The Sacred Heartlands Tour
Trip Overview
The Sacred Heartlands Tour is a journey into the cultural soul of the kingdom—an unforgettable exploration that winds through misty mountains, lush valleys, and ancient heartlands steeped in legend and spirituality. This route takes travellers from the scenic Paro Valley to the spiritual haven of Bumthang, often called the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Along the way, you will traverse mountain passes like Dochula and Pelela, stop at remote temples and sacred monasteries, and witness the rich fabric of Bhutanese life as it has been lived for centuries.
The tour includes visits to the majestic Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, the divine fertility temple Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha, the ancient dzong of Trongsa, and the revered spiritual sites of Bumthang—Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Goemba, and the mystic Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). You will also walk the tranquil Gangtey Nature Trail in the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a winter haven for the endangered black-necked cranes.
This journey blends scenic drives, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection, all while offering the comforts of Bhutanese hospitality. Whether it is your first visit or a return to deepen your connection with the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Historic Central Bhutan Tour is an enriching path through Bhutan’s timeless heart.
At a Glance
US $2,120 per Person
📅 Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
👥 Group size : 2 person & above
🏔️ Tour Type: Cultural Tour
🏔️ Trek grade Level : Easy
🚶 Average walking Time : 4-5 Hours
🌄 Best Seasons : Mar-May, Sep-Dec
📊 Highest Elevation : 3,436m
🛏️ Accommodation : Hotels
Tour Highlights
✅️ Discover some of the most sacred monasteries, temples, and medieval fortresses.
✅️ Visit local farm house and villages.
✅️ Explore the key cultural site of western and central Bhutan.
✅️ Enjoy walk around beautiful Phobjikha valley.
✅️ Enjoy scenic drive.
✅️ Your trip will conclude in Paro with a climb to the stunning cliff-side Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro international airport.
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 : Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, Traditional Paper Factory, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple.
After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 4 : Punakha – Bumthang
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Bumthang. You will reach Pelela pass( 3300m) and stop for few minutes for the photo and stretch your muscle. Your next stop will be at Trongsa for lunch.
After lunch you will visit Trongsa Dzong. After dzong continue your drive Bumthang. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 5 : Bumthang
After early Breakfast you will start sightseeing with Kurjey Lakhang, where Guru Rinpochee left his body imprints inside cave. You will also visit Jambay lakhang, Tamshing lakhang, Kenchosum Lakhang, Jakar Dzong, Mebartsho(Burning Lake) and Kharchu Dratshsng. Evening you can stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6 : Bumthang – Phobjekha.
After early breakfast you will be driving to Phobjekha. Along the way you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with unique Patterns that have been conserved long way back in Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Phobjekha valley which is a famous for winter roosting place for Black necked crane. In Phobjekha valley you will be hiking Gangtey Natural Trail. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers.
During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds Black Neck Cranes. . Overnight hotel in Phobjekha.
Day 7 : Phobjekha – Paro
After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8 : Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro..
Day 9 : Departure
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Cost Includes
✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Cost Excludes
✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature
Insurance
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.