Bhutan The Sacred Heart Journey 9D Of Cultural Immersion-Nature-Spiritual Wonders Tour

Altitude: Phuntsholing – 293m | Thimphu – 2,320m
Distance: 165 km | Drive Time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours

Tour Plan:
Meet & greet at Phuntsholing Gate (Bhutan-India border).
Complete immigration formalities with assistance.
Begin your scenic journey uphill into Bhutan’s interior.
En route, stop at Kharbandi Gompa for views of the Bengal plains.
Witness drastic changes in vegetation, rivers, and culture as you ascend. Evening: Leisure stroll in Clock Tower Square, local market, café visits. Overnight: Thimphu

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: 2,320m

Highlights:
Memorial Chorten – Spiritual center for locals offering prayers.
Motithang Takin Reserve – Home to Bhutan’s rare national animal.
Buddha Dordenma – 169-ft statue with valley views and internal chapels.
Textile Museum – Insight into Bhutan’s rich weaving culture (optional).
Folk Heritage Museum – Rural Bhutanese lifestyle and artifacts.
Zorig Chusum Institute – Observe students learning Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts.
Tashichho Dzong – The fortress of the glorious religion (outer view).
Simply Bhutan Museum and craft bazaar
Overnight: Thimphu

Activities : Museums

Altitude: Dochula – 3,100m | Punakha – 1,200m
Distance: 85 km | Drive Time: 3–3.5 hours

Highlights:
Dochula Pass (3,100m):
108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
Panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas (weather permitting) o Short walks and tea break

In Punakha:
Punakha Dzong – Magnificent 17th-century fortress at river confluence.
Chimi Lhakhang – Temple of the Divine Madman; short hike through rice fields.
Suspension Bridge – One of Bhutan’s longest, adorned with prayer flags. Overnight: Punakha

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Bumthang – 2,600m
Distance: Approx. 215 km | Drive Time: 8–9 hours

En Route:
Cross Pele La Pass (3,300m) – Divides western and central Bhutan
Stop at Chendebji Chorten – Nepalese-style stupa resembling Boudhanath
Visit Trongsa Dzong – Bhutan’s largest fortress; ancestral seat of royalty
Cross Yotong La Pass (3,400m) before entering the sacred Bumthang Valley Evening: Check in and relax in the peaceful Bumthang valley.
Overnight: Bumthang

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: 2,600m

Highlights:
Jambay Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century)
Kurjey Lhakhang – Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint preserved here
Tamshing Monastery – Founded by Bhutan’s great treasure revealer
Visit to a Swiss Cheese Farm or Red Panda Brewery (optional)
Stroll through Chamkhar town and visit local handicrafts stores

Optional: Attend evening prayer at one of the monasteries.
Overnight: Bumthang

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: 3,000m
Distance: Approx. 188 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Drive Through:
Return via Trongsa and cross Pele La Pass again
Enter the pristine Phobjikha Valley, winter home to black-necked cranes

In Phobjikha:
Gangtey Monastery – Overlooks the wide glacial valley
Gangtey Nature Trail – Short hike through pine forests and farmlands
Optional visit to the Crane Information Center
Overnight: Phobjikha

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Paro – 2,200m
Distance: Approx. 175 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Drive Highlights:
Descend through the forested valleys toward western Bhutan
Tea/lunch break in Wangdue or Thimphu depending on route

In Paro:
Rinpung Dzong – Stunning riverside dzong of Paro
Ta Dzong (National Museum) – Unique round tower showcasing art, history, and heritage
Paro Town Exploration – For handicrafts, traditional goods, local food Overnight: Paro

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Base – 2,600m | Monastery – 3,120m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (pony option to halfway)

About the Site:
The holiest site in Bhutan, where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century
Located on a cliff 900m above Paro Valley
Midway stop at cafeteria viewpoint

Post-Hike:
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – 7th-century temple and one of Bhutan’s oldest
Evening: Optional traditional hot stone bath and farewell dinner Overnight: Paro

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Paro – 2,200m | Phuntsholing – 293m
Distance: 165 km | Drive Time: 5.5–6.5 hours

Highlights:
Scenic descent from the highlands to the southern foothills
Farewell from Ka Adventures team at the Phuntsholing Gate
Assistance with exit formalities

Activities : Sightseeing