Into the Heartland Tour

Into the Heartland Tour

The “Into the Heartland Tour” in Bhutan offers a deep exploration of the country’s cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and spiritual richness. Apart from the wonders and beauty of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, this package will take you further to two of Bhutan’s most historical places, Trongsa and Bumthang. While the former has played a very important role in shaping the country’s destiny, Bumthang is a valley enveloped by religious structures, the museum of religious monuments. The ride through Bhutan’s meandering roads may shake you up a bit. But visiting Bumthang provides an immersive experience into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture.

Daily Itinerary

1Day 01: Bangkok/ Delhi/ Kathmandu – Paro - Thimphu

After experiencing a memorable flight along skies offering you views of the Himalayan Treasures such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Bhutan’s Jomolhari amd Jitchu Drake, your flight will gradually descend, yet again enchanting you with Paro Valley’s beauty from above. The landing is thrilling and supposed to be one of the most challenging. At the airport, you will be received by representatives of our company who will escort you to a hotel.

After lunch at hotel, drive to Thimphu. After arriving Thimphu, visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and honoring the The Late Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Join locals as they circumambulate the chorten, spinning prayer wheels along the way. Then drive to Tashichho Dzong.The impressive fortress-monastery is the seat of the Bhutanese government and also houses the throne room and offices of the King. 

Overnight at the hotel.

2Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Buddha Dordenma Statue (buddha point), a short drive from the city center. The construction started on 2006 and completed in 2015. It was initiated by His Majesty the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who wanted to build a giant statue of Buddha to promote peace and happiness. Enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and explore the temple complex. Drive to The National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It was established in 1971 in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The institute offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical training in these traditional arts. Then make a visit National Textile Museum which displays Bhutan's rich textile heritage with exhibits of traditional weaving techniques, costumes, and textiles dating back centuries.

After lunch, Bhutan Postal Museum, to learn about Bhutan's unique postal history and view interesting collections of stamps, including the famous Bhutanese stamps with intricate designs. Then visit Folk Heritage Museum which provides insights into traditional Bhutanese rural life, showcasing artifacts, tools, and household items used by Bhutanese people in the past. Towards evening stroll Craft Bazaar a market where local artisans sell handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for authentic Bhutanese products.

Overnight at the hotel.

3Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha which offers a scenic journey through Bhutan's picturesque landscapes and cultural landmarks. En-route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), which offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas on a clear day. Take some time to walk around and admire the 108 stupas and prayer flags. Continue your drive to Punakha to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple. It's a short detour from the main road and involves a short walk through paddy fields.

After lunch in local restaurant, visit Punakha Dzong (Fortress) built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. It is ancient capital of Bhutan and one of the most majestic dzongs in the country. Admire its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful location at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Then visit the nearby suspension bridge that spans the Mo Chhu River. It's a great spot for photos and to enjoy views of the Punakha Valley.

Overnight at the hotel.

4Day 04: Punakha/Wangdue to Bumthang

After breakfast, we will begin the 7-hours drive via Wangduephodrang to Bumthang. The drive takes us through Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. The pass is marked by large prayer flags. Few minutes descend from the pass will take us to Chendebji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida. It resembles the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at four cardinal points.

Lunch will be served at Trongsa, after which we will visit Trongsa Dzong, another majestic architectural masterpiece. Trongsa Dzong stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s historical and cultural heritage, showcasing its architectural splendor and strategic importance. Its central location and historical significance make it a pivotal site in Bhutan’s past and present governance. From Trongsa, we drive for 68 kms and reach Bumthang.

Overnight at the hotel.

5Day 05: Bumthang Halt

Exploring Bumthang offers a rich cultural experience with its ancient temples, monasteries, scenic valleys, and traditional villages.

After breakfast, visit Kurjey Lhakhang as it holds a great historical and spiritual importance in Bhutan. It is associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who visited Bhutan in the 8th century and subdued local demons and spirits. Kurjey Lhakhang hosts an annual Tsechu (festival) in honor of Guru Rinpoche, where masked dances and religious ceremonies are performed. Then visit Jambay Lhakhang founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is celebrated here annually in late October or early November. The highlight of the festival is the Mewang (fire ceremony), where locals walk through a large fire to cleanse themselves of sins and misfortunes.

After lunch, visit Tamshing Lhakhang founded by the renowned treasure revealer (terton) Pema Lingpa in 1501. The Tamshing Phala Chhoepa festival is held here annually in autumn, featuring mask dances performed by monks and laymen. After that make a visit to Mebar Tsho, or the Burning Lake, is a sacred site associated with the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa. According to legend, Pema Lingpa jumped into the lake with a burning butter lamp and emerged with the lamp still burning and with treasures he had discovered underwater. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bhutanese Buddhists, who visit to pay homage and make offerings. Mebar Tsho is set amidst serene natural surroundings, surrounded by pine forests and cliffs, adding to its mystical ambiance. You could also visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Take some rest here at this cozy outlet and snack on Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer - the Red Panda beer. Bumthang is known for their unique local cuisines and we’ll take you to one of our favourite restaurants to spend the evening with good food, locally brewed beer and some conversation.

Overnight at the hotel.

6Day 06: Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang/Phobjikha

We begin the return journey and drive to Wangdue Phodrang, which is about a 6-hour drive. Stop at Chendebji, where a stupa resembling the Boudhanath of Nepal was built by a King called Zhida. Continue your drive to wangdue Phodrang.

After lunch in Wandue Phodrang, we will move further to Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and home to the very rare black necked cranes, who migrate from Tibet to Bhutan to winter (from November - March). There will also be a visit to Gangtey Goenpa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monastery that resembles a Dzong. The main religious site in Gangtey was founded in the 17th century by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Bhutan’s unifier, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

7Day 07: Wangdue Phodrang/Phobjikha to Paro

We will begin the journey after breakfast. Enroute Wangdue Phodrang. It is a picturesque fortress overlooking the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. It was gutted tragically by a fire in 2012. It was originally built by the Zhabdrung in 1638. 

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Wangdue Phodrang. Continue your journey to Paro, enjoying the scenic drive through lush valleys and small Bhutanese villages. Enroute Dochula Pass again, enjoying the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 stupas. It’s a great spot for photography and to stretch your legs. Arrive in Paro and settle into your hotel. Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong). A fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley. Admire its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful paintings. Then visit National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong). After visiting the dzong, head to the Ta Dzong, located above the Paro Dzong. It houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thangkas (scroll paintings), and historical artifacts.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

8Day 08: Taktshang Hike

One of Bhutan’s holiest shrines and an amazing structure that crosses all boundaries of architectural masterpiece, Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery is perched some 1000m/3000ft on a cliff overlooking a valley. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 AD. Taktshang Monastery is the ultimate pilgrim site for all Buddhist, especially in Bhutan.
The hike to the monastery takes about 5 hours (up and down) and follows an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.
On a clear day, we can see, Mt Jomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.).

After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, Kyichu Lhakhang is considered one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It is said to be one of the 108 temples built by him to subdue a demoness that was causing obstacles in the spread of Buddhism in the region. Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang are said to be two temples of the 108 temples built by Songsen Goempo over the Himalayan area.

Overnight at the hotel.

9Day 09: Farewell - Departure from Paro

After early breakfast, our representatives will bid farewell to your onward destination.