Special Haa Tour (6 Nights/7 Days)
Highlights: Visitors taking this trip can observe the rituals of daily life in Bhutan that has remained sacred and enjoy the countryside. From jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced paddy fields, there is a lot waiting to be experienced.
Day 1– Fly to Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)
Transfer for the flight by Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, to Paro, the country’s only airstrip. The flight gives fantastic views of the Himalaya, and particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. You will be met on arrival by a representative of Taktsang Tours & Travels and transferred to your hotel.
There may possibly be time to have an initial wander along the streets of the small township of Paro. Halt for the night at hotel in Paro
Day 2 – Trek to view Taktsang
Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taktsang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Afternoon: visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as a Watch Tower, since 1967 it has been the National Museum of the country and holds fascinating collections of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit the massive Rinpung Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events, which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 3 – Shuttle to Punakha
3 hours drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (10000 ft), through magnificent forest of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass, weather allowing, you have panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan peaks Lunch at Dochula (3050m). Another two hours drive to hotel. En-route 25- minutes walk to Chime Lhakhang, the beautiful fertility monastery, and learn about the famous saint known as Drukpa Kinley the “divine madman.” Overnight hotel, in Punakha.
Day 4 – Hike to Chorten Nebu a 16th century temple
40 minutes shuttle to Kabjisa trail head and 3 hours hike will reach you to Chorten Nebu. It is a beautiful walk to a lovely village surrounded by orange groves to a temple, which dates back to the time of ‘The Divine Madman’ Drukpa Kunley. Visit the temple and make our offerings. See the tree outside in the courtyard, which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley. Hike back on a different trail through rice fields to the road head. Overnight at hotel, in Punakha.
Day 5- Shuttle to Thimphu the Capital city
The drive is around 3 hrs to Thimphu and we have sightseeing in the afternoon. Sightseeing includes visits to the late King’s (Third King) memorial chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops and possibly the National Library. There will also be plenty of time to continue exploring the streets and emporiums. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 6– Day Excursion to Haa Valley and return via Chelela pass
The drive from Thimphu to Haa via the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu Confluence at Chuzom is around 3 – 4 hours. Haa Valley is situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet. Extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to Tourists. With its three prominent hills representing the three guardian deities, this valley is said to have been named by Guru Padma Sambava himself—HAA means “mystical”. Stroll around the small and beautiful township of Haa. After lunch drive to the Chelela pass at 3988m en route to Paro. Weather allowing, from the pass you will have panoramic views of the two valleys of Paro & Haa and of course, the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. You will have the most scenic view of Mt. Jumolhari. Overnight at hotel in Paro.