The Heartland: Central Bhutan

It was in the forest-fringed valleys of central Bhutan - where myth and reality swirl amid the chants of a thousand monks - that Bhutan was born.

The real centre of it all is the Bumthang Valleys and this network of interconnected valleys is the focus of this journey through magic and spirituality. It was here that some of the great figures of Bhutanese history mediated in remote caves, and where saints chased away demons, and Buddhism slowly established itself. Even today, the stunning temples here are said to pin down demons as big as the Himalaya itself, garudas were said to have fought snow lions, feisty female spirits created works of wonder in just a single night and monasteries are rumoured to have once held all the glittering treasures of the world.

Although in the modern age the centre of power in Bhutan has crept westward, central Bhutan retains its position as the guardian of the cultural soul of the nation. In fact, if you don’t spend time exploring central Bhutan, you can hardly say you’ve even been to Bhutan.

This 14 day/13 night journey starts and ends in Paro. The itinerary involves a certain amount of moderate hiking.

Itinerary

Click here for the full itinerary.

  • Join the pilgrims visiting the sacred sites of the Bumthang Valley.

  • Marvel over the Taktshang - or Tigers Nest - Monastery.

  • Stay with a noble family in a remote highland manor house.

  • Do a thrilling overnight trek to a monastery built by 100,000 fairies.

  • Get an astrology reading and meet the monks who meditate for years on end.

  • Hike through the forest to remote and rarely visited monasteries in the Tang Valley.

  • Be overawed by the beautiful Punakha dzong.

  • Learn about Bhutan’s inspiring environmental and community development achievments.

Journey Highlights

  • Number of days: 14 days total.

  • Start/End: Paro

  • When: Possible year round, but best Oct-Nov and March-May

  • Minimun number of participants: 1

  • Highest altitude reached: 3425m

  • Trek difficulty: Easy/Moderate

  • Can this tour be customised? Yes

Key Details

Accommodation

Accommodation used on this journey consists mainly of upper mid-range hotels and high quality homestays. There’s also a night of camping at high altitude in small done tents. In some towns and valleys there’s the option of upgrading to some of Bhutan’s outstanding luxury boutique lodges. Some rank among the worlds finest hotels.

 With most nights spent below 3000m altitude related health problems are not a big risk on this journey. However, some people may feel a little light headed on the first couple of nights as they adjust to Bhutan’s thin air.

Important!

Prices for our 14 day/13 nights Hidden Bhutan journey are based on low season travel and are a miniumn price. The exact price will vary depending on the number of people in your group, accommodation used as well as any additional add-ons.

The Heartland: Central Bhutan journey starts at Euros for one person travelling alone. Euros for two people ( Euros per person) travelling together in a shared room.

This price includes:

  • All accommodation from the night of day one to morning of day fifteen in a mixture of 3-star and above hotels, high-quality guesthouses, simple homestays and a night camping.

  • Private vehicle and driver for duration of tour

  • English speaking guide

  • All meals and drinks (excluding alcoholic drinks) from lunch on day to breakfast on day fifteen

  • All entry fees

  • Bhutan visa, permits and Bhutanese government sustainabilty fees

  • All listed activities mentioned within the programme.

This price does not include:

  • International flights

  • Visa for India or any third country

  • Travel insurance (personal travel insurance is compulsory for joining any of our tours. Please confirm with your travel insurance company that trekking to above 4000m is included. Many travel insurance policies do not include this or charge an additional fee for it)

  • Hotel, meals and activities in Delhi or elsewhere in India or another transit country prior to the start of the tour or after the end of the tour. These are available for an additional charge.

  • Transportation to/from home departure airport

  • Phone sim card/internet useage

  • Souvenirs

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips

  • Alcoholic drinks

Price of this journey