10 DAYS CULTURAL TOUR TO BUMTHANG - BHUTAN'S SPIRITUAL HEARTLAND

10 DAYS BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR OVERVIEW

This comprehensive Bhutan cultural tour provides a unique chance to experience the various traditions and cultures of Bhutan's western and central regions. Highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpung Dzong, and the renowned Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest Monastery) in the stunning Paro Valley, and the National Library displaying ancient scriptures in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. After crossing the 3050-meter Dochula Pass with breathtaking Himalayan views, a journey into the subtropical Punakha Valley features the incredible Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the "Divine Madman” also known as the temple of fertility. Continue to Trongsa's core regions, the birthplace of the monarchy, and the Bumthang Valley, the country's spiritual center, where the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang are located.

Tour Highlights & Facts

Duration: 9 nights 10 days
Highest Eleven: 3200 meters above sea level
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Farm House/Home Stay Experiences
Fertility Temple in Punakha
Punakha Dzong
Central Bhutan
Bhutanese Dishes & Attires
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Best Time to Visit- All year around (High Season: March to May & September to November, Low Season: December to February & June to August)

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.

Your journey across Bhutan commences as you land at Paro International Airport, surrounded by towering peaks. As soon as you set foot in Bhutan, breathe in the fresh mountain air and allow the tranquil surroundings to envelop your senses.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu:

Distance: 50 Kms | Driving Time: 1-1.5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Paro Airport, Paro Dzong, National Museum

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

On your second day, we explore Thimphu city- the capital of Bhutan. The capital city without any traffic lights. We explore the attractions in Thimphu for the entire day.

Drive from your Hotel to nearby Attractions in Thimphu:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

National Memorial Chorten, Changkha Lhakhang (Temple), Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, School for Arts & Crafts (Zorig Chusum), Folk Heritage Museum, Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

Get ready for a breathtaking trip to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan known for its enchanting scenery and important historical sites.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha:

Distance: 85 Kms | Driving Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Dochu La Pass, Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), Punakha Dzong, Longest suspension Bridge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha.

Travel over the 3,420-meter Pele La pass in the Black Mountain range to get from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa. Visit the stunning Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century. Around a bend on the road, the magnificent Trongsa Dzong is visible across a steep gorge, signaling your approach to the town. The ruling dynasty of Bhutan originated in Trongsa.

Proceed towards Bumthang, which is the location of some of Bhutan's most ancient temples and palaces. It is also known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. The valley's meadows, apple orchards, and barley fields are situated beneath enormous hills that rise towards the Himalayan mountain wall that divides Tibet from Bhutan.

Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa:

Distance: 215 Km | Driving Time: 6-7 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Chendebji Chorten, Pele La Pass, Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Visit the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang in the morning, two of the most revered locations in the nation and the resting places of Bhutan's patron saint, Guru Rimpoche. It is one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom and dates back to the early days of Buddhism in Bhutan. Visit the Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, which were established in 1501 by Pemalingpa and include fascinating historical Buddhist wall murals. After that, take some time to explore Bumthang's primary settlement, Jakar Village.

Drive from your hotel to nearby attractions:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple), Jakar Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

We continue to explore Bumthang on the sixth day. The Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace, built in the sixteenth century, has a museum that offers a wonderful look into Bhutanese rural life. Proceed to the Mebartsho (also known as The Lake of Fire or the Burning Lake). The Nyingmapa sect's founder, Pemalingpa, is reported to have discovered treasure here that Guru Rinpoche had hidden.

Drive from your Hotel to nearby attractions:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Ugyen Chholing Palace, Mebartsho (The Lake of Fire or the Burning Lake)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Make an early start today—roughly six hours from Bumthang for Gangtey. Black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan plateau to Bhutan's vast, scenic Phobjikha valley (Gangtey), which is one of the country's few glacial valleys and their wintering grounds from November to March. See the lone Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), then spend some time exploring Phobjika Valley to see Black-Necked Cranes (if its during the crane season).

Drive from your Bumthang to Gangtey:

Distance: 155 Km | Driving Time: 5-6 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery, Black Necked Cranes (during season)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Gangtey.

After a morning excursion to see the Black-Necked Cranes (which are only seen in the winter), travel for approximately five hours to Paro. Before ascending over Dochu La Pass, the road progressively lowers from Gangtey into the warm Punakha valley.

Drive from Gangtey to Paro:

Distance: 165 Km | Driving Time: 4-5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Black-Necked Cranes (winter season), Wangdue and Punakha Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

This is one of the most exciting day for every tourist here in Bhutan. We will drive to Satsam Chorten, the base of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) starts here. You can hike through Paro's stunning pine forest, past trees covered in Spanish moss, and occasionally come across a grove of prayer flags fluffing down the trail. This amazing construction clings to the brink of an extreme rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Drive from your Hotel to Satsam Chorten:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Farm House, Hot stone Bath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.

Your tour guide will assist you in boarding the plane for your next location.

Drive from your Hotel to Paro International Airport:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Meals: Breakfast

Note***

Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.

Tour Package Inclusions

Bhutan SDF
Bhutan Visa Fee
Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
Professional & Experienced Driver
All transportation within Bhutan
English-speaking expert local Guide
All three Meals
Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels

Tour Package Exclusions

International Air fare
Single room supplement charges
Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
Any Personal Expenses
Tips/gratuities
Cost arising out of events beyond our control
Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"

Tour Package Cost

The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.

Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms

To confirm your tour with Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, the full payment for the tour package is required before the approval of your VISA.

Tour Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation of tour in less than 7 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - No Refund.
Cancellation of tour in between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of tour in between 15 to 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 80% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of the tour in more than 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 100% of the total tour cost will be refunded.

Flight Ticket Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Flight ticket cancellation & refund policy shall be subject to the respective Airline's cancellation policies.

Rescheduling Tour Dates

You may reschedule your travel dates free of charge; however, based on your revised travel dates, the minimum daily rates, accommodation charges, and airline fees may change.

Notes

For any refunds, the applicable transaction charges shall be levied from the beneficiary.
The Bhutan SDF will be fully refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, the VISA fee is non-refundable.

Bhutan Travel Information

Customize Your Bhutan Tour Today

Welcome to Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, your gateway to exploring the enchanting beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. Let us craft a bespoke journey tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions of this Himalayan kingdom.

"Reach out today to design your tailor-made journey and begin your adventure of a lifetime."