Cultural Heartland Tour- 10 Days

You can fly to Paro from various cities such as Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Dhaka. We recommend taking a flight from Bangkok, as Druk Air operates daily flights between Bangkok and Paro, while flights from other locations may not be as frequent.

The journey to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks.

Paro is situated at an altitude of 2,280 meters (7,447 feet) above sea level, and the valley is known for its fertile land, ideal for cultivating rice, apples, wheat, potatoes, and various vegetables.

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, our Bhutanese tour guide will greet you with a traditional welcome, presenting you with silk scarves. After completing the necessary arrival formalities, we will transfer you to your hotel.

Today, we will explore the sights around Paro, starting with a visit to the Ta Dzong, which serves as the National Museum. Afterward, we will head to Paro’s Rimpung Dzong, crossing the 16th-century cantilever bridge on our way down.

Next, we will visit the Drugyel Dzong, a victory fortress built in 1647, located 18 kilometers from Paro town. Here, you can explore the impressive ramparts of this historic fortress, which once defended the country against various invasions. On clear days, the sacred Mount Jomolhari can be seen from the northern battlements.

We begin our day with an early morning drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, which takes approximately 90 minutes from Paro. Once in Thimphu, we will explore the valley and visit several notable sites.

Our first stop is the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Next, we will head to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where traditional Bhutanese arts are taught. We will also visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, which offers a glimpse into Bhutanese material culture and daily life.

Additionally, we will explore the National Memorial Chorten and Trashichho Dzong, an impressive monastery that showcases Bhutanese architecture. We will also take some time to visit the Bhutanese Handicrafts shop, where you can find a variety of beautifully hand-woven textiles and crafts.

In the evening, we will wander through the lively Thimphu Bazaar, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Today, we will embark on a drive to the stunning glacial valley of Phobjikha, passing through Dochula Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bhutan’s Himalayan ranges. As we make our way, we will visit the impressive Gangtey Monastery, established in the 17th century.

Phobjikha is a serene and remote valley known as the winter habitat for the black-necked cranes. Once we arrive, we will have the opportunity to explore Gangtey village and the surrounding Phobjikha valley. Each November, the valley hosts the unique black-necked crane festival, celebrating these magnificent birds.

After an early breakfast, we will set off on a drive to Bumthang, passing over the Pele-la Pass (3,300 meters). This pass is marked by a white chorten and adorned with numerous prayer flags. As we ascend, you will notice a significant change in vegetation, with the lush mountain forests giving way to high-altitude dwarf bamboo.

We will make a stop at Chendebji Chorten, notable for its eyes painted on all four cardinal points. This chorten was constructed in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this location. As we approach Trongsa, you will be treated to a stunning view of the Trongsa Dzong from a distance.

Continuing on, we will travel the 68 kilometers to Bumthang, which takes about three hours, crossing the Yutong-la Pass (3,400 meters). The road winds steeply up to the pass before descending through coniferous forests into the expansive cultivated Chumey Valley. In Chumey village, you will find several shops selling yathra, a traditional woolen textile. Bumthang is renowned for yathra, characterized by its distinctive woven patterns and vibrant colors, often created using ancient dyeing techniques. The road continues to follow the valley, climbing through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2,860 meters), before descending into the Choekor Valley, the heart of Bumthang.

The Bumthang valley consists of four distinct valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, with altitudes ranging from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. This region is home to many significant Buddhist temples and monasteries.

We will begin our exploration with a visit to Jakar Dzong, built in 1667, which serves as the seat of district administration and the regional monastic body of Bumthang. Next, we will visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo.

We will also explore Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon, leaving an imprint of his body. Another highlight is Tamshing, established in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. This monastery features ancient religious paintings, including depictions of 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras, the female forms of Bodhisattvas in Bhutan.

During the day, we will visit a local farmer’s house for refreshments and to observe traditional living practices. Additionally, we will stop by a Swiss farm that produces cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, honey, and a variety of fruit juices and spirits. We will also visit a brewery known for its famous Red Panda Beer (weiss beer), located in the area. Finally, we will take a leisurely stroll through Chamkhar town.

Today, we will depart from Bumthang and make our way to Trongsa, where we will visit the Trongsa Dzong, constructed in 1648. This dzong is the largest fortress in Bhutan. After our visit, we will continue our journey to Punakha, passing through Wangdiphodrang. Once we arrive, we will take some time to explore the Wangdi market.

We will begin our day with a drive north to the impressive Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 and is strategically located at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Currently, the dzong serves as the district administration and judiciary office, as well as the winter residence for Bhutan’s spiritual leader, Je Khenpo, and the monks from Thimphu and Punakha.

Next, we will continue our journey to Lobesa, where you will embark on a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple, situated on a hilltop, is dedicated to the revered Yogi Drukpa Kuenley, often referred to as the “Divine Madman” of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple offers blessings to women seeking fertility.

Today, we will embark on an excursion to the renowned Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail leading to the monastery ascends through stunning pine and rhododendron forests. We will take a break at a tea house along the way, where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in magnificent views of the monastery up close. After our rest, we will continue the hike for a short distance until the impressive Taktsang Monastery comes into view, seemingly within reach.

Constructed in the 1600s, this remarkable monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that drops 900 meters into the valley below. According to history, Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have arrived here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated for three months. The monastery is considered one of Bhutan’s most revered cultural heritage sites, attracting pilgrims from across the Himalayan region.

After enjoying breakfast, our airport representative will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight from Bhutan.