The Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the tranquil Himalayas is a haven to rich bio-diversity, vibrant religion, unique arts, rich history, cultural splendor, heritage and scenic grandeur. It is a fascinating land where time had stood still and preserved the exquisite beauty of this mystical country.
The vegetation varies over very short distances ranging from tropical broadleaf forests to alpine shrubs and lush meadows. Bhutan is home to such exotic mammals as Takin (a large, musk-ox-like animal), Black necked Crane, Golden Langur, Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopards and red pandas. Bird species range from the Himalayan black Eagle, and boreal owl to the Tiny black-throated parrot bill.
Our Culture Heartlands tour provides one of the best opportunities to experience most if not all of the Bhutanese life style in all its glory.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 01 - Arrival at Paro Airport. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 02 - Sightseeing around Paro then evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 03 - Sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 04 - Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 05 - Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 06 - Sightseeing in and around Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 07 - Drive through Trongsa to Punakha. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 08 - Sightseeing in Punkha with overnight accommodation in Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 09 - Sightseeing in and around Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
- Day 10 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
Trip Code: ATH341
Best Season: January to June; September to December
Country Visited: Bhutan
Trip Start: Paro
Trip Ends: Paro
Trip Route: Paro-Thimpu-Phobjikha-Bumthang-Punakha-Tiger Nest -Paro
Trip Style: Guided Sightseeing and city tours
Activity: Sightseeing and Cultural Tour
Max. Altitude:
3,300 m /10824 ft
Group Size: Min. 1 pax
Activity Per Day: Approximately 3 to 6 hrs of guided activities per day
Trip Category: Bhutan Cultural Tour
Trip Highlight
- Sightseeing in and around Paro and Thimphu
- Panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains
- Chimi Lhakhang Temple
- Shopping in Bumthang village
- Visit Trongsa Dzong fortress
- Visit the Swiss farm
- Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)
Day 01 - Arrival at Paro Airport
You can take flight to Paro from Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka etc. We recommend you to fly from Bangkok because Druk air offer everyday flight from Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok whereas Druk air do not operate everyday flights from other sectors.
The flight to Bhutan offers scenic views of some of the highest peaks in the world.
Paro is at an altitude of 2280m above sea level and this valley serves as an ideal area for rice, apple, wheat, potatoes and vegetable growing.
Our Bhutanese tour guide will meet you at Paro airport, traditionally welcomed with silk scarves and after completion of arrival formalities we then transfer to hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
(Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 02 - Sightseeing around Paro then evening drive to Thimphu
We visit the Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro’s Rimpung Dzong, on the way down we cross the 16th century cantilever bridge.
Also visiting the Drugyel Dzong victory fortress, built in 1647 which is 18 kilometres from the Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day one can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. We take a visit to a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life and living. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 03 - Sightseeing in and around Thimphu
Early morning we take a scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, approx 90 mins drive from Paro. Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley we visit the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. In the evening we explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 04 - Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha
Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha via Dochula, this pass offers the panoramic view of Bhutan’s Himalayan Ranges. Along the slopes is the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. This quiet and remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. The unique black necked crane festival is held on the valley floor every November. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 05 - Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang
After an early breakfast, drive to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop at Chendebji Chorten. You can see the chorten with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance.
Bumthang, 68 kms away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Stopping in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques. The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2,860m). We then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central of Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 06 - Sightseeing in and around Bumthang
The Bumthang valley comprises of a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visiting the Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it`s seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo it is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left his body imprint. Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer’s house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living. We also visit a Swiss farm which produces cottage, swiss cheese, honey, a large variety of fruit juice and spirits. The Brewery that manufactures the famous Red Panda Beer (weiss beer) also located here. Take a leisurely walk in Chamkhar town. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 07 - Drive through Trongsa to Punakha
Leaving Bumthang, we head for Trongsa where we will visit the Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648 it is the biggest of all the fortresses in the country. Drive to Punakha via Wangdiphodrang after which we take a stroll through the Wangdi market. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 08 - Sightseeing in Punkha with overnight accommodation in Paro
Drive north to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. At Present the Dzong serve as the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha. We then drive onto Lobesa where you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is on a hill top and it is dedicated to the great Yogi known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 09 - Sightseeing in and around Paro
Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. We stop at the tea house for rest and refreshments, the tea house offers magnificent up close view of the tigers nest and continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. It is regarded to be one of the most venerated cultural heritage sites in Bhutan. People from all over the Himalayan Diaspora frequent this place on the pilgrimage trail to Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 10 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
After breakfast our airport representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
(Breakfast Included)
Cost Includes
- Pick up from and drop off at the hotel and the airport on a tourist car / van /minibus.
- Standard government-approved accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) for the duration of the tour.
- Full-board meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks - for the duration of your stay.
- Drinking water for the duration of the tour.
- Country presentation and tour Briefing on the evening of Day 01 with welcome drinks.
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides.
- Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations, if required.
- Monument and museums entrance fees at all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary.
- Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country's health and education projects.
- All route access and monument entry permits and fees.
- All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.
Cost Does not Include
- International airfare and airport departure tax. (Please see the Druk Air flight info below)
- Your travel insurance (mandatory for the trip, see the travel insurance page).
- Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry.
- Alcoholic and cold drinks.
- Personal clothing and equipment.
- Tips for tour guides, porters, driver, hotel lobby and in restaurants. (Tipping is expected)
- Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.