Royal Heritage Tour

Tour Overview

Enjoy a unique insight into the history of Bhutan’s royal family on this remarkable Royal Heritage Tour. Visit significant historical and sacred sites from the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha to the central districts of Trongsa, the birthplace of monarchy, and the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Highlights include giant fortresses, royal palaces, museums, stunning architectural monuments such as temples, monasteries and stupas as well as Bhutan’s ever-changing landscapes and hospitable peoples.

  • Location : Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang & Paro
  • Duration : 10 Days
Itinerary Details

Overnight: Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide.

  • Begin your royal journey with a scenic drive to Thimphu, following the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers.

  • En route, stop at Tachog Lhakhang (Iron Bridge Temple), built by the legendary saint Thangtong Gyalpo.

  • Check in and relax.

  • Evening visit to Buddha Dordenma, the enormous golden statue overlooking the capital.

  • Leisure stroll in Thimphu city.

Overnight: Thimphu

  • Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

  • Explore the Royal Textile Academy, learning about Bhutanese royal textile traditions, including garments worn by the monarchs.

  • Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, showcasing traditional Bhutanese houses and cultural heritage.

  • Explore the King’s Memorial Park and enjoy views of the Lingkana Palace area (residence of the 5th King; external area only).

  • Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong, seat of the King’s throne room and central monastic body.

Overnight: Punakha

  • Drive toward Punakha with a scenic stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m).

  • Walk among the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, dedicated to Bhutan’s Fourth King.

  • Continue to Punakha, the ancient winter capital.

  • Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” where the First King was crowned in 1907—an essential royal heritage site.

  • Visit Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest.

Overnight: Trongsa

  • Scenic drive through changing vegetation and mountain valleys.

  • Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style stupa built to subdue a demon.

  • Arrive in Trongsa, a historic town closely tied to the Wangchuck dynasty.

  • Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Every king must serve as Trongsa Penlop before becoming monarch.

  • Explore the Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum), containing royal relics, photographs, and artifacts.

  • Yathra Weaving Center en route 

  • Drive to the sacred valley of Bumthang, a region of temples, palaces, and ancient spiritual sites.

  • Visiting Jakar Dzong and Red Panda Brewery

  • Check in and relax.
  • Bumthang Farmhouse Visit

  • Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on a rock. The First, Second, and Third Kings all funded restorations of the temples.

  • Visit Wangdicholing Palace, the first palace built for Bhutanese monarchs and the childhood home of the First and Second Kings.

  • Explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.

  • Evening free in Bumthang town.

Overnight: Bumthang

  • Visit the remote and picturesque Tang Valley, known for noble families and ancient hermitages.

  • Explore Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, a preserved royal manor showcasing aristocratic life.

  • Visit the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), associated with the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa.

  • Return to Chamkhar town for the evening.

Overnight: Paro

  • Option 1 (If flight available): Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro (short, scenic, and convenient).

  • Option 2 (If driving): Full-day drive back to Paro through Trongsa, Wangdue, and Paro valleys.

  • Evening at leisure in Paro.

Overnight: Paro

  • Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a jewel of Bhutan and pilgrimage site for kings and monks.

  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples, renovated by various Bhutanese queens.

  • Explore Paro Dzong, a fortress with deep royal connections.

  • Optional traditional hot stone bath or cultural dinner.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!

Cost Includes
  • Transpost
  • VISA Fee
  • All Meals
  • Accommodation
  • All internal taxes & charges
  • Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Cost Excludes
  • Flight tickets
  • Tips
  • Insurance
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Internet and Phone bills
  • Other bills of personal nature
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