Discover the spiritual heart of Bhutan on this immersive 10-day cultural journey, highlighted by the sacred Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival in Bumthang. Travel through Bhutan’s most breathtaking valleys, ancient fortresses, and remote mountain communities while experiencing authentic Bhutanese traditions, vibrant festivals, and stunning Himalayan scenery. From the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the tranquil Haa and Phobjikha Valleys, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, spirituality, and nature.
Highlights
- Experience the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival – Witness sacred masked dances, ancient Buddhist rituals, and vibrant cultural performances at one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered festivals.
- Explore Bhutan's Spiritual Heartland – Visit Bumthang, home to ancient temples, sacred monasteries, the legendary Burning Lake (Membartsho), and the picturesque Ura Valley.
- Visit the Iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery – Hike to Bhutan's most famous landmark, dramatically perched on a cliff above Paro Valley, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views along the way.
Paro | 2,200m (7,200ft)
Temperature: -5°C to 25°C
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and assist you with your arrival formalities. From the airport, we begin our scenic journey towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
As this is your first day in Bhutan and you will be adjusting to the Himalayan altitude, we keep the program relaxed and comfortable. The drive to Thimphu takes you through beautiful valleys, traditional villages, and along the crystal-clear Paro and Wang Chhu rivers.
After checking into your hotel, enjoy your first taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine and begin your introduction to Bhutanese culture with some light sightseeing depending on your arrival time.
Places of Interest
National Memorial Chorten
Visit this important religious monument built in memory of His Majesty the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The chorten is one of Thimphu’s most visited spiritual sites, where local people gather daily for prayers and meditation.
Tashichho Dzong
Explore this impressive fortress-monastery, the seat of Bhutan’s government and the Central Monastic Body. The dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and traditional craftsmanship.
Buddha Dordenma Statue – Kuensel Phodrang
Visit the magnificent 169-foot bronze Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. From here, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the capital, especially beautiful during sunset.
Overnight: Thimphu
Punakha | 1,242m (4,075ft)
Temperature: 5°C to 32°C
After breakfast, we drive towards Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The journey takes us through scenic mountain roads, pine forests, and beautiful landscapes before reaching the famous Dochula Pass.
Places of Interest
Dochula Pass (3,100m)
We stop at Dochula Pass, home to the beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built by the Queen Mother in honour of Bhutanese soldiers and as a symbol of peace. On clear days, the pass offers spectacular views of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
Punakha Dzong
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and serves as the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body.
Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
Take a peaceful walk through rice fields and traditional villages to reach this unique temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the “Divine Madman.” The temple is one of Bhutan’s most famous pilgrimage sites.
Overnight: Punakha
Bumthang Region | Approx. 2,650m
Today, we continue our journey towards central Bhutan, travelling through some of the country’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
We cross Pelela Pass (3,300m), an important mountain pass separating western Bhutan from central Bhutan. Along the way, enjoy beautiful alpine scenery, grazing yaks, bamboo forests, and colourful rhododendron blooms during spring.
Places of Interest
Wangdue Phodrang
Stop at Wangdue, a historic town famous for bamboo products, traditional crafts, slate carving, and stonework. Enjoy views of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, dramatically located on a hill overlooking the valley.
Chendebji Chorten
Visit this beautiful Nepalese-style stupa built in the 19th century by a Tibetan lama. The chorten is believed to have been constructed over the remains of an evil spirit that once disturbed the region.
Trongsa Dzong
Explore Trongsa, the historical heart of Bhutan. The impressive Trongsa Dzong, built on a strategic mountain ridge, played an important role in controlling the ancient routes connecting western and eastern Bhutan.Overnight: Bumthang
Bumthang | 2,650m (8,700ft)
Temperature: -5°C to 20°C
Today we explore Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and one of the country’s most culturally significant regions.
Bumthang is home to many ancient temples and monasteries associated with Guru Padmasambhava and great Buddhist masters. Today, we attend the famous Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and colourful festivals.
Festival Experience
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Witness traditional masked dances, sacred rituals, religious ceremonies, and cultural performances held at the historic Jambay Lhakhang temple. The festival celebrates Guru Padmasambhava and attracts local communities from across the region.
Depending on the festival schedule, we may also experience local performances and community celebrations nearby.Overnight: Bumthang
Bumthang | 2,650m
Today, we explore the peaceful and beautiful Ura Valley, one of the most charming valleys in Bumthang.
The drive takes us through forests and mountain landscapes, crossing Shelthang La Pass (3,600m). On a clear day, we can enjoy views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Places of Interest
Ura Village
Walk through this traditional clustered village and experience the simple lifestyle, traditional houses, farmland, and peaceful surroundings.
Ura Monastery
Visit this important monastery surrounded by beautiful landscapes and open meadows.
Shingkhar Village
Explore this remote village where traditional Bhutanese life continues much as it has for generations.
Membartsho (The Burning Lake)
Visit this sacred site associated with Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan’s greatest treasure discoverers. According to legend, he discovered sacred treasures from the river while carrying a burning lamp.Overnight: Bumthang
Gangtey | 2,900m (9,500ft)
After breakfast, we travel towards Gangtey and the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most peaceful and scenic destinations.
Places of Interest
Phobjikha Valley
This beautiful glacial valley is famous as the winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau between November and March.
Gangtey Goemba Monastery
Visit the historic 17th-century monastery overlooking the valley. It is one of the most important Nyingma Buddhist centres in Bhutan.
Gangtey Nature Walk
Enjoy a short and relaxing walk through villages, forests, wetlands, and open landscapes while experiencing the peaceful beauty of the valley.
Overnight: Gangtey
Paro | 2,200m
Today we return to Paro through beautiful mountain landscapes.
Places of Interest
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
Visit this impressive fortress-monastery, one of Bhutan’s finest examples of traditional architecture and an important religious and administrative centre.
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Explore Bhutan’s national museum, housed in an ancient watchtower. The museum displays sacred paintings, textiles, weapons, religious objects, and historical artefacts.
Overnight: Paro
Paro | 2,200m
Today we drive across Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, towards the beautiful and less-visited Haa Valley.
Places of Interest
Chele La Pass
Enjoy spectacular views of Paro Valley, Haa Valley, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Haa Valley
Explore one of Bhutan’s most traditional valleys, where local communities continue their simple rural lifestyle away from the main tourist routes.
Katsho Lhakhang
Visit this historic temple located in the peaceful Katsho village.
Return to Paro for overnight stay.
Overnight: Paro
Paro | 2,200m
Today we visit Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Places of Interest
Drukgyal Dzong
Visit the historic ruins built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Hike through pine forests decorated with colourful prayer flags to reach the viewpoint of this sacred monastery. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here in the 8th century riding on the back of a tigress.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century and considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, we transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
As your journey through Bhutan comes to an end, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of our ancient monasteries, vibrant festivals, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people.
Thank you for travelling with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again to explore more of the hidden treasures of Bhutan.
- Comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels (upgrade to 4-star or 5-star hotels available upon request).
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
- Private airport transfers and all ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Services of a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide.
- Experienced professional driver throughout the journey.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Bhutan tourist visa processing and visa fee.
- All entrance fees to monuments, museums, temples, monasteries, and attractions included in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
- Guided hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.
- Government royalties and all applicable Bhutan tourism taxes.
- 24/7 local assistance and support throughout your stay.
- International airfare to and from Bhutan.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, beverages, shopping, and minibar charges.
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and driver (at your discretion).
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Horse hire for the Tiger's Nest hike (available at an additional cost).
- Camera or video fees where applicable.
- Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, natural disasters, political events, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Any services not specifically listed under Tour Inclusions.
- Note: Accommodation upgrades to 4-star, 5-star, or luxury hotels, as well as customized itineraries and private experiences, can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
