Best of Bhutan With Haa Valley

Day details

Altitude Paro: 2,200m Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m Distance: 54 km approx. Driving time: 1+ hour approx. Your 5-day tour in this magical kingdom begins with your arrival in Paro. As you land at the country’s only international airport, the Paro International Airport and proceed through immigration and customs to the arrival area, you will traditionally be welcomed by one of the company representatives, who will also be your local Bhutanese guide for this tour. After the meet and greet at the airport, you will be transferred to the capital of the country. This transfer takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a very scenic drive along the Paro and  Thimpu river that will give you some of the best glimpses of the country’s landscape, forest and traditional villages. On the way, you will quickly visit a 15th century temple, Tachog Lhakang. The temple, founded by the legendary Tibetan saint and iron bridge builder, Thangtong Gyalpo is dedicated to the deity “Avalokiteshvara - the Bodhisattva of Compassion” and is beautifully set against a dramatic hillside that can be accessed by a traditional iron chain bridge spanning the Paro River. The temple houses sacred statues, relics of Thangtong Gyalpo and murals and paintings and is thus renowned for its sacred atmosphere, stunning views and unique  historical connection to Bhutan’s architectural and spiritual heritage.  Having spent some time here, you will continue your journey to Thimpu. In Thimpu, after hotel check in formalities and lunch, you will set out to explore the highlights of the capital city. You will first drive to Kuelsenphodrang Nature Park, located approximately 5 kilometers from the Thimpu town center, to witness one of the largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Great Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. Founded to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the Fourth King, Jigme Singya Wangchuck, this spiritual landmark not just reflects the country’s devotion to Buddhism and national harmony but also fulfills ancient prophecy.  From here, you will now drive to the Royal Takin Preserve (a very unique wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving the national animal of Bhutan “Takin” and other wild animals and birds) situated in the Motithang district of Thimpu. Located just 5 kilometers apart, the drive to the Motithang Takin Preserve only takes about 15 minutes. Once at the preserve, you will walk the well-maintained forest trail surrounded by pine trees and see the country's national animal and other wildlife up close and in its natural habitat. This visit offers a very good opportunity to observe and photograph Bhutan’s wildlife in its natural setting and learn about Bhutan’s mythological significance regarding its national animal and Bhutan’s conservation values. After visiting the preserve, if time permits, you will first visit Centenary Farmer’s Market and Changlimithang National Stadium to get insight into the country’s agrarian and sports culture. However, if time is limited, you will directly drive to Tashichho Dzong located approximately 5.3 kilometers northeast of the Takin Preserve. The drive takes roughly 15-20 minutes and offers a scenic drive through Thimpu’s urban landscape, providing glimpses of the city’s architecture and natural surroundings. Tashichho Dzong is a traditional Bhutanese fortress, with whitewashed walls, intricately carved woodwork and golden roofs, built in the 17th century, by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the unifier of Bhutan). In the present day, this dzong houses the Government Seat: the office of the King, the Cabinet and the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance as well as the central monastic body. This dzong is also a festival venue for the annual Thimpu Tshechu. But, the dzong is only open to visitors after office hours. Thus, you’ll visit the dzong in the evening around sunset, a perfect time to witness the serene flag-lowering ceremony. As night falls, the beautifully illuminated structure created a tranquil ambiance, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.  After spending some time here, you will get back to the hotel in Thimpu for dinner and overnight stay.  Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m Altitude Punakha: 1,350m Distance: 71 km (one way) Driving time: 3 hours (one way) Altitude Dochu La Pass: 3,050m After a quick morning breakfast, you will start your journey to Punakha. About a 45-minute drive from Thimpu, on east-west highway, will bring you to a very beautiful, motorable mountain pass located at the altitude of 3050 meters above sea level and roughly 30 kilometers east of Thimpu. This pass, adorned with 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens) built to honor  Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in 2003 military operation, is known as Dochula Pass. The pass also offers an incredible Himalayan backdrop, including the magnificent view of Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. You will stop here shortly to admire and take in the Eastern Himalayan views, explore the chortens and the nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, an elaborately decorated temple blending traditional and modern Bhutanse art to commemorate the monarchy and armed forces in Bhutan. Having spent some quality time here, you will continue your journey to Punakha. In Punakha, you will only visit two major sites: Chimi Lhakhang and the Punakha Dzong. Chimi Lhakhang also known as the “Fertility Temple” is one of the most iconic and spiritually significant 15th century temples that attract both pilgrims and curious travelers. The temple is believed to possess the spiritual power to bless childless couples with fertility. Situated on a small hil in the Lobesa Valley, between Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, a short scenic hike through the rice paddies and traditional rural villages is required to reach the site, which also rewards visitors with insight into Bhutan’s agrarian life.  After visiting the temple, you will now visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most majestic and historically significant fortresses in Punakha, Bhutan. Built around the 17th century, the dzong is beautifully located at the confluence of Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River). This dzong that served as Bhutan’s capital and seat of government until the mid-20th century still houses the winter residence of the central monastic body, including the chief Abbot. This dzong in Bhutan also houses sacred relics of southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Additionally, important royal ceremonies, such as the wedding of Bhutan's current king and festivals like Punakha Tshechu and Domche are also hosted by this dzong. You will take a walking tour of the dzong complex as your guide fills you in on related information regarding the dzong. After spending some time here, you will now drive back to Thimpu for dinner and overnight stay.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m Altitude Paro: 2,200m Distance: 54 kms approx. Driving time: 1+ hrs Altitude Taktsang Monastery: 3,120 meters Hike time: Approx.. 4-5 hours (round trip) After a quick breakfast, you will now drive back to Paro to visit the country’s most iconic landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest). Steeped in spiritual legend, sacred devotion and centuries of Himalayan mysticism, this monastery is dramatically perched on a cliffside in the Paro Valley about 3,120 meters above sea level and at the cave of Guru Padmasambhava and the only way to reach there is either on a horse, or on foot.  Thus, after driving back to Paro, you will be dropped off to the trail head of the Taktsang Monastery to start your day’s hike. A 1.5 to 2 hour hike through the forest of pine will take you to a viewpoint cafeteria, where you will take a short break to enjoy tea, admire the distant view of the monastery and prepare for a challenging hike ahead. Continuing after the break, you will reach the monastery in another 1 to 1.5 hours. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed in the monastery, therefore, you will quickly explore the complex and hike back down to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch hike down to the trail head to drive to another site in Paro.  After the hike, you will quickly visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is a 7th century temple built by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that this temple is one of those 108 temples built to subdue the demons obstructing the spread of Buddhism.  You can spend the evening at leisure or exploring the local market. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Paro.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Altitude Paro: 2,200m Altitude Haa: 2,670 m Distance: 70 kms approx Driving time : 2.5 hours  (one way) Altitude Chele La Pass: 3,988 m This part of this 5-day Bhutan tour is less about where you’re going and more about what you are experiencing on the way. Today, you will go on a day trip to the Haa Valley, a pristine forested district and a culturally distinct region located in the westernmost region of Bhutan, near the India and Tibet border. Being the last to open to foreigners and the least visited region of the country, it remains untouched by mass tourism and is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, traditional Bhutanese culture and spiritual heritage.  Your journey to Haa Valley begins after breakfast in Paro. About a 1.5 hour drive, after leaving Paro, you will reach Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, the Chele La Pass located at the altitude of 3,988 meters above sea level, between Paro and Haa Valley, roughly 35 kilometers west of Paro and 26 kilometers east of Haa. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible high-altitude viewpoints in Bhutan that offers panoramic Himalayan views including Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake. Therefore, you will stop here for sometime to admire and take in the surrounding views, before continuing to Haa Valley. From the pass, the road that winds through the forests and mountain slopes offering magnificent Himalayan views, rhododendron forest vistas and spiritual ambience leads down to the beautiful Haa Valley in about 45 to 50 minutes from the pass.  Once in Haa Valley, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo; these temples represent guardian deities of Bhutan. After visiting the temples you will visit a traditional farmhouse to enjoy local lunch and then stroll through quiet villages. Committed to sustainable tourism, the accommodations here are mostly locally run homestays that offer the glimpse of centuries old rural life. A stroll through the village also allows you to witness Bon rituals, as this valley is one of the few places in Bhutan where traces of this ancient  belief system still coexist with Vajrayana Buddhism. After exploring the village you will drive back to Paro.  In Paro, you will visit one of the traditional Bhutanese farmhouses to gain first hand experience of the rural Bhutanese lifestyle, authentic Bhutanese meal and Bhutanese hospitality. If interested, you can also try your hands at archery and enjoy a hot stone bath to relax your tired muscles. You will get back to the hotel in Paro for overnight stay.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

After breakfast, as per your airport reporting time, you will be transferred to the airport to help you board your flight to your onward destination. To ensure hassle free transfer, your guide will escort you to the airport.  Meals: Breakfast