7 Days Hidden Land of Bhutan

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.

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.

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.

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!