Heart of Bhutan

🧭 Tour Overview:

Journey through the mystical valleys and sacred landmarks of Bhutan in this immersive 11-day adventure from the west to the spiritual heartland of the east. Visit historic dzongs, hike to cliffside monasteries, attend prayer ceremonies, enjoy farm meals with local families, and engage in deep cultural discovery. With Trongsa as a scenic stopover en route to Bumthang, and rich experiences woven throughout, this itinerary is designed for those seeking more than just sightseeing—it’s a cultural and spiritual connection to Bhutan.

🗓️ Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu (1.5 hrs)

Land in the picturesque Paro Valley and transfer to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

Highlights:

• Stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and cross the ancient iron bridge
• Visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley
• Stroll around the National Memorial Chorten
• Explore local craft markets and cozy cafés on Norzin Lam

Overnight: Boutique hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Immersion & GNH Session

Morning:

• Institute of Zorig Chusum – Observe students practicing Bhutan’s traditional arts
• Folk Heritage Museum – Explore a traditional Bhutanese household
• Royal Textile Academy – View royal weavings and sacred textiles

Afternoon:

• Insight session on Gross National Happiness (GNH) – Engage in a private talk with a Bhutanese scholar or practitioner on how Bhutan integrates spiritual wellbeing into governance

Evening Options:

• Try Bhutan’s archery and khuru (darts)
• Optional walk to Changangkha Lhakhang for evening prayer rituals

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 3: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha (3 hrs)

Leave Thimphu and drive toward the temperate Punakha Valley.

En Route:

• Dochula Pass (3,100m) – Stop to admire the 108 chortens and Himalayan views
• Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, filled with fascinating murals

In Punakha:

• Punakha Dzong – One of Bhutan’s most breathtaking fortresses
• Cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan
• Scenic walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Overnight: Riverside lodge or boutique hotel in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 4: Punakha – Chimi Lhakhang & Local Life

Morning:

• Chimi Lhakhang – Visit the temple of the “Divine Madman” via a beautiful walk through rice paddies

Afternoon Options:

• Engage in a local cooking session with a farmhouse family
• Short nature hike along the riverbanks
• Learn about traditional irrigation & rice cultivation

Evening:

• Enjoy a Bhutanese hot stone bath and herbal tea session

Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 5: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Trongsa – Bumthang (6–7 hrs total)

This scenic day takes you from the western valleys into central Bhutan.

Stops En Route:

• Wangdue Phodrang: Visit Rinchengang Village, famous for its traditional stone masonry
• Pele La Pass (3,420m): Photo stop at one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes
• Trongsa Dzong: Explore Bhutan’s largest and most strategically placed dzong overlooking a deep gorge
• Chendebji Chorten: 18th-century Nepalese-style stupa on the way to Bumthang

Continue to Bumthang Valley through dense forests and highland villages

Overnight: Traditional lodge in Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 6: Bumthang – Sacred Monasteries & Valley Walks

Morning:

• Kurje Lhakhang: Site where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint
• Jambay Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century)
• Tamshing Lhakhang: Spiritual and artistic treasure of the Nyingma tradition

Afternoon:

• Valley walk through farms and villages
• Visit a local cheese or beer factory (Red Panda Brewery optional)
• Participate in a lamp lighting prayer ritual at a monastery

Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 7: Bumthang – Nature, Handicrafts & Leisure

Morning Options:

• Short hike to Thangbi Lhakhang or Pema Choling Nunnery
• Learn to make handmade incense or prayer flags

Afternoon:

• Relax at your lodge or join a reading session on Bhutanese legends
• Explore local shops for yathra (wool weaving), honey, or handicrafts

Optional:

• Try a gentle guided meditation with a Buddhist practitioner

Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 8: Bumthang – Return Drive to Paro (8–9 hrs)

Enjoy a scenic full-day drive back to Paro, filled with mountain landscapes, yak herders, and remote villages.

En Route Stops:

• Refreshment break in Trongsa or Pele La
• Tea stop in Wangdue Phodrang

Arrive in Paro and check into a comfortable heritage hotel.

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 9: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike

The spiritual highlight of your journey — hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900 meters above the valley floor.

Hike Duration: ~4–5 hrs round trip
Elevation: 3,120m
Option: Horse ride to halfway point

Afternoon:

• Return to Paro for rest or visit Ta Dzong (National Museum)
• Explore local cafés, art galleries, and artisan boutiques

Evening:

• Cultural farewell dinner with storytelling, music or traditional dance (on request)

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 10: Paro Valley Exploration & Leisure

Optional Activities:

• Kyichu Lhakhang: 7th-century temple filled with spiritual energy
• Short drive to Dzongdrakha Cliff Temples, a lesser-known gem
• Try on national dress (gho/kira) for a photo session
• Optional massage or hot stone bath at the lodge

Afternoon:

• Leisure time for personal reflection, reading, journaling or nature walk

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🗓️ Day 11: Departure from Bhutan

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport. Depart with blessings and memories of a truly soulful journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour – Tashi Delek!