Haa Valley Bhutan
Highlights
The Remote Haa valley
Semtokha Dzong
Taktsang Monastery
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Your guide, who will be with you throughout your visit, will be waiting for you at Paro airport. Afternoon free for leisure.
Day 02: Paro
Home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries and the country's only airport. Visit Drukgyel Dzong, where on a clear day there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari, Rinpung Dzong, The ‘fortress of the heap of jewels' built in 1646 and Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong but now the National Museum.
Day 03: Paro - Taktsang excursion
Take a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery (the ‘Tiger's Nest') It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. Afternoon is free.
Day 04: Paro - Haa - Thimphu
Start the day early 1hr drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. See superb view of Mts. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, and if the weather is favorable we will stop here to stroll around. After a picnic lunch by the river visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Leave for Thimphu in the late afternoon.
Day 05: Thimphu
The capital town of Bhutan, Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong: The ‘fortress of the glorious religion', the National Library, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum:, ‘the Painting School', where one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
Day 06: Thimphu - Punakha - Wangduephodrang
After breakfast proceed to Punakha, the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Afternoon sightseeing includes Punakha Dzong and a drive back down the valley to Wangduephodrang.
Day 07: Punakha - Paro
Today is a 5 hr drive to Paro, en route we visit Semtokha Dzong, that has a series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
Day 08: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport, your guide will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.