Stepping into Deep Valleys
Not only satisfied with traveling in the hot destinations of Bhutan but also thirsty for something different and incredible? Why not take an adventure tour with a visit to Haa Valley which offers featured alpine landscape and off-the-beaten-track sites. This 8 days Bhutan adventure tour will take you to explore the high passes, verdant forests, prosperous wildlife, time-honored monasteries and undisturbed villages, as well as the highlights of Bhutan in its frequently-chosen cities (Paro, Thimphu & Punakha). You will start your journey from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha firstly, and then travel back to Paro after appreciating primitive Haa Valley.
1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2021.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.45. The final quotation will be adjusted accoring to the latest real-time exchange rate.
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local travel guide and driver in Paro International Airport, and then be escorted to Paro Town to start your wonderful journey.
You will firstly visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is reputed as the finest example of Bhutanese dzong. Dzong, always served as the religious, military, administrative and social centers, is a distinctive Bhutan architecture in style with a complex of courtyards, temples, offices and monks’ accommodation surrounded by towering walls. According to Bhutanese tradition, dzong is always built on a hill top with the purpose of observing the attackers. Perching on the side of Paro Valley Wall, Rinpung Dzong was an important bastion for the Kingdom of Bhutan against invasion from the north. At present, it houses the Monastic Body and government offices, and serves as the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their district.
After appreciating these charming architectures in Rinpung Dzong, visit Bhutan National Museum which is housed in Rinpung Dzong’s watchtower, keeping the rich culture and history of Bhutan. There are many impressive collections displayed in its five galleries, including traditional thangkas, festival masks, religious statues, interesting carvings, etc. Nextly, take a leisure walk through the cantilever bridge to Paro Town to attend an archery game which is Bhutan's official national game, played almost every day on the ground. Lastly, drive about 1.5 hours to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan Kingdom, for accommodation.
Arrival Ideas: 1) you are able to take an international flight from Kathmandu (1 hour), Kolkata (1 hour), New Delhi (2.5 hours), Guwahati (55 minutes), Siliguri (30 minutes), Bangkok (3 hours), Singapore (5 hours) and some other cities in India in peak seasons; 2) so far, all the flights to Paro depart and arrive in the morning.
This morning you will start the day by visiting the National Memorial Chorten (shrine), a monument dedicated to the past 3rd king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. More than a memorial stupa, it is also one important religious center for Bhutanese daily worship. Then go to visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum, a school where students are taught to make Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, like painting, woodcarving, embroidery, statue-making and so on. Next, go to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, an informative and indulging museum with excellent exhibition of the evolution of Post & Telegraph in Bhutan as well as good details on historical and symbolic interpretation behind stamps. Afterward, drive to Buddha View Point where a massive bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma sits. The statue is placed on a lotus and below it is a meditation hall housed with 125,000 small statues of Buddha. This Buddha dominates over the valley of Thimphu, and you can hardly tell whether the view from Buddha Dordenma or the view of Buddha Dordenma is more spectacular.
Leaving Thimphu, drive through a forest of pine and hemlock, up to cross over the Dochu La Pass (Alt: 10142ft/ 3,050 m). From the place, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya Mountains. Keep driving along the winding road to the fertile valley of Punakha (Alt: 4430ft/ 1,350 meters).
Accommodate in Punakha Town.
Tip: there are many other interesting museums where you can probe into Bhutan's culture, history and local people's daily life, including Simply Bhutan Museum, National Textile Museum, National Library and Archives of Bhutan, etc. Feel free to tell your travel consultant if you are interested in visiting any one of them.
After breakfast, you will go to visit Punakha Dzong, situated between Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (male and female rivers) and featuring in three docheys (one more than other dzongs). It is praised by many people as the most beautiful one in Bhutan’s 21 dzongs, especially in spring when the lilac jacaranda trees in blossom. Next, move to Wangdu Phodrang Dzong, where you can get a commanding view of the below valleys. In fact, Wangdu Phodrang Dzong enjoys an important status in the history as well, and it was the second capital city in the early days. Since Wangdu Phodrang is situated on the ridge, you can walk down to the bridge and have a short hiking to the village of Rinchangang. After the wonderful sightseeing, drive to the Chimi Lhakhang, a mysterious temple built in 1499 by the legendary “Divine Madman” - lama Drukpa Kunley. There is a tradition that the childless women can visit this temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint, then they will have a child.
After lunch, drive about 3.5 hours back to Paro. Have a good night in Paro Town.
Today, you will begin your adventure trip to Haa Valley, an off-the-beaten-track but sacred valley with its unique beauty and serenity. During the driving journey on the zigzagging scenic road from Thimphu to Haa Valley, you will glut your eyes on the fascinating natural landscape. When you get to the southern entrance to the town of Haa valley, take a visit to holy Lhakhang Karpo which is literally translated as White Temple. Before entering the building, you will be greeted by its big ornate gate. Inside the temple are statues of different deities and some elaborate thangkas. Local people believe that the deity protects them from sickness.
In the afternoon, explore the small hidden villages in Haa Valley and enjoy the peaceful ambience. Accommodate in the town.
Today, you will take another nice drive from Haa Valley to Paro. Ascending along the winding road, you will get to Chele La Pass (Alt: 13,084ft/ 3,988 m) which delivers dramatic views on both sides. Stop there to admire the spectacular view of snow-capped mountains of Himalayan ridges in Tibet and enjoy the awesome fluttering colored prayer flags. In spring, there are many lovely blossoms in the valley can be seen from the pass. Hot tea and noodles are available at a mobile food van. Then continue your adventure tour with an hour’s trekking to Kila Nunnery, a mediation site with seven small temples clinging to a rocky cliff. It is believed as the oldest nunnery which can be dated back to 9th century. The trekking trail through the pristine forests is stunning and interesting.
After the visit to Kila Nunnery, you will drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple of Bhutan. Just like famous Jokhang Temple in Tibet, it was built by Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in 659. In this temple, you can admire many exquisite murals. One statue of Sakyamuni in the monastery attracts many pilgrims to get blessings.
Drive back to Paro Town for accommodation
Tip: 1) the wind might be strong, so make sure you take enough clothes to keep your body warm; 2) photography is not allowed inside most monasteries.
Start the day with short drive to Paro’s upper valley. If the day is clear, you’ll have an unforgettable view of the “Goddess” – Mt.Chomolhari (23,640 feet).
Afterward, it’s a short drive to Taktsang trail ahead. Take a challenging but necessary 2~3 hours’ trek to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan, also known as “Tiger Nest Monastery, because Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late in the 7th century. Between blue pines and a blue sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700 feet above Paro’s valley floor. Break along the way for tea and snacks in small tea house, and the view of both Taktsang Monastery and Paro Valley is magnificent.
Hike down the mountain, then drive back to Paro for accommodation.
Tips: 1) it takes about 2 ~ 3 hours to trek from the parking lot to Taktsang Monastery, and you could ride a horse for the first hour; 2) photography is strictly forbidden in the monastery, but you can take a nice shot on your road to Taktsang Monastery; 3) travelers have to deposit all belongings (cameras, phones or other electronic equipment and bags) at the entrance.
Your journey in Bhutan comes to an end today! After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel to the airport in time for the scheduled flight to your next destination. Before that, you can take a rest at the hotel or go for a walk nearby.
Tips: Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charge, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel.
1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2021.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.45. The final quotation will be adjusted accoring to the latest real-time exchange rate.
While the trip of a lifetime is priceless, we know value is a vital aspect for those deciding which tour to choose.
When comparing tour prices, be sure to compare like to like. Our tours are designed to ensure that our customers experience all the culture, history, and beauty that Tibet has to offer, and at a reasonable price.
A great way to enjoy the lowest possible price is to invite more people to join your trip to share the travel experience as well as the tour expense. The more people in a group, the lower the price per person. (We recommend you join our group tour if you are traveling alone. Please contact our travel consultant for more information)
Booking early is also an easy way to ensure the best rate! We highly recommend you contact us at least 1 month before your planned departure date.
Yes, We had a great time. Hotel was perfect. Warm rooms, comfy beds, good enough breakfast. Van was very comfortable. Guide was a nice guy. Driver drove safely. I liked that we were given options for meals. All attractions good but would have liked to see more of the city described on day two. The shopping street part was after sunset and we walked and walked - too much.
Overall, very happy with the trip and will recommend it to friends.
Jenn
Jenn's Harbin Winter Tour with Tibet Discovery
Jenn's Wonderful Snow and Ice Holiday in Harbin with Friends
Thanks for today! Everything went well !!
Alice
Our customer Alice visited Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
Our customer Alice visited Summer Palace in Beijing
The driver Xiamen has been excellent, thank you!
David
No documents found.
Tibet has too much to offer and our aim is to bring you the best experience in Tibet. Following are some other recommended Tibet tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
Taktsang Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, Gangtey Goempa, Jambay Lhakhang
Request / DetailsParo / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Paro
Taktsang Monastery, Kychu Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum
Request / DetailsKathmandu / Pokhara / Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest / Gyirong / Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Paro
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Punakha Dzong
/ DetailsPlease tell us more about your travel plans within just a few simple steps. We'll get back to you with a quotation in 0.5~23.5hrs.