BHUTAN HEART & SOUL

9 NIGHTS | FROM US$3,490* | DEPARTS: PARO, BHUTAN

This 9-night escorted tour takes you to both Central and Western Bhutan. Fly to off-the-beaten-track Bumthang Valley in Central Bhutan, the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. Visit ancient temples as well as the local Swiss cheese factory and micro-brewery! Returning to Western Bhutan, visit the quaint city of Thimphu, one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Spend two nights near Punakha, where the Kings of Bhutan have traditionally been crowned. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and the quirky painted house of Chimi Lhakhang. Return to Paro and hike to the iconic, cliff-hugging Tiger's Nest monastery. 

For a colourful and dramatic Bhutanese festival experience, time your trip to coincide with one of the numerous festivals of the Bumthang Valley. 

Whether you want to tour Bhutan solo, as a couple, with a small group, or a family with children, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single room supplement available for US$45 per night, subject to availability. Minimum group size: 1 (subject to surcharges)
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here 

Best time of year for this tour: March-May & October-December

Trip Inclusions

• Transport by private vehicle

• Return domestic flights from Paro - Bumthang

• All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee

• 9 nights handpicked hotel accommodation

• All entrance fees at monasteries and museums

• Bhutan daily fee including visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes

• English, French or German-speaking Bhutanese guide

trip ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley where you will be met at Paro International Airport by your guide and driver. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge up to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong above. Visit the National Museum before continuing to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Continue to your hotel to relax.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2

Bumthang:  Take the short flight to Bumthang, one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang. Visit the cheese factory and micro-brewery close to a guesthouse run by a Swiss-Bhutanese family. 
Flight time: 35 minutes
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 3

Bumthang: Do the Pema Sambhava temple hike starting at Tshomo farmhouse.  Stop at the Dorjibi Weaving Centre which trains young people in traditonal weaving skills. Continue on a gradual incline to the Pema Sambhava temple offering wonderful views of the valley below. After lunch visit the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Bumthang 
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 4 

Bumthang:  Attend one of Bumthang’s vibrant festivals. Click here to check on festival dates.
Driving time:  approx. 1 hour
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 5 

Phobjikha:  Drive to Phobjikha via the fascinating museum in the historic town of Trongsa. Visit the Royal Heritage Museum at the Tower of Trongsa.
Driving time:  4.5-5 hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 3,000 m

DAY 6

Punakha: Visit the grand Gangtay Monastery. Continue towards the fertile Punakha valley, visiting Chimi Lhakhang the Fertility Temple and the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Driving time: 2 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 7

Thimphu: Drive via the Dochu La Pass (3,140 m)  into Thimphu, the charming little capital of Bhutan. Sightseeing in Thimphu can include the Folk Heritage Museum displaying traditional Bhutanese life or a visit to see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 8

Paro:  Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Thimphu, the best place to see traditional arts being created or the colourful National Textile Museum before returning to Paro in the afternoon. Explore the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. 
Driving time: 1.5 hr
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

day 9

Paro: Walk to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. An unforgettable hike to the Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The walk through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to the holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff above the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley.
Driving time: 1 hour
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

Day 10

Depart Paro

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