Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes and Haa Valley - 8 days

Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes and Haa Valley - 8 days


The 8 days Bhutan tour brings a unique cultural experience in the heritage sites of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha with hikes through Nature Trail in Gangtey and Paro Taktsang.

The 8 days Bhutan tour brings a unique cultural experience in the heritage sites of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha with hikes through Nature Trail in Gangtey and Paro Taktsang. Through the tour, you will experience the perfect blend of nature and religion intertwined in Phobjikha Valley and Haa Valley of western Bhutan.

The tour begins with a sightseeing visit to the historical sites of Paro, then to the Haa Valley, followed by a drive to the capital city, Thimphu. After sightseeing at Thimphu, drive to Punakha to witness its architecturally mesmerizing Dzong.

A hike through Nature Trail of the Black Mountain National Park takes you to the Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of Black-Necked Cranes. Returning from Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley takes you to Paro for a final hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Get to immerse in the Bhutanese culture, tradition, and history along with nature walks to two of the most famous monasteries with the 8 days Bhutan Tour.

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy a hike in the Gangtey Nature trail of the glacial Phobjikha valley and visit the Gangtey Monastery in the Black Mountains National Park
  • Hike to the Paro Taktsang/Tiger's Nest Monastery on a cliff top at 3,180m
  • Witness amazing views of the mountains from Chele La, Dochu La, and Lawal passes on the tour
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang - the oldest temple in Bhutan and Rinpung Dzong- the Fortress of Heap of Jewels in Paro
  • Immerse in the Bhutanese heritage in the Haa Valley with a visit to the Lhakang Karpo
  • Visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, Folk Heritage Museum, and Royal Textile Museum in Thimphu
  • Visit Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu where the Throne Room of the King is situated.
  • Marvel at the architectural beauty of Punakha Dzong, the second largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan
  • In Paro, visit the Ta Dzong, the national museum and also the tallest building in Bhutan

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Paro and Sightseeing
Day 2 Drive from Paro to Haa Valley via Chele La (3,988 m)- 2 to 3 hours (66 km)
Day 3 Drive from Haa Valley to Thimphu and Sightseeing - 4 hours (115 Km)
Day 4 Drive from Thimphu to Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (76 Km)
Day 5 Drive from Punakha to Gangtey Monastery/Phobjikha Valley, Hike through Nature Trail
Day 6 Drive from Gangtey to Paro - 5 hours (180 Km)
Day 7 Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,120m)
Day 8 Depart from Paro

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Paro and Sightseeing

rinpung dozong Paro valley and Rinpung dzong from Zuri dzong Photo: Gary Ashley/Flickr

You will be greeted by the views of the high hills and mesmerizing Bhutanese Himalayas in the backdrop as you land at Paro. Our representatives waiting at the international terminal will drop you off at your hotel in Paro.

After unpacking, you will take a guided tour in Paro, starting with a visit to the Rinpung Dzong, known popularly as the "Fortress of Heap of Jewels." Witness the 14 shrines and fine paintings. 

From there, visit the 'spiritual heart' and the oldest temple of Bhutan, Kyichu Lakhang, built in the 7th century and holding a 5m high Guru Rinpoche statue.

Late in the evening, you can try some Bhutanese cuisine and interact with the locals.

Overnight stay in Paro.   

Day 2
Drive from Paro to Haa Valley via Chele La (3,988 m)- 2 to 3 hours (66 km)

Start the day with a scenic drive from Paro to Haa valley in the southwest. On the way, make a stop for a hike to the viewpoint of Chele La Pass. Known to be the highest vehicle-accessible road in Bhutan, views of the distant Jumolhari mountains are visible.

Once you are at Haa, the sightseeing visit will start from the nearby Lhakang Karpo sitting between three tall mountains. Then walk towards Lhakhang Nagpo, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Haa.

Overnight stay in Haa valley. 

Day 3
Drive from Haa Valley to Thimphu and Sightseeing - 4 hours (115 Km)

tashichho dzong Tashichho Dzong - one of the prime places to visit in Thimphu

Leaving behind the culturally rich Haa Valley, make your way to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Passing by villages, and pine forests, on the way, make a brief stop to explore the Dobji Dzong, the first model Dzong in Bhutan. Then the road to Chuzom will take you to Thimphu.

Sightseeing begins after you freshen up and have lunch. The guided tour starts from the Royal Textile Museum displaying textiles and artistic weaves.

Then, to witness the Bhutanese culture and heritage, visit the Folk Heritage Museum displaying basic household tools, musical instruments, and more.

Next up for the sightseeing visit is Tashichho Dzong, an architecturally beautiful fortress that hosts the Throne Room of the King. From there, make your way to the hotel for a well-deserved sleep.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4
Drive from Thimphu to Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (76 Km)

kings-memorial-chorten King’s Memorial Chorten, located in Doeboom Lam and built-in 1974

Before you begin your drive to Punakha, visit the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, which was established in honor of the third King Jigme.

Then visit the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan, the 50m high Buddha Dordenma.

Midway through the scenic drive to Punakha, stop at DochuLa Pass (3,150m) to enjoy a cup of tea while witnessing the majestic mountains. The drive continues along the rhododendron and hemlock forests traversing rice fields to Punakha.

Upon settling at the hotel, take a sightseeing tour to the Punakha Dzong, The second largest and second oldest dzongs in Bhutan.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 5
Drive from Punakha to Gangtey Monastery/Phobjikha Valley, Hike through Nature Trail

phobjikha valley Phobjikha Valley - located in the Wangdue Phodrang in central Bhutan.

One of the most adventurous days in the entire tour is your visit to the Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley. The morning starts with a drive from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang, where you will stop at Wangdue to get a glimpse of the Dzong on ridge. The drive continues via the Lawala Pass to Phobjikha Valley.

The valley is located in the Black Mountain National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. Make sure your hiking boots are ready as you take the Nature Trail hike from Gangtey to Phobjikha valley.

The greenery of the Phobjikha valley with rhododendron, maple, and pines is almost magical. If your hike is in the winter season, you might be lucky to witness the Black Necked Cranes in the valley.

Overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 6
Drive from Gangtey to Paro - 5 hours (180 Km)

As you drive to Paro, it is time to bid farewell to the Gangtey Monastery and Phobjikha Valley. It is a relatively long drive back, so you can make brief stops in between. Upon reaching Paro, you can head to the hotel to relax or even go on a sightseeing visit to the Ta Dzong, the national museum of Bhutan and the tallest building there.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,120m)

Taktsang Monastery Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger Nest Monastery, is located in Paro, Bhutan.

This is yet another exciting hiking day because you will visit one of the world's most popular monasteries, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, also called Paro Taktsang. As the story goes, the legendary Guru Rimpoche sat on the back of his tigress and flew there to meditate in two of the caves here. In that belief, this monastery was built here in the 16th century.

Start the day with a drive to the base of the hiking point, then begin with an initial steep ascent and follow the Buddhist prayer flags. You can witness panoramic views of the Paro valley and the distant mountains from the monastery. Visit the Pel Phuk and Thulo Phuk caves, and witness the paintings and the large prayer wheel before you hike back.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 8
Depart from Paro

The amazing Bhutan tour comes to an end on this day. You will be driven to the airport by our representatives to catch your respective flight.

If you want to extend your tour to other western or eastern parts of Bhutan or wish to have a similar tour in the future, feel free to contact us.



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Based on 4 reviews


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Sophia Anderson
flagsUnited States of America
Feb 22, 2024

Bhutan Day Hike for 8 days

Embarking on the Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes and Haa Valley organized by Third Rock was an extraordinary experience. Over 8 days, every moment felt like a revelation, thanks to the meticulous planning and personalized touch by Naba, a dear friend and exceptional guide. Each day brought new adventures, from challenging hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes to cultural immersions in the serene Haa Valley. The seamless coordination ensured a stress-free journey, allowing me to fully immerse in Bhutan's beauty and charm. With Naba's expertise and friendship, every aspect of the tour surpassed expectations, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Yes
Sheldon Clayton
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 16, 2020

Bhutan Trip

My brother and I did this Bhutan tour. We absolutely loved this trip and want to do this again. However, Naba has a plan for us for Bhutan trip. so probably, we will be back again in 2023.
Good Value, Best and Selected Tours
Yes
Leon Newman
flagsUnited States of America
Mar 16, 2020

beautiful Bhutan Tour

Sheldon and I totally loved this beautiful tour that included a hike to Tiger's NEST and Rinpung Dzong. The trip included most of the attractions in Bhutan. Evrything was well-managed by the team.
Good Value
Aidan Wood
flagsMexico
Oct 27, 2019

Bhutan Tour

The tour was well-guided and I adore how the company managed everything. It's how a company outstand among hundreds of travel agencies. I had good conversation with Naba despite his business, he managed to talk over phone and exchange a few emails. The team were professional and at ease to serve us against anything. Thanksto Naba and his team for this amazing Bhutan tour
100%

Based on 4 reviews
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