Gateway to the Heartland of Bhutan

Gateway to the Heartland of Bhutan Tour covers the western and the central Bhutan which is considered the Spiritual Heartland of the country. This beautiful tour around Bhutan’s most scenic places takes us to the country’s finest locations with an unparalleled diversity and offers a mix of
some of Bhutan’s not-to-be missed sites as well as visits to lesser known places. This is the perfect trip to experience the delight of crossing high hills as well as the wide windswept meadows filled with wildflowers, across sleepy hamlets, through fragrance filled forests, rice fieldsand orchards.

Tour Highlights

  • Immersion in a timeless unique culture and tradition
  •  Immersion in the pristine natural environment
  • Religious landmarks and spiritual monuments
  • Indigenous Bhutanese farm house experience 
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest & Nature day hikes


Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival: Paro – Thimphu
Distance: 65km (1.5hrs)
Elevation: 2,250mts / 7,382ft
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, and then will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
After reaching visit the following places

  •  Buddha Point where the tallest sitting Buddha Statue stands overlooking the beautiful wholebcapital city.
  • National Memorial Chorten “most religious landmark in Bhutan”. Local people of all ages come to circumambulate reciting prayers
  • Stroll through Thimphu town and Bhutanese Authentic Local Craft stall bazaar

Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu – Sightseeing

  • After breakfast, visit a selection of the following places
  • Buddha Point which is the largest sitting Buddha in the world. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from this point.
  •  National Memorial Chorten which was built in the memory of the Third King.
  • School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts to check out the religious and spiritual Arts and Crafts.
  • National Textile Museum, to get insight on Bhutan's national art of weaving
  •  After lunch, drive to Sangaygang and hike to Wangditse Monastery (1hr)
  • Tashichho Dzong(fortress) which is the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room, offices of the King and the monastic body.
  • Centenary Farmer’s Market

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Dinner in Local Restaurant
Overnight in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu – Phobjikha
Distance: 135km (5-6hrs)
Elevation: 3,000mts / 9,843ft

  • After breakfast, you will be heading to Phobjikha, the land of endangered bird species Black Necked Crane
  •  En-route, stop at Dochula pass (3150mts) consisting of 108 mini Druk Wangyel Stupas and enjoy the spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges on a clear day.
  •  Your journey will proceed crossing the beautiful Wangdue Dzong situated on the hill.
  • On arrival in Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Monastery
  • Embark on the Gangtey Nature Trail hike (1.5hrs)
    Breakfast in Hotel
    Lunch in Local Restaurant at Nobding
    Dinner in Hotel
    Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 04: Phobjikha – Bumthang via Trongsa
Distance: 210Km (7-8hrs)
Elevation: 2,600m / 8,530ft

  • After breakfast drive to Bumthang, the land of religious landmarks
  • En-route, you will visit Chendbji Chorten (Stupa) located 41km west of Trongsa
  • Proceed further until you reach Trongsa to visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (Museum)
  • Late afternoon drive to Bumthang

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Dinner in Hotel
Overnight in Bumthang

Day 05: Bumthang - Sightseeing

  •  After breakfast, visit Kurjey Khakhang, the large, active and important temple complex which is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism in the country
  •  Hike across to Tamshing Lhakhang which is located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang which was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (treasure discoverer) in 1951
  • Visit Jambay Lhakhang built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet.
  • Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for an experience of an authentic indigenous Bhutanese culture and the local hospitality. Enjoy a meal with the family here and try the Bhutanese butter tea and Ara (local wine) as well
  • Afternoon, free to explore Jakar town

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Farm House
Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Bumthang

Day 06: Bumthang - Day Excursion to Tang Ogyen Chholing Palace
Distance: 40km (1-2hrs)

  • After breakfast, drive to Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace. En-route, enjoy the view of Tang Valley
  • After reaching, visit Ugyen Chholing Palace/Museum which was restored in 19th century, is now serving as museum to preserve its legacy, and provide a place for religious studies and research
  •  Evening, drive back to Bumthang for the night hold

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Ugyencholing Palace
Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Bumthang

Day 07: Bumthang – Punakha
Distance: 212km (5.5-6hrs)
Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft

  •  After breakfast drive to Punakha, an ancient capital of the country.
  •  After reaching, visit Chimi Lhakhang the famous temple of fertility.
  • Evening free to relax at the hotel or explore Khuru town

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Punakha

Day 08: Punakha – Paro
Distance: 130km (4-5hrs)

  •  After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong which is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan
  • Beautiful traditional suspension bridge
  • Late morning, drive to Paro and visit Bhutan National Museum located right above Paro Rinpung Dzong
  •  Climb down following the same path to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
  •  Explore the quiant little town of Paro

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Paro

Day 09: Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Elevation: 3,120mts / 10,240ft
Walking Hour: 4 – 5hrs

  •  After breakfast, hike to the picturesque and iconic Taktshang Monastery. Also known as ‘The Tiger’s Nest’ this monastery sits at 900m above Paro valley and clings beautifully on the cliff overlooking and offering beautiful views of the valleys.
  •  After the hike, visit Bhutan’s oldest temple, Khyichu Lhakhang.
  •  Evening, free to relax at the hotel or explore further

Breakfast in Hotel
Lunch in Local Restaurant
Dinner in Local Restaurant or Hotel
Overnight in Paro

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey

 

 

Inclusion

  • Sustainable Development Fee USD 100 per person per night
  • One time Visa Fee $40 per person
  •  Hotel Accommodation (Twin / Double sharing)
  • All Meals / Tea / Mineral Water
  •  English Speaking Licensed Tour Guide
  •  Transportations (SUV for 2 Pax / Hiace Bus for 3-7 Pax / Coaster Bus for 8+ pax)
  •  Entrance fees to Monuments &; Museums
  •  Complimentary Traditional Dresses to try (Kira for women & Gho for men)
  •  Archery & Dart game if interested

 

Exclusion

Services Exclusions

  • Medical/Travel insurance
  •  Expenses of Personal Nature: telephone/fax/laundry
  •  Cold beverages and Liquor in the hotels or outside
  •  Gratuities and Tips for guide/driver
  • Flights to Paro and return & Internal flight

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Dhapasi, Kathmandu 44600

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