Discover Haa Valley

DAY 01: THE LUSH VALLEY OF PARO  

During the flight over to Paro, you’ll be able to see some of the highest peaks such as the legendary Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makula. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our representative who will accompany you to several mus-see sites like the National Museum, which boasts beautiful displays related to the cultural and natural history of this incredible country. You’ll also discover the famous Paro Rompong Dzong: regal and impressive, Dzongs are arguably one of the most distinct and important structures of Bhutan – architectural masterpieces as fascinating for their function as for their beauty! Finally, you’ll hike down to the wooden bridge and enjoy some free time exploring the town.

Overnight at the hotel: Paro

DAY 02: HIKE TO TAKSANG

The Majestic Takshang Goemba or “Tiger Nest” Hike to the Guru’s Glory. Takshang or Tiger Nest is considered one of the holiest sites in the entire Buddhist faith. Takshang has been an important pilgrimage place for more than 1200 years. The Monastery clings to a sheer cliff two thousand feet above Paro valley. You’ll be able to venture to multiple temples inside the main Takshang complex. Stop off for lunch at the teahouse on the way back, a paradise for photographers! Apart from the stunning view, you’ll cast your eyes over waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, many prayer flags, and stupas. Total hike time: 4 hours

In the evening visit a homestay in the Paro valley, where you can enjoy the traditional hot stone bath, and local’s foods, try playing traditional archery games (National sports of Bhutan) and have good interaction with the local families.

DAY 03: PARO TO HAA

The Chele La Pass and Kila Gompa Hike
Start the day with a visit to Dzongdrakha village. The village clings to a cliff overlooking rice fields and Paro valley. After about an hour’s drive, hike up to Kila Gompa Monastery. The Monastery consists of about 30 nuns. You can meet them over a cup of tea in the temple! Continue your hike to Chele La Pass, at an altitude of 3988m. You’ll see lots of yaks on the way! From the Pass, get your cameras out for the spectacular view over the Himalayas.
The Haa valley is one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. The Haa valley is characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain. Legend says that the Haa valley was previously dominated by animist traditions before the tantric master Guru rinpoche visited the valley in the 8^th century and transformed their beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions.

In addition to its natural, Haa also features several interesting sites including Chhundu lhakhang, dedicated to the valley’s protecting deity, 7th-century lhakhang Karpo (white) and Lhakhang Karp (black), and Haa Dzongs.
Overnight at the hotel: Haa

DAY 04: HAA TO THIMPHU  

Tour of ‘The Capital with No Traffic Lights’ On the way to Haa, stop off at Dobji Dzong, currently, the Dzong is dedicated to one of the very important Yogi called Jetsun Milerpa of the 13th century.
The biggest town of Bhutan boasts many places of interest: painting schools – the learning center for Bhutanese artists and crafts, and the zoo, where you can see the national animal of Bhutan – the Takin! Found above 3000m, these enormous creatures are rare, so take your camera!
Continue visiting the memorial stupa, traditional handmade paper factory, and Changzamtog weaving center.
In the evening, why not wander into town and meet the locals? In the evening visit the weekend market and craft market opposite the Thimphu river.

Overnight stay in a hotel: Thimphu

DAY 05: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA 

Dochula Pass and the Rice Fields of Punakha. Stop off at Dochula Pass, at a whopping 3150m high, to take in the panorama of the Bhutan Himalayas. Spend some time walking around photographing the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, religious monuments reflecting Bhutan’s spiritual and artistic traditions.
As you descend, you’ll also observe changes in vegetation. At the lower elevations in Punakha and Wangdue, cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical plants dominate the exotic landscape.

Continue your drive towards Punakha and stop at Thinley gang lhakhang (2300mtrs). From there hike to the Toeb Changdana lhakhang and visit the lhakhang. Continue hiking towards Lhabtsakakha, It will take around 03 -04 hrs. It is a gradual climb passing through the villages and rice fields. Get ready with your cameras as the landscapes are stunning and the views are spectacular.

Overnight at the hotel: Punakha

DAY 06: PUNAKHA 

The beautiful Punakha Dzong.In the morning drive around 15 minutes to the Nyziner gang and visit the very different architecture of Khamsum Yuelley Lhakhang (45 minutes hike) and spend some time the meditation

Later, visit Punakha Dzong (ancient castle fortress built in 1637), Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the second Dzong built in Bhutan. The Dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

After lunch visit Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kunely, otherwise known as “divine madman” due to his unorthodox methods of religious teaching, Walakha nunnery monastery, and Khuruthang Zangtopelri. In the evening, a short hike to Rinchengang village for a unique cultural experience.
Overnight at the hotel: Punakha

DAY07: PUNAKHA TO GANGTEY / PHOBJIKHA 

Glacial valley of Phobjikha
Early morning drive to the beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha. You will be driving through the rich vegetation of the Sha Valleys and up to the famous Black Mountain Ranges, the longest mountain range in the country.

Upon arrival, visit the beautiful village and take a look around the Nyimapa School of Gangtey Gompa. This is the biggest of its kind in western Bhutan. Then, hike down to the nature trail (4.3 km) to the valley to soak up the stunning landscape also known as the valley of the Rare Black Neck Cranes. You can further down hike to the Kilkor thang village. It will be a gradual walk in the open space, witnessing the spectacular landscape and exploring the village.
Overnight at the hotel: Phobjikha

DAY 08: PHOBJIKHA TO PARO

We will begin our journey towards Paro right after early breakfast. En route, we will visit Semtokha Dzong which is the oldest dzong. Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep gullies, the Simtokha Dzong overlooks and commands the entire Thimphu Valley.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was one of the greatest builders of Dzongs in Bhutan. To consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan and to defend himself from both internal foes and external enemies he started constructing Dzongs, beginning with the Simtokha Dzongs in 1629.
After lunch at your hotel in Paro, we will go to the archery range and try shooting traditional Bhutanese arrows. By now, you would have tried everything except playing archery.

Overnight at Mandala Resort

DAY 09: DEPARTURE 

Today, your journey with us ends. We hope that you had a wonderful time. We will see you off from Paro Airport.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry