7 Nights | 8 Days
Ancestral home to the Dorji family , the people of Haa inhabit the high valleys above 3,000 meters. Strong-boned and resilient, the people of Haa are devout and hardworking yak herders and farmers who cultivate high altitude crops such as wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Their religious life revolves around the appeasement of Buddhist and Shamanic (Bon) deities and entities including Ap Chhundu, their guardian spirit, believed to protect all people born in Haa.
Schedule your visit during the annual Haa’s Alpine festival to see the weaving and making of yak hair tent from scratch! Expect to see a variety of yak products on display including coveted bundle of white yak tails (which are believed to bring good luck to one’s home), learn about the traditional process of yak shearing and wool making, see how yak dairy is turned into delicious traditional meals that showcase the culinary traditions of Haa.
Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.2 Hrs)
On arrival, warm welcome by our company representative and proceed for an hour ride to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. After lunch proceed to visit Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a nice view of the valley. Also visit the enclosure where Bhutan’s national animal, Takins are kept. Thereafter, drive to visit the largest and newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley. After 5 pm, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong which houses the throne of the king.
Overnight at Thimphu | Altitude 2300m
Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, visit the School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library. Drive to the Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. Lunch in the town and thereafter, proceed to drive two and a half hour for Punakha crossing Dochula pass (3200 mts). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular snowcap view of the Eastern Himalayan as well as the the highest mountains of Bhutan that stretches almost 180 degrees. Walk around the 108 stupas and continue to sub tropical valley of Punakha.
Overnight at Punakha | Altitude: 1350m
Day 03: Punakha halt
Morning visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Visit a farm house to see the kind of house that Bhutanese live in. After lunch, proceed for an hour hike to the temple of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten which is perched on a hill from where you’ll see the Punakha valley. Along the walk, we’ll pass through the villages and the locals in their daily lives.
Overnight at Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Paro (3.5 Hrs)
Start early retracing the drive to Paro. In Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner.
Overnight at Paro | Altitude 2200m
Day 05: Paro to Haa (3 Hrs)
Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot which studs the rock cliff. Continue driving to Haa over the Chelela Pass, your highest point of the trip at 3988m. When the weather permits one can view the most scared mountain in the country Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). Visit the quiet, timeless Haa valley.
Overnight at Haa | Altitude: 2250m
Day 06: Haa Summer Festival
Whole day attend annual Haa summer festival and explore the valley and greater pace.
Overnight at Haa
Day 07: Haa to Paro (3 Hrs)
Checkout from the hotel and drive to Paro, on arrival we will hike to Tiger Nest temple, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Evening at leisure or explore the tiny Paro town.
Overnight at Paro
Day 08: Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour guide will bid you farewell at the airport.