12-Day Haa Trek

Upon arrival at the airport and after passing through customs your Bhutanese escort will greet you and guide you to your hotel in Paro. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Paro and immersing yourself in the Bhutanese way of life.

Meals included: Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Tenzinling Resort (Paro / 3-star)

Today, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3000 feet above the valley floor. The primary monastery was built around Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave in 1684 AD by Gyaltshe Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. The old monastery, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire in 1998, but has been completely restored. The hike takes about 4 hours round-trip. Once you reach the view point of the Monastery, you have the option to visit the Monastery, which takes about another hour to reach. Next, you will visit the Kyichu Monastery built in the 7th century. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built by the great Tibetan King Songsten Gyepo and the main statue is of the Future Buddha which is similar to the main Buddha statue in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Pilgrims turn the many prayer wheels along the walls as they circumnavigate the temple. The statues of the Bodhisattvas and the Buddha are national treasures. The wooden floor of the sanctum is inlaid with turquoise and coral gemstones offered by pilgrims. Last, you will visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous fortresses. From its ramparts, the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. Weather permitting, you will have great views of Mt. Chomolhari at 24,000 ft.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Tenzinling Resort (Paro / 3-star)

After a fairly early breakfast embark on a 2 hour drive to the valley of Haa over the Chele La Pass. Upon arrival and checking into camp at Haa, relax before visiting Lhakhang Karpo (temple of the white dove), a monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Goenpo,.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping

The trail ascends steeply for 4 to 5 hours through pine forests to reach our camp at Sagala, set on a ridge with high mountain views that include the sacred Chomolhari and several other peaks. The views of Paro and Haa Valley from here are picturesque. Chances of spotting the endangered Musk Deer are favorable along this trail.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping

For most of the morning the trail is along the ridge then after a picnic lunch the trail goes through dwarf rhododendron forests all the way to camp (5 to 6 hours).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping

The trail continues for 4 to 5 hours through forests filled with Primula and red & orange rhododendrons.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping

The first part of the trail is a 1+ hr ascent to the top of the ridge. From here the walk to the Chele La through dwarf rhododendrons. Along the way we pass a sky burial site. All day we will have clear views of the mountains and the Paro and Haa Valleys. At Chele La we meet our bus and drive to Thimphu.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textile then take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit the memorial Chorten to His Late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), who reigned from 1952-1972. Later take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Finally, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods without the use of any nails, plans, or paper.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Drubchhu Resort (Punakha / 3-star)

Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest and is arguably the country's most attractive. As the capital of Bhutan until 1955, Punakha is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha dzong is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Himalayan kingdom. Construction of the dzong began in 1637 and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Peaceful Resort (Thimphu / 3-star)

Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built in 1638 and located on the headland 13km from Punakha. Drive back to Paro where you can spend the rest of the evening walking around Paro Town. Explore the area and you may decide to do some shopping to remember your adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Tenzinling Resort (Paro / 3-star)

Drive to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress 16 km from Paro town. Tour Drukgyal Dzong with massive ruins that offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. This Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was a critical point when the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. This gave the fortress it's name, translating to "victorious Bhutanese". Here you will have a magnificent panorama of Mount Chomolhari.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Tenzinling Resort (Paro / 3-star)

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast