Experience the dramatic ascent to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) and explore the secluded Kila Goemba Nunnery, perched high between these mystical valleys. This unique hiking tour offers intimate glimpses into traditional Bhutanese village life, ancient Buddhist culture, and untouched natural beauty. Perfect for adventurous travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in the last Himalayan kingdom.
7 Days Hidden Land of Bhutan
Uncover the secrets of Bhutan’s hidden Haa Valley on this exclusive 7-day adventure through one of the kingdom’s least explored regions. Trek through pristine alpine landscapes as you journey between the sacred Haa and Paro valleys, discovering remote temples and authentic rural homesteads along the way.
Bhutan Cultural Tour
ABOUT TRIP
Hear From Our Satisfied Travellers
Our Guests Rate Their Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful Bhutan
Bhutan is amazing, ít is beautiful from scenery to people. We were pampered by the tour services, our tour lead is Nidup and all his assistance, we feel very safe and comfortable. We will recommend to our friends whoever want to visit Bhutan. Thank so much Nidup, we have a wonderful time in Bhutan
Dream Come True Vacation
My wife and I recently booked a 9 day private tour of Bhutan with Bhutan Best Travel. Words cannot adequately describe how pleased and happy we are with the high quality of value, service, and price. Beginning with the travel coordinator Jaclyn Zhang, who provided us with the perfect travel package. Upon arriving at the Paro airport in Bhutan, we received a warm and gracious welcome by our guide Sangay and driver Khandu. Both made it their mission to provide us with an extraordinary vacation experience. We were delighted with our guide’s enthusiasm and passion to teach us all that he knew about his country’s people, their history, culture, customs and cuisine. Our driver Khandu kept us safe on the road with his ninja driving skills and the uncanny ability to manifest just about anything we wanted to happen, earning him the nickname Kan-do. These two talented individuals are responsible for making our vacation dreams come true. We highly recommend Bhutan Best Travel to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan. There is no better choice!
A Perfect Trip
This was the Perfect trip from first contact to the end. Every question was answered almost immediately before we arrived and once in Bhutan, we had one of the best guides that I have ever had. Sanguay and our driver, Terine, were always nearby making sure we had an understanding of the culture and history of what we were seeing or getting the best service from our hotel or restaurant. I wouldn’t hesitate using them again or recommending them.
Lifetime trip / Honeymoon
I chose Best Bhutan Travel because it was high on the tripsdvisor ranking - and frankly because their communications were very professional compared to other agencies and individual travel guides I had reached out to. Communication has been fast, crisp and helpful. They were very supportive with the payment which honestly felt so strange to me (you pay Bhutanese agencies through the national Bhutan bank). They took care of the visa, and our return flights from Nepal to Bhutan. We were happy with the suggested itinerary. We spent 12 days together, all the way to Bumthang. On the trip itself we realised it is more of a guideline where to go - with changes possible for e.g. hotel or activities. The latter was notably thanks to our guide and driver who were phenomenal. We had an amazing time with Lotay (guide) and Khandu (driver). They were kind, attentive, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. They adjusted the itinerary based on our interests* and their experience. We went to the (in)official start of the Paro festival which is held in the "second tiger nest". We were the only Western foreigners and were so welcomed by all locals, and really enjoyed watching the masked dances, with Lotay explaining to us their meanings and purposes. *Our guide was very, very attentive. For example I mentioned quickly that my wife does a lot of arts and crafts. Therefore, we visited a paper making factory and the institution of 13 arts in Timphu. We really appreciated it. We also went to Karaoke twice, and competed in archery and darts. Our visits to the temples were amazing, with Lotay teaching us about tantric Buddhism, and as a very social person, always talked with the monks and shared more insights with us. Along the way we learnt from the head monks and got blessed. Honestly I could go on about all the positive aspects. On the 2nd day I briefly mentioned that this trip was actually our honeymoon. The very evening they congratulated us with wine and cake, and every hotel had some decoration to celebrate our marriage. It was also very important for me that we eat local, Bhutanese food. It's spicy, trust me. This may be an important element to mention in your planning so that restaurants and hotels are made aware. Our guide and driver took care of everything. We were also always fed to keep energy levels up. Honestly, you get the drift, so I wholeheartedly recommend Best Bhutan Travel. Finally, surprisingly, some hotels were very nice and empty, as if they were just booked for us. We were lucky. As a word of advice: the more East you travel, the more you'll spend time in the car, so prepare accordingly your expectations. We did enjoy Trongsa and Bumthang though! Very different to Western Bhutan.
Day 1 (Paro, Thimphu)
Day 2 (Thimphu)
After breakfast, hike to Chagri Monastery, which takes about 1 hour to reach. Built high on the slope in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this was his first monastery in Bhutan. The trail leads through temperate forest of oak, rhododendrons and other hardwood trees. The view from the monastery of the valley below is spectacular. Descend to the valley and drive back to Thimphu.
After lunch, visit:
- The School of Traditional Arts
- Mini Zoo to see takins, Bhutan’s national animal
- Buddha point for panoramic views of Thimphu valley
Evening at leisure to:
- Stroll through town
- Visit local handicraft shops
- Shop at your convenience
Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 (Punakha)
From Mountain Passes to Fertility Temples
After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in the country, built in 1629. Thereafter, the road climbs for an hour until you reach Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,150m, adorned with colourful prayer flags and 108 stupas. Weather permitting, this pass offers spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. You may enjoy a hot cup of tea/coffee at the Dochula resort.
Continue descending en route to Punakha and Wangdue through varying landscapes:
- Temperate forest with rhododendron and magnolia blooming in spring
- Semi-tropical zone abundant with orange trees, banana trees, and cacti
Have lunch en route.
After lunch, take a 25-minute walk through rice terraces and the village of Yoakha to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. The temple stands on a round hill rock, situated on a spur above the village. It is believed that childless couples will be blessed with children after receiving blessings at this temple.
Evening: Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, crossing the cantilever bridge. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.
Day 4 (Paro)
After breakfast, take a drive to Haa Valley, following the same road back across Dochula Pass. The drive to Haa takes approximately four hours.
After lunch in Thimphu, continue your drive to Haa Valley. This district, which opened to tourism only in 2004, is accessed via a road from Chuzom that passes Dobji Dzong and the small Bitekha Dzong before reaching Haa Valley (2,700m). The valley lies in the heart of the high-altitude, largely forested Haa district, close to the Chumbi (Gromo) valley in Tibet (China).
On arrival, visit Haa’s two famous temples:
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
These temples are believed to be part of the network of temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, according to Bhutanese tradition.
Overnight stay at hotel in Haa.
Day 5 (Haa, Paro)
After breakfast, take a three-hour return hike from Haa town to Juneydrak Hermitage. The walk leads through rhododendron forest offering fine views. Begin about 1km north of Haa, near the hospital and just before the main bridge, where a 4-wheel drive track branches east to Katsho village.
The trail includes:
- A cliff-side retreat containing a footprint of Machen Labdrom (1055-1132), a female Tibetan tantric practitioner
- A path following the stream past a mani wall to a two-legged archway chorten (known as a khonying)
- A bridge crossing followed by an ascent through rhododendron forest
- At a red sign, a left trail leading to a chorten marking the Hermitage entrance
If no monks are meditating inside, you can view the footprint in the temple. Even if meditation is in progress preventing entry, the walk offers beautiful views of Haa valley from the temple. A visit to a local farmhouse can be arranged during the walk.
After lunch, drive to Paro crossing Chelila Pass at 3,988m. The route leads directly into Paro valley through forests, offering views of both Haa and Paro valleys. In clear weather, glimpse Mount Jhomolhari and enjoy scenic views of deep valleys, river gorges, and surrounding mountains.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6 (Paro)
After breakfast, hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery. The trail winds through meadows of pines, rhododendrons, and oaks, taking about 2 hours to reach the viewpoint. Visitors can take a short break at the café for tea or coffee and enjoy excellent views of the monastery. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, meditated for 3 months, and subdued the local deity Singye Samdrup, converting him to Buddhism. In the 17th century, the 4th Desi (temporal ruler) of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye, built the temple in 1692, fulfilling the wishes of Zhabdrung Rinpoche who passed away before its construction. (Horse ride to the café available at additional cost)
After lunch, visit:
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built by a Tibetan king in the 7th century to subdue a demoness
- Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), the administrative and religious centre of Paro District, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan
Time permitting, visit:
- Kyichu Lhakhang’s perpetually fruit-bearing orange tree
- Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (14km from Paro), the historical Fort of Drukpa Victory, from where Bhutanese forces repelled Tibetan invasions. On clear days, view the 7,314-metre snow peak of sacred Mount Chomolhari
Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Day 7 (Depart)
Today, you bid farewell to Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell. Thank you for visiting Bhutan! Hope to see you again. Tashi Delek!
BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!
Discover the magic of Bhutan with expert guidance from our local travel specialists. Whether you’re drawn to ancient monasteries, pristine Himalayan trails, or vibrant cultural festivals, we’ll craft a bespoke journey that matches your interests and pace.
Our team’s deep knowledge of the Kingdom ensures authentic experiences, comfortable accommodation, and seamless logistics—all whilst respecting Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.