Chorten Kora is a sacred Buddhist stupa in Trashi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan, renowned for its annual religious festival and pilgrimage traditions. The festival brings together Bhutanese devotees and pilgrims from neighbouring regions for Kora (circumambulation), prayers, religious ceremonies, and traditional cultural activities. The surrounding Trashi Yangtse landscape also offers opportunities to experience Bhutanese architecture, local communities, and eastern Bhutan’s natural beauty.
3,800 m
75–77 km/day
2–3hrs/day
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After some time to refresh, begin exploring Paro Valley. Visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower that now houses the National Museum, followed by Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley. Enjoy the traditional architecture, beautiful paintings, and peaceful surroundings before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, drive from Paro to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, following the scenic Wang Chhu River. Upon arrival, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Tashichho Dzong. Explore the city’s local markets and experience Bhutanese culture and daily life before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive towards Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass at approximately 3,100m. Stop to admire the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and, weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Continue downhill through lush forests and traditional villages into Punakha Valley. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, before checking into your hotel. Overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, depart Punakha and drive eastwards through scenic mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages. Cross Pele La Pass, then descend towards Trongsa. Along the way, stop at Willing Café for a refreshing break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Upon arrival in Trongsa, explore the impressive Trongsa Dzong, dramatically positioned on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu Valley. Learn about the historical importance of Trongsa and its connection with Bhutan’s royal dynasty before checking into your hotel. Overnight in Trongsa.
After breakfast, drive from Trongsa to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Travel through beautiful forests and mountain valleys before exploring Jakar Dzong, also known as the Castle of the White Bird. Continue to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, two important sacred sites associated with Bhutanese Buddhist history and Guru Rinpoche. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Bumthang Valley before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Bumthang.
After breakfast, explore the spiritual heritage of Bumthang. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, renowned for its ancient murals and religious significance, followed by Mebar Tsho, or the Burning Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site associated with Terton Pema Lingpa. Enjoy the surrounding countryside, traditional villages, and scenic valley landscapes before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Bumthang.
After an early breakfast, begin the spectacular journey towards eastern Bhutan. Drive through dense forests and ascend to Thrumshingla Pass, approximately 3,800m, before descending through dramatic mountain terrain towards Mongar. Along the route, enjoy changing vegetation, deep valleys, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain scenery. Arrive in Mongar and relax after the long drive. Overnight in Mongar.
After breakfast, continue towards Trashigang, travelling through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, and traditional settlements. Enjoy scenic views of eastern Bhutan’s rugged landscapes and river valleys along the way. Upon arrival, explore Trashigang town and its surroundings at a relaxed pace. Overnight in Trashigang.
After breakfast, drive from Trashigang to Trashi Yangtse, following the scenic route through eastern Bhutan. Upon arrival, visit the sacred Chorten Kora, a white Buddhist stupa beside the Kholong Chhu River. Experience the atmosphere of the Dakpa Kora or Drukpa Kora, depending on the festival date, and observe pilgrims performing circumambulation, prayers, and religious rituals. Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the unique cultural traditions of eastern Bhutan. Overnight in Trashi Yangtse.
Spend the day immersed in the vibrant Chorten Kora Festival. Witness pilgrims from Bhutan and neighbouring regions gathering for religious ceremonies and circumambulation around the sacred chorten. Depending on the festival schedule, explore Trashi Yangtse Dzong, Rigsum Goenpa, or nearby villages. You may also visit areas around Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and wintering habitat of black-necked cranes. Overnight in Trashi Yangtse.
After breakfast, begin the return journey towards Mongar. Travel through eastern Bhutan’s scenic valleys, passing forests, rivers, mountain slopes, and traditional villages. Enjoy photography stops along the way and, depending on time, visit a local artisan or handicraft centre to learn about traditional Bhutanese crafts. Continue to Mongar and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Mongar.
After breakfast, retrace the scenic route from Mongar to Bumthang, crossing Thrumshingla Pass once again. Enjoy spectacular views of high-altitude forests, mountain landscapes, and deep valleys along the journey. Stop at suitable viewpoints for photographs before descending towards Bumthang. Arrive in the evening and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Bumthang.
After breakfast, transfer to Bumthang Airport for your domestic flight to Paro, subject to flight schedules and availability. Enjoy aerial views of Bhutan’s dramatic Himalayan landscapes during the flight. Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Explore Paro town, browse local handicrafts, or relax at the hotel in preparation for the following day’s hike. Overnight in Paro.
After an early breakfast, drive to the Taktsang trailhead and begin the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff at approximately 3,120m. The trail passes through pine forests and offers spectacular views of the Paro Valley. Take time to explore the sacred monastery and its temples before descending back to the trailhead. After lunch, return to Paro and enjoy a relaxing final evening. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan after an enriching journey through its historic dzongs, sacred monasteries, mountain passes, scenic valleys, and the vibrant spiritual traditions of the Chorten Kora Festival.
Chorten Kora is a sacred Buddhist stupa in Trashi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan, famous for its annual religious festival and pilgrimage traditions.
Chorten Kora is located in Trashi Yangtse District in eastern Bhutan, beside the Kholong Chhu River.
Visitors can witness religious ceremonies, pilgrimages, Kora circumambulation, traditional costumes, prayers, and cultural activities.
Kora means circumambulating a sacred religious site as an act of devotion and spiritual practice.
Wear modest and respectful clothing, particularly when entering the stupa, monasteries, or other religious sites
| Festival Tour | Best Time | Location | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumolhari Mountain Festival | August | Jumolhari Base Camp | Bhutan’s largest and most famous cultural festival |
| Thimphu Tshechu Tour | September – October | Thimphu | Vibrant mask dances in Bhutan’s capital city |
| Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu Tour | February – March | Punakha | Historic battle re-enactments and religious celebrations |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tour | October – November | Bumthang | Sacred fire ceremony and unique ancient traditions |
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