The Le Meridien Experience

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With all accommodations in the Le Meridien Properties, this is a leisure 5 Nights Bhutan tour itinerary. The itinerary covers Thimphu, Paro and Haa. Cultural sightseeing, walks, hikes and experience of Bhutan to its best are the main highlights of the itinerary.  This itinerary is crafted with both the busy schedule of the travelers and their comfort in mind. We have chosen the Le Meridien for accommodation both in Thimphu and Paro.

Guests may also choose to accommodate themselves in other hotels or resorts as per their choice. The other options for Accommodations in 5* and 4* Luxury categories are as below:

Paro: Amankora/ Uma Resort/ Zhiwaling/ Naksel Boutique. Thimphu: Amankora/ Taj Tashi/ Termalinca Resort and spa/ Ariya Hotel.

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Tour Highlights

• Experience the luxuries of the Le Meridien both in Thimphu and Paro.
• Well-designed itinerary keeping in mind the busy schedule of the travelers traveling to Bhutan with two nights each in Thimphu and Paro.
• Comfortable and convenient Bhutan Travel itinerary.
• Opportunity to explore Thimphu (the capital city of Bhutan without traffic lights) and the Paro Valley.
• Travel as per your convenience and visit places of your interests as you travel with your own private guide and vehicle.
• Personal attention by the tour operators.
• A private traditional cultural show and experience of the traditional hotel stone bath.
• Wonderful day hike to the abode of gods and monks, the world famous, Taktshang Monastery (Tigers’ nest)
• Visit to the age old Lhakhang (Monasteries/ temples) and dzongs ( Fortress)
• Opportunity to explore villages, visit to village houses and interact with local people.
• Opportunity to play archery (the national game of Bhutan) and many more.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Paro/ Drive to Thimphu:

On your journey to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.

On arrival, you will be received by your Bhutan tour guide from Neptune Holidays Bhutan with “Tashi khadar”, then drive to Thimphu.

Driving through the well maintained road between Paro to Thimphu shall be a great experience. The barren mountains, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chuzomsaa and the three stupas, and the Tamchog Lhakhang are some of the interesting sights as you travel from Paro to Thimphu. You shall also see the three stupas built in Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese styles. They were placed here for good luck and safe passage.

Check in Le Meridien, Thimphu. After Lunch, you may relax or go around the Thimphu town and valley – A time for yourself. If you are interested in cycling, you may choose to do so, we shall arrange it for you at an extra cost. If you have enough time, you can also choose to sightseeing.

Dinner and overnight: Le Meridien, Thimphu

Driving Distance – 65 Km. | Driving time – 1.5 to 2 Hr. | Altitude of Paro – 2280 m. | Altitude of Thimphu – 2350 m.

Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing;

After a leisure breakfast, your sightseeing for the day includes;

Sangaygang view point (2685 meters): You can have a very good view of whole Thimphu valley from this place. Walking through the hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill could be another good experience.

Takin Preserve Centre: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region.

Changangkha Monastery: This monastery is built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built in 15^th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama.

Folk Heritage Museum: Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck the museum is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. This is a three storied, 19^th century traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. The museum contains typical Bhutanese household objects, tools and equipment.

After lunch sightseeing includes;

The Institute for Zorig Chusum: Zorig Chusum means the thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.

The Institute of Traditional medicine: Medicines are prepared according to the Tradition practices in this institute. People are also treated here in traditional ways.

Kuenselphodrang: A place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha. The area also gives a very good view of the Thimphu Valley from the west. The place also consists for biking trail and has a picnic spot.

National Memorial Chhorten: This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. This Chhorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. This Chhorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu and contains many religious paintings and tantric statues. Lighting Butter lamps and circumambulating the chhorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs.

In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present.

A private traditional cultural show over the dinner. 

Overnight: Le Meridien

Day 3. Thimphu –Paro:

After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way visit the Tamchog Lhakhang; built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo. He is also known as the Iron bridge builder. Situated on a hill top, we have to cross an ancient style bridge to reach the temple. It is owned by the descendants of Thangthong Gyalpo

Drive further to Paro. Lunch at Paro. After lunch, visit;

Rinpung Dzong:  Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The Dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for around 200 monks of Paro and was built at the same time of Drukgyel Dzong. The famous Paro Tshechu (festival) is held here in spring.

Ta Dzong: It overlooks the Rinpung Dzong and was built in 1951 as a watch tower. This Dzong is Round, more like parts of a European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc.

In the evening, witness an Archery Match (if going on) or experience a private Khuru (Traditional Bhutanese sport) or archery. If time permits, explore the Paro town and Valley.

Dinner and overnight: Le Meridien, Paro

Driving Distance – 135 Km. | Driving Time: 4 to 5 Hrs. | Altitude of Paro: 2280 m.

Day 4. Paro:

After breakfast, start your day with a hike to the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. It shall be taken care of that the time shall be yours for the hike, no hurries and no worries. Reaching the top shall be worth the climb; the touch of the Himalayan breeze, the views of the valley below and temple on the rocky cliff shall be fascinating and shall let you feel the real freedom of mind and happiness.

Taktshang Monastery: The primary lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay.  This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. It is a two to three hours excursion uphill; however, one feels truly blessed reaching the monastery.

Picnic Lunch among the woods shall be another great experience. After lunch, visit the Kyichhu Lhakhang.

Kyichhu Lhakhang: This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo miraculously built 108 temples to consecrate the entire region of Himalaya in the 7th century. Kyichhu Lhakhang is considered to be one of them.

Then we have a special program for you to feel the pure Bhutanese hospitality.  Drive to a village house. You shall be served with the local Bhutanese alcohol (Arra) and shall have the opportunity to understand and experience the life in a village in Bhutan. Right from the daily household chores to other works in the field. Also relax in traditional hot stone bath (optional)

Hot stone bath: The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.

You may choose to have your dinner with the family. (Optional)

Dinner and overnight: Le Meridien, Paro

Altitude of Paro – 2280 m.

Day 5. Departure:

After breakfast, a small Bhutanese ritual shall be held by a monk for a safe journey home wards.

Drive to Airport and farewell.

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Other Notes

• We reserve the right to change the itinerary/hotels as may be required, in case of unforeseen contingencies or unavailability of hotels.
  
• Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
  
• The itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or with any destination & can be combined with any kind of activities such as rafting, cycling, etc.
  
• It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.