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Heart of Bhutan: Bumthang Discovery
11 Days / 10 Nights

Heart of Bhutan: Bumthang Discovery

Into the spiritual heartland of central Bhutan

11 days Moderate Max 3,420 m (Yotong La) Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha & Gangtey · Trongsa · Bumthang
Overview

Into the spiritual heartland of central Bhutan

This journey crosses the Black Mountains into central Bhutan, where life moves to the rhythm of farming seasons and temple rituals. In Bumthang you will explore some of the oldest temples in the Himalaya, walk to the Burning Lake and meet weavers and cheese-makers.

The return flight from Bumthang to Paro (subject to schedule) saves a long drive and gives a final aerial view of the mountains.

Duration11 Days / 10 Nights
Best seasonMarch–May, September–November
GroupPrivate: 1–12 guests
Start / EndParo → Paro

Journey highlights

  • Trongsa Dzong & Royal Heritage Museum
  • Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs
  • Membartsho — the Burning Lake
  • Ura village walk
  • Domestic flight back to Paro
Day by day

Itinerary

Day1

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Arrival and transfer to Thimphu. Evening at the Memorial Chorten.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: L, D Drive: 1 hr
Day2

Thimphu sightseeing

Full day exploring the capital’s dzong, museums, craft school and Buddha Dordenma.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: B, L, D
Day3

Thimphu – Punakha

Over Dochula to Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

Overnight: Punakha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day4

Punakha – Phobjikha

Drive to the glacial Phobjikha valley and visit Gangtey Goenpa.

Overnight: Phobjikha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day5

Phobjikha – Trongsa

Cross Pele La (3,420 m), stop at the Nepali-style Chendebji Chorten and arrive at Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong museum.

Overnight: Trongsa Meals: B, L, D Drive: 4 hrs
Day6

Trongsa – Bumthang

Over Yotong La to the Chumey valley, visiting yathra weavers, then on to Jakar.

Overnight: Bumthang Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day7

Bumthang: Choekhor valley

Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Afternoon at a local cheese and brewery cooperative.

Overnight: Bumthang Meals: B, L, D
Day8

Tang valley & Burning Lake

Drive into the Tang valley to Membartsho, then visit Ogyen Choling manor museum.

Overnight: Bumthang Meals: B, L, D Drive: 2 hrs
Day9

Ura village

Excursion to the cobbled medieval-feeling village of Ura with an easy walk and lunch with a local family.

Overnight: Bumthang Meals: B, L, D Drive: 1.5 hrs
Day10

Fly Bumthang – Paro

Morning domestic flight to Paro (or a two-day drive if preferred). Afternoon at Rinpung Dzong and Paro town.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D
Day11

Tiger’s Nest – Depart

Hike to Taktsang Monastery in the morning, farewell lunch, and onward departure next morning or same evening.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Itineraries may be adjusted for weather, festival dates and road conditions.

Good to know

What’s included

Included

  • Bhutan visa processing (US$40 visa fee included)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
  • 3-star government-certified hotels on twin-sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), tea & bottled water
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Paro

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book Drukair / Bhutan Airlines)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Single-room supplement
  • 4- and 5-star hotel upgrades (available on request)
  • Alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone calls & personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
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