Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon also known as the Kingdom of Happiness is one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. Wedged between the world's giants, India and the Tibetan region of China, Bhutan is today slowly opening up to the world through a sensitive approach to tourism. Bhutan has a pristine environment, almost no pollution, and a living culture where festivals and cultural events are a part of daily life and not creations for tourism. Let us take care of your needs on your tour of this little-known kingdom. Bhutan is a landlocked country wedged between the autonomous region of Tibet, China, in the north and India in the south along the lofty mountains of the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is the land of complex gorges and valleys, soaring snow-peaked mountains and steep slopes, humid jungles and foothills, magnificent lakes and waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and streams and the richest biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Hotels:
- Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
- Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Included:
Meals:
- 8 Breakfasts
- 8 Lunches
- 8 Dinners
Activities:
- Hike to Cheri Goemba
- Visit the local students at the Institute for Zorig Chusum Painting School
- Visit the Folk Heritage Museum
- Experience a Changangkha Lhakhang Blessing Ceremony
- Hike to the Wangditse Monastery
- Witness the art of papermaking at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
- Hike through the Dochula Pass to Lungchutse Temple
- Hike through Chele La Pass, known for being the highest motorable road in Bhutan
- Visit the famous 'Tiger's Nest' Taktsang Palphug Monastery
- Enjoy a city tour in Paro
Other Services:
- One airport transfer privately in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Transportation privately in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tours mentioned on the program
- Official English-speaking guide service during the mentioned program
- Entrance fees, Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
- Bottled water during transfers
Not Included:
- Tips for porters, guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
- All other services not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- International airfare throughout the program
- International airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Travel Visa
Notes:
- International flights should arrive and depart out of Paro International Airport
1539368
Day
1
Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu
This day you will arrive at Paro International Airport. Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Accentuating the natural beauty are the many elegant, traditional-style houses that dot the valley and surrounding hills. Paro Town has been growing rapidly in recent years and there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to choose from. One of the distinctive features of Paro Town is that it is situated at the bottom of the valley and follows a grid-like pattern.
Upon arrival you will proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After collecting your luggage, you will meet your guide who will escort you to a hotel in Thimphu.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
2
Thimphu
Start your morning off with a leisurely breakfast before we get ready to hike to Cheri Goemba.
After a 30-minute drive, we will eventually reach the base point towards the north of Thimphu. This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. The trail begins by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery. Cheri Goemba has many hermitages and small temples located on its slopes. Once reaching the bridge and stupa, we will enjoy a wellness activity before continuing to lunch.
After lunch, we will stop at the Institute for Zorig Chusum painting school and the Folk Heritage Museum. During both visits, you will see students learning the various skills taught at the painting school and connect to the Bhutanese rural past through the museum exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
3
Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to the Sangaygang view point.
Sangaygang view point is situated at an elevation of 8,809 feet and presents a wonderful view of Thimphu valley. A two-hour walk from the viewpoint leads to the Wangdi Tse loop. The trail leads through ubiquitous prayer flags, oak, blue pine, and rhododendron forests until you reach Wangditse monastery. This monastery was founded in 1750 and the inner chapel houses a two-story statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The trail also provides excellent views of the Samteling Palace, home to the fourth King. The walking trail ends at Sangaygang view point.
Changangkha Lhakhang Blessing Ceremony:
From the Sangaygang view point you will board your vehicle and drive on to Changangkha Temple. Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south-east of Motithang. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. The central statue is Chenrezig in 11-headed manifestations, and the books in the temple are larger than usual Tibetan texts. There is an excellent view of Thimphu from the courtyard.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. A chorten is a hemispherical shaped memorial stupa. Known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is used as a place of meditation.
Continue to Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you will witness the art of papermaking. Artisans demonstrate how Deh-sho paper is made using the bark of two local tree species. Buddhist monks use Deh-sho to write prayers and for woodblock printing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
4
Thimphu
After a morning wellness session and breakfast, we will head towards the Dochula Pass.
The drive from Thimphu to Dochula pass is one of the most scenic drives in Bhutan where you will have the opportunity to view the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of 10,300 feet, Dochula Pass is the highest motorable point of Thimphu.
Festooned with colorful prayer flags, Dochula Pass is considered a historic and religious site in Thimphu. With the surreal vista of shimmering Mt Gangkhar Puensum looming over the enclosing Thimphu Valley, Dochula Pass has become one of the must visit places in Bhutan and a favored sightseeing place in Thimphu.
At the top of the Dochula Pass, we will stop to enjoy one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the region while visiting the Lungchutse temple. The trail will take you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons, and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. On a clear day, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Himalayas from the ridge. Some of the notable mountains include Jumolhari, Masang Gang in the region of Laya, Zongfu Gang, and Gangkhar Puensum, which is the highest peak in Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
5
Thimphu - Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast, you will be driven back to Paro.
En route to Paro, we will stop to visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that harassed travelers in the region.
Later in the day after lunch, you will proceed to Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Before arriving in Paro, we will make a final stop at Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.
Upon arrival and check in, spend the rest of the evening at the SPA, or just embracing the beauty of the property that offers a panoramic view of Mount Jomolhari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
6
Paro
After a morning wellness class and breakfast, you will proceed for an excursion of Chele La Pass.
Chele La Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. We will begin with a gradual hike uphill from the right side of the road, where you will have magnificent views of both Paro and Thimphu valleys below. The hike is incredibly scenic and overwhelming as you pass Mt Jumolhari and other Himalayan peaks, including the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, during clear weather. During the journey, be on the lookout for many fluttering flags hoisted for people’s good luck. These flags make your walk along the trail more enchanting and set up a picture-perfect photo opportunity! After the hike, return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
7
Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast, you will proceed to Taktsang.
Taktsang or “Tiger's Nest,” is often referred to as Taktsang Palphug monastery, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is located on the face of a 900m sheer cliff and only accessible by foot or by riding a mule.
Start the walk from the trailhead at Rumtokto to the cafeteria, where you can eventually get a good close-up view of Taktshang. Upon arriving at the high observation point of the monastery, you will immediately be awestruck as you savor the views that are nothing short of spectacular.
Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines or temples with a few monks in residence. After visiting Taktsang monastery's many shrines, we will head back for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, retrace to the road-head where you started in the morning. We will eventually make our way back to the hotel where you can enjoy the onsite Menchu Himalayan Herbal Spa facilities before a relaxing dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
8
Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for the city tour. Highlights of the city tour include:
Sangchen Choekhor Monastery
High above the north bank of the Paro Chhu, the Sangchen Choekhor Buddhist Institute commands outstanding views of the valley below. While the buildings will interest Buddhist scholars, most people visit to enjoy the fine valley views with the road access, bringing it within reach of travelers unable to make the long climb up to Taktsang Lhakhang.
Kyichu Lhakhang
This temple dates back to the 7th century. According to the Bhutanese legend, Songtsen Gempo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. The temple was restored in the 19th century and a similar one was added in 1968 by Ashi Kesang, the grand Queen Mother of Bhutan.
Dungtse Lhakhang
This little three storied chorten-shaped temple, was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyelpo to subdue the ogress on the top of whose head it is said to be built. It was restored in 1841 by the 25th Head Abbot of Bhutan, Sherab Gyeltshen, and the names of the Paro donors can still be seen written on the wooden pillars of the ground floor.
After the city tour, you will return to the hotel for an evening at leisure and a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
9
Paro – Departure
After your last leisure breakfast and wellness class, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Demanding - Multiple high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities throughout the program, but accessible to most healthy travelers. Some training and/or frequent exercise recommended prior to travel.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu
This day you will arrive at Paro International Airport. Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Accentuating the natural beauty are the many elegant, traditional-style houses that dot the valley and surrounding hills. Paro Town has been growing rapidly in recent years and there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to choose from. One of the distinctive features of Paro Town is that it is situated at the bottom of the valley and follows a grid-like pattern.
Upon arrival you will proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After collecting your luggage, you will meet your guide who will escort you to a hotel in Thimphu.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
2
Thimphu
Start your morning off with a leisurely breakfast before we get ready to hike to Cheri Goemba.
After a 30-minute drive, we will eventually reach the base point towards the north of Thimphu. This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. The trail begins by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery. Cheri Goemba has many hermitages and small temples located on its slopes. Once reaching the bridge and stupa, we will enjoy a wellness activity before continuing to lunch.
After lunch, we will stop at the Institute for Zorig Chusum painting school and the Folk Heritage Museum. During both visits, you will see students learning the various skills taught at the painting school and connect to the Bhutanese rural past through the museum exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
3
Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to the Sangaygang view point.
Sangaygang view point is situated at an elevation of 8,809 feet and presents a wonderful view of Thimphu valley. A two-hour walk from the viewpoint leads to the Wangdi Tse loop. The trail leads through ubiquitous prayer flags, oak, blue pine, and rhododendron forests until you reach Wangditse monastery. This monastery was founded in 1750 and the inner chapel houses a two-story statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The trail also provides excellent views of the Samteling Palace, home to the fourth King. The walking trail ends at Sangaygang view point.
Changangkha Lhakhang Blessing Ceremony:
From the Sangaygang view point you will board your vehicle and drive on to Changangkha Temple. Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south-east of Motithang. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. The central statue is Chenrezig in 11-headed manifestations, and the books in the temple are larger than usual Tibetan texts. There is an excellent view of Thimphu from the courtyard.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. A chorten is a hemispherical shaped memorial stupa. Known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is used as a place of meditation.
Continue to Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you will witness the art of papermaking. Artisans demonstrate how Deh-sho paper is made using the bark of two local tree species. Buddhist monks use Deh-sho to write prayers and for woodblock printing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
4
Thimphu
After a morning wellness session and breakfast, we will head towards the Dochula Pass.
The drive from Thimphu to Dochula pass is one of the most scenic drives in Bhutan where you will have the opportunity to view the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of 10,300 feet, Dochula Pass is the highest motorable point of Thimphu.
Festooned with colorful prayer flags, Dochula Pass is considered a historic and religious site in Thimphu. With the surreal vista of shimmering Mt Gangkhar Puensum looming over the enclosing Thimphu Valley, Dochula Pass has become one of the must visit places in Bhutan and a favored sightseeing place in Thimphu.
At the top of the Dochula Pass, we will stop to enjoy one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the region while visiting the Lungchutse temple. The trail will take you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons, and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. On a clear day, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Himalayas from the ridge. Some of the notable mountains include Jumolhari, Masang Gang in the region of Laya, Zongfu Gang, and Gangkhar Puensum, which is the highest peak in Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Thimphu – Deluxe Room
Day
5
Thimphu - Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast, you will be driven back to Paro.
En route to Paro, we will stop to visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that harassed travelers in the region.
Later in the day after lunch, you will proceed to Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Before arriving in Paro, we will make a final stop at Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.
Upon arrival and check in, spend the rest of the evening at the SPA, or just embracing the beauty of the property that offers a panoramic view of Mount Jomolhari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
6
Paro
After a morning wellness class and breakfast, you will proceed for an excursion of Chele La Pass.
Chele La Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. We will begin with a gradual hike uphill from the right side of the road, where you will have magnificent views of both Paro and Thimphu valleys below. The hike is incredibly scenic and overwhelming as you pass Mt Jumolhari and other Himalayan peaks, including the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, during clear weather. During the journey, be on the lookout for many fluttering flags hoisted for people’s good luck. These flags make your walk along the trail more enchanting and set up a picture-perfect photo opportunity! After the hike, return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
7
Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast, you will proceed to Taktsang.
Taktsang or “Tiger's Nest,” is often referred to as Taktsang Palphug monastery, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is located on the face of a 900m sheer cliff and only accessible by foot or by riding a mule.
Start the walk from the trailhead at Rumtokto to the cafeteria, where you can eventually get a good close-up view of Taktshang. Upon arriving at the high observation point of the monastery, you will immediately be awestruck as you savor the views that are nothing short of spectacular.
Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines or temples with a few monks in residence. After visiting Taktsang monastery's many shrines, we will head back for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, retrace to the road-head where you started in the morning. We will eventually make our way back to the hotel where you can enjoy the onsite Menchu Himalayan Herbal Spa facilities before a relaxing dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
8
Paro
After a morning wellness activity and breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for the city tour. Highlights of the city tour include:
Sangchen Choekhor Monastery
High above the north bank of the Paro Chhu, the Sangchen Choekhor Buddhist Institute commands outstanding views of the valley below. While the buildings will interest Buddhist scholars, most people visit to enjoy the fine valley views with the road access, bringing it within reach of travelers unable to make the long climb up to Taktsang Lhakhang.
Kyichu Lhakhang
This temple dates back to the 7th century. According to the Bhutanese legend, Songtsen Gempo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. The temple was restored in the 19th century and a similar one was added in 1968 by Ashi Kesang, the grand Queen Mother of Bhutan.
Dungtse Lhakhang
This little three storied chorten-shaped temple, was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyelpo to subdue the ogress on the top of whose head it is said to be built. It was restored in 1841 by the 25th Head Abbot of Bhutan, Sherab Gyeltshen, and the names of the Paro donors can still be seen written on the wooden pillars of the ground floor.
After the city tour, you will return to the hotel for an evening at leisure and a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Meridien, Paro – Deluxe Room
Day
9
Paro – Departure
After your last leisure breakfast and wellness class, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Demanding - Multiple high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities throughout the program, but accessible to most healthy travelers. Some training and/or frequent exercise recommended prior to travel.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at 754-457-9870
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Accommodation names are subject to availability. Should accommodation mentioned on specific itinerary not be available, a similar or higher rated accommodation will be substituted. Single room allotments are subject to availability and booked on a FCFS basis. Fit4Travel will work with each vendor or supplier to secure as many single rooms as possible to accommodate each traveler.
