Come and experience the wildlife on offer, 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gang tic dolphin and wild bison.
The best quality bargains available in Nepal with a wide choice of outlets to include carpets, trekking equipment, gems, jewellery, shoes, Pashmina, Mandalas (Thankas), Gurkha Khukuri Knives, wooden carvings, custom made suits and gifts.
Want to be in camera range of the highest peaks in the world, fly above the clouds, over glaciers, lakes, rivers while cruising so close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice an out-of-this world experience.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring and experiencing Nepal’s natural thrill with rivers crashing down through the foothills providing the best white water rapids with many exciting moments.
Cultural Heartland Tour - 10 Days.
The Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the tranquil Himalayas is a haven to rich bio-diversity, vibrant religion, unique arts, rich history, cultural splendor, heritage and scenic grandeur. It is a fascinating land where time had stood still and preserved the exquisite beauty of this mystical country.
The vegetation varies over very short distances ranging from tropical broadleaf forests to alpine shrubs and lush meadows. Bhutan is home to such exotic mammals as Takin (a large, musk-ox-like animal), Black necked Crane, Golden Langur, Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopards and red pandas. Bird species range from the Himalayan black Eagle, and boreal owl to the Tiny black-throated parrot bill.
Our Culture Heartlands tour provides one of the best opportunities to experience most if not all of the Bhutanese life style in all its glory.
Itinerary in Details
Day 01 - Arrival at Paro Airport. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After the formalities we take a short drive to Paro town to stroll through Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Sightseeing around Paro then evening drive to Thimphu. We visit the Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro’s Rimpung Dzong , on the way down we cross the 16th century cantilever bridge.
Also visiting the Drugyel Dzong victory fortress, built in 1647 which is 18 kilometres from the Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day one can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. We take a visit to a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life & living. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 - Sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Early morning we take a scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, approx 90 mins drive from Paro. Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley we visit the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. In the evening we explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 - A long drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha Driving time is approx 6 Hours Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha via Dochula, this pass offers the panoramic view of Bhutan’s Himalayan Ranges. Along the slopes is the great monastery of Gangtey , established in the 17th century. This quiet and remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. The unique black necked crane festival is held on the valley floor every November. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 - Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang. Driving distance is approximately 6 hours.
After an early breakfast, drive to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop at Chendebji Chorten. You can see the chorten with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance.
Bumthang, 68 km away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Stopping in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques .The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2860m). We then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central of Bumthang. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 - Sightseeing in and around Bumthang
Bumthang valley comprises of a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visiting the Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it`s seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo it is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left his body imprint. Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer’s house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living. We also visit a Swiss farm which produces cottage, swiss cheese, honey, a large variety of fruit juice and spirits. The Brewery that manufactures the famous Red Panda Beer (weiss beer) also located here. Take a leisurely walk in Chamkhar town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 - Leaving Bumthang driving through Trongsa to Punakha. Leaving Bumthang we head for Trongsa where we will visit the Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648 it is the biggest of all the fortresses in the country. Drive to Punakha via Wangdiphodrang after which we take a stroll through the Wangdi market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 - Sightseeing in Punkha with overnight accommodation in Paro. Drive north to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. At Present the Dzong serve as the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha. We then drive onto Lobesa where you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is on a hill top and it is dedicated to the great Yogi known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 - Sightseeing in and around Paro. Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. We stop at the tea house for rest and refreshments ,the tea house offers magnificent up close view of the tigers nest and continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. It is regarded to be one of the most venerated cultural heritage sites in Bhutan. People from all over the Himalayan Diaspora frequent this place on the pilgrimage trail to Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure. After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The tour can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Upon booking this holiday in Bhutan please allow at least 30 days as the Bhutanese government has strict Tourism policies. Please see our Visitor Facts for more information.
Trip cost as per above program
Group Size
1 (Solo Trip)
2 – 5
6 - 9
10 - 15
Cost per person in USD
2550.00
2350.00
2200.00
2100.00
Cost per person in GBP
1412.00
1300.00
1220.00
1162.00
Cost per person in EURO
2110.00
1945.00
1820.00
1735.00
Cost per person in AUD
3400.00
3132.00
2935.00
2800.00
Single Supplementary (if require) US$300, GBP 165, EURO 250, AUD 400 per person
The above cost Includes
1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
2. Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
3. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
4. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum entrance Fees as per itinerary.
5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
6. Country Presentation & Tour Briefing on Day 1 evening with welcome drinks.
7. Cultural afternoon/evening consisting of traditional mask dances & folk dances (with beverages) ~ For Group Tours
8. Mineral water supply for the trek or tour.
9. Government Royalty (which is 35% of $200) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
10. Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado’s, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
11. Toyota 4 X 4 luggage vans & light trucks for group travel
12. All our government taxes.
13. Tourist service charge, vat.
14. Official expense.
15. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance
The above cost Excludes
1. Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service and al a cart meals.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfares and airport departure tax.
4. Photography charges (if and when applicable).
5. Items of a personal nature such as laundry.
6. Personal Equipment.
7. Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bhutan Visata Tour
Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me? A. Culture Heartland tour in Bhutan is suitable for anybody that is moderately fit. Walking or hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition must seek medical consent/advice before considering this tour.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect during the tour? A. Hotels vary in style and quality. All Government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cool water, telephones with international dialing and fax facilities.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in tour? A. Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine always plenty to choose from.
Q. What sort of transportation you use? A. We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUV's, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. The cost of transport is already included in the daily tour cost. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, guide and driver at their disposal at all times.
Q. What is the best season for this tour? A. This tour can be conducted throughout the year except in the rainy season of July and August. The ideal time is spring between March and May.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like? A. During the days the weather can range from 15 to 24, but at night it is generally cooler. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 24 degrees C during the day to 2 degrees C low at night.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip? A. Yes, of course but remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any Photography restrictions? A. You will have many photo opportunities please ask if it is ok to take someone photo. Photography in, monasteries, a shrine room of dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted but outdoor photography is permitted. To be sure when visiting such places, you may ask your guide
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in tour? A. In Bhutan there are no ATM machines for the use of credit or debit cards, you are required to bring travelers cheques or cash.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter? A You can get bottle, boiled and filtered water in most places. It is important to bring purifying tablets with you
Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured? A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
The above cost Includes
