Bhutan Cultural Heartlands Journey 10 days

• Morning: Drive to Dodena and hike through pine and oak forests to Tango Monastery. The uphill trail takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Afternoon: Visit the Buddha Dordenma, a 54-metre bronze statue overlooking the valley.
• Evening: Stroll at Kaja Throm, a riverside promenade and food market, lively during weekends.
  Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100 m), lined with 108 chortens, before descending into Wangdue Valley and continuing to Phobjikha (approx. 5.5 hours).

• Visit Gangtey Monastery, the seat of the Nyingma school.
• Enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle walk-through open meadows and pine forests.
• Stop at the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about conservation efforts.
  Overnight in Phobjikha.

Journey eastward over Pelela Pass.

• Stop at Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa modelled after Nepal’s Boudhanath.
• Continue to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress, and the Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum), formerly a watchtower.
  Overnight in Trongsa.

Drive across Yotong La Pass (3,400 m), where you will hoist prayer flags and participate in a short cleansing ritual.

• Visit a Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumey Valley to see traditional wool weaving.
• If time allows, stop at Tharpaling Monastery overlooking the valley.
  Arrive in Bumthang and settle in.
  Overnight in Bumthang.

Explore the historic and cultural highlights of Bhutan’s spiritual heartland:

• Wangdicholing Palace Museum, a former royal residence.
• Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
• Kurje Lhakhang, associated with the Guru Padmanabha.
• End the day with visits to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Red Panda Brewery for local tastings.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Make an early start for a long but scenic drive back west (about 7 hours).

• Arrive in Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, set at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.
• Walk across the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan.
  Overnight in Punakha.

• Hike through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
• Stop at Dochula Pass, take time for meditation and enjoy Himalayan views if weather permits.
• Visit the Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu.
• Continue to Paro and end the day at the Archery Grounds, watching Bhutan’s national sport.
  Overnight in Paro.

A full day hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900 m above the Paro Valley floor. The round trip takes 5 to 6 hours, including a stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria with its famous viewpoint. Explore the sacred monastery with your guide before descending.
Overnight in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your guide and driver will see you off with traditional Bhutanese farewells.