Detailed Program
The Le Méridien Delights Escape through the cultural and natural splendors of Bhutan begins with your arrival at Paro Airport, where you meet a Truly Bhutan representative, who will assist in your transfer to the national capital – Thimphu. On reaching the city, transfer to the hotel and check in. Later, follow delicious dinner & Overnight at Le Méridien, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Begin the day with a gorgeous breakfast spread, and then head out on a treasure hunt to get a glimpse into the cultural and natural wealth of Bhutan. Visit Motithang Takin Preserve, named after the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. The excursion will also take you to Tashichhodzong, the seat of the government. This historic building, which has withstood the test of time, showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. The trip to BBS Tower offers you the best photography opportunities for the day as this point commands panoramic vistas of Thimphu city. We cannot let you go without a visit to Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, which has one of the largest statues of Sakyamuni in the world – Buddha Dordenma. The Folk Heritage Museum, which is housed in a 3-story building, exhibits a vast collection of old tools and household items used by the locals. During the day, we would also take you to the well-known National Handicrafts Emporium for some shopping therapy. Here, you can buy traditional hand-woven fabrics and other handicrafts, without having to worry about their originality. End your day with a scrumptious evening meal & Overnight at Le Méridien, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Following a delectable breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Punakha. Punakha is known for the historical Punakha Dzong – one of the oldest and largest dzongs in Bhutan; it is also the erstwhile seat of the government.
It has seen numerous significant events in the history of Bhutan like the wedding of Bhutan’s king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the first national assembly. The exciting road trip becomes more fun as you cross the Dochu La Pass, which offers mesmerizing vistas of the Himalayan Kingdom.
It is also known for the 108 Buddhist shrines built by the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. During your time at Punakha Dzong, you can also witness the union of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. We also take you to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Ngawang Chogyel, the 14th Drukpa head, in reverence to Drukpa Kunley. The unconventional Drukpa Kunley was known for his unusual way of life; hence, he was often referred to as The Saint of 5000 Women. Later in the afternoon return back to Captical city overnight.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
- Le meridian
After an easy breakfast, you are on an exciting excursion to the Chele La pass. About 75 km from Thimphu, the mountain pass will take you to over 12000 feet altitude. On the way, you will see lush forests of pine and rhododendron that will be a treat for your eyes. Upon reaching the pass, your eyes will feast on the sight of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. On a clear day, panoramic vistas of the Haa and Paro Valleys can also be captured from here and Picnic Lunch.
The realm of a peaceful river, towering hills, and monasteries, the Paro Valley welcomes you again with all its heart. This day involves plenty of sightseeing as we take you to some of the most popular points of interest here. During the day, you will spend moments of peace at the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. It is said to be one of the 108 Buddhist temples, built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, to defeat a demoness, which created obstacles to the spreading of Buddhism in the region.
The visit to Ta Dzong – home to the National Museum of Bhutan – will bring you one step closer to the culture and people of the kingdom. Fascinatingly, some of the artifacts housed in the museum date back to 4000 BC! Also, explore the Drukgyel Dzong! What is an archaeological site today used to be a significant defense base until a few decades ago! Constructed in 1649, the building was abandoned in 1951 after a fire left it in ruins. When you are done exploring these amazing places, later dinner at Farm House & Overnight Le Méridien, Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
This morning drive for 15 kilometers from the hotel to Ramthangkha, a starting point for Taktsang Hike. It takes 3 hours to reach Taktsang for Moderate hikers. Taktsang is one of the most iconic and sacred sites in Bhutan which clings 800 meters above the Paro valley. Tour will be incomplete with a visit to Taktsang.
After completing the hike we will have a leisurely walk in Paro town for the last time, before heading to the hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro Airport to board your flight back home.
