview of the valley as well. One can see cranes, skylarks, temples, villages and have a superb view of the valley as there is no forest to obstruct the view. There are several variations to this walk, but all begin at the bottom of the valley just below the Tabading shops, and take a circular route to return to the same point.

Wangdue is 45 kms from Punakha. Some of the prominent places to visit Wangdue are

Wangdue Town: Wangdue has a unique town to look around with small huts by the side of the road.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: It was founded in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.Wangdue Phodrang dzong sits majestically on a steep ridge overlooking the highway that fork to the east and south of the country.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river)The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Haa.

Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king. Now it is the winter capital of the central monk body.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of Fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road – a welcome chance to stretch your legs after the drive. His style of teaching was thought shocking, insulting and including obscene behavior. His outrageous actions and sexual antics were a deliberate method of provoking people to discard preconceptions. In the temple you will receive a blessing from his wooden phallus. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

Hike to Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang It was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December 1999. It’s around 45 minutes hike from the road point.

Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashichoo Dzong.The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Thimphu.

Weekend Market: The days are absolutely central to the lives of the bhutanese, but there are many reasons to visit other than the delicious fresh food on offer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.There are regular competitions centered on the national sport of Bhutan – archery – as well as the opportunities to buy beautifully handcrafted items such as yak tail dusters and butter tea cups. The people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Zorig Chusum Institute (Thirteen Crafts):It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society, school dropouts and unemployed youths.

Textile museum:The foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts. It’s a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.

Memorial Chorten:Chorten are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself, and it is traditionally good luck to pass them on the left. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The chorten is just another example of how seriously the Bhutanese consider, and how perfectly they realize, their unique architectural style.

Tashichho Dzong :The names means – Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Hike to Cheri Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary):Hike about1hour leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chu, and then climbs to the monastery. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. Silver Chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung father.(Option for meditation). A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.

Paper factory:The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. It began as domestic ancient ctivity which is still in practice in remote areas. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

Mini zoo:Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national – the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. The zoo was emptied in accordance with Buddhist principles, but the Takin came back so the keepers decided to look after them, also in accordance with Buddhist principles!

Handicraft Emporium:The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to them The shop is one of the best places to buy souvenirs from Bhutan, including finely made traditional clothes, jewelry, linen work, books, and paintings. There is also a money changing facility and the shop will exchange travelers cheques.

Archery:During weekends we can also see the archery match at the Changlimithang ground. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Entertainment:During your trip to Bhutan the Raven Tours and Treks Team will try to include the following under your request – actual selection depends on the itinerary.

Night in “down town Thimphu”: In the evening we can make arrangements to take you to enjoy life the way the young Bhutanese do, in the discotheques, or in the entertainment areas. There are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke. (Guests pay for own drinks and entrance fees).

Evening Meal with music and dancing: We try to visit a local restaurant for an evening meal, where we are also entertained with performances of local dancing and signing, and much wine! (No extra charge).

Local barsThe local bars in the towns (and Thimphu) do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your Raven Tours and Treks guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!