Discover Western Bhutan

On arrival at Paro International Airport today, you will be met by your guide. You will be driven by private vehicle to the town of Haa, with a brief stop en route to take in some breathtaking Himalayan vistas at Chelela which, at 3,810 metres (12,500 feet) above sea level is the highest paved road in Bhutan. As you arrive at Chelela, you may wish to join with your guide and driver in a hearty cry of ‘lha-geh lu!’ (‘May the Gods be victorious’).

You will be given time to settle into your hotel in Haa and to rest before joining your guide for an afternoon acclimatization walk around the town. Your orientation walk will include a visit to the Lhakhang Karpo or ‘White Chapel’ complex, just south of Haa Dzong (fortress). The Lhakhang has an atmospheric central chapel which houses statues of the Tse-la-nam Sum trinity. During your visit to the Lhakhang Karpo, you will have the option of a traditional pre-expedition blessing in preparation for your upcoming trek on the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Your guide will select a local restaurant in Haa for dinner this evening, which will be your first chance to learn about and sample Bhutanese cuisine.

Included Activities:

• Haa orientation hike
• Visit Lhakhang Karpo (temple)

Accommodation: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge or similar (3*)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Katsho, where you will begin your first day of trekking on the ancient Trans Bhutan Trail. For generations, the people of Haa followed the route you will walk today to trade with the Parops in the neighbouring valley. There, they would barter 20 drey (approximately 30 kilograms or 66 pounds) of Shakam (dried meat) for 20 drey of rice at Paro Tshongdu (market) because the harsher climatic conditions in Haa are unsuitable for rice cultivation.

The age-old trail follows the beautiful Haa river as it gently rises out of the Katsho Valley, passing through yak pastures before heading into forests of pine and rhododendron. As you traverse the Katsho Valley, look out for cliff-edge Bjungneydra Taktsang (monastery), also known as “The Mini Taktsang”, and the sky burial site of Kungkarpo. The trail continues to climb until it reaches the Pass at Kaleyla, where it crosses the ridge trail between Chelela and Sagala.

At Kaleyla, you will enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range to the north, including on the clearest days vistas of Mount Jhomolhari (7,326m/24,036ft), Mount Jichudrakey (6,662m/21,860ft) and Mount Tsherimgang (6,532m/21,431ft). You will be provided with a picnic lunch during this stop.

From Kaleyla, the trail descends down to Ngopa gewog of Paro through rhododendron and bamboo forest into the Paro Valley. The last few kilometres to Paro will then be on tracks which meander through traditional Bhutanese farming villages.

On arrival, check in at your hotel.

Your guide will arrange for dinner either at your hotel or in a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

• Hike on the Trans Bhutan Trail

Accommodation: Metta Resort & Spa or similar (3*)

After breakfast this morning, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east. The trail rises gently from Lamgong Village as it traverses the sprawling rice paddies of the Paro Valley, before carving around the northern ridge and descending into the traditional village of Dopshari. At Dopshari, enjoy a cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse. After lunch, you will also have the opportunity to try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, and have a quick game of traditional ‘khuru’ (darts).

After lunch, head out onto the trail for one last time for the climb up to Upper Dopshari (Damchenang), where you will end you hike with stunning views out over the Paro Valley.

Head to your hotel, where we recommend you to relax and unwind.

Included Activities:

• Hike on the Trans Bhutan Trail
• Cookery demonstration
• Archery and khuru (darts) session

Accommodation: Metta Resort & Spa or similar (3*)

After breakfast today, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the city of Thimphu. With elevations ranging between 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) and 2,648 metres (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude; and it is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world alongside striking Bhutanese tradition.

After checking in at your hotel, head back out to visit Buddha Dordenma, remarkable landmark in Bhutan located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu Valley, the giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands at a height of 54 meters (177 feet), making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Constructed to promote peace and happiness, the statue was completed as part of celebrations marking the 60th birthday of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold, giving it a magnificent appearance that can be seen from many parts of Thimphu.

Afterwards, pass by the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 and one of Thimphu’s busiest religious sites.

Enjoy dinner this evening with your guide in one of the capital’s excellent restaurants.

Included Activities:

• Visit Buddha Dordenma 
• Visit Memorial Chorten (stupa)

Accommodation: Tashi Yoedling or similar (3*)

Today will be spent taking in some more of Thimphu’s numerous attractions. First, head north of Thimphu, to drop in at the Pangri Zampa Monastery, where you will have the chance of a private reading with a monk astrologer. Astrology in Bhutan is an ancient and highly respected science and locals will often consult the stars before making major life decisions such as getting married, changing jobs, or buying a car.

After the astrology reading, head back to visit Draktsho Vocational Training Centre for Children and Youth with Disabilities, a non-profit organization in Bhutan dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. Established in 1997, Draktsho aims to help people with disabilities become self-reliant and active members of society. The center provides training in various skills such as weaving, tailoring, embroidery, information technology, arts and crafts, and other vocational programs. These programs enable students to develop practical skills that improve their chances of gaining employment and living independently.

After lunch, take the chance to learn about a unique animal at the Takin Preserve. It is a wildlife reserve in Thimphu, Bhutan, dedicated to protecting the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Located in a peaceful forested area, the preserve provides a natural habitat for these unique animals, which have the body of a cow and the head of a goat. Visitors can observe takins up close while learning about Bhutan’s wildlife conservation efforts. The preserve is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals because of its scenic surroundings and cultural significance.

Before your transfer back to Paro, drop in at the Thimphu Craft Bazaar, a fine place to pick up souvenirs of your visit to Bhutan.

On arrival in Paro, enjoy dinner with your guide at a local restaurant before heading to your hotel for the evening.

Included Activities:

• Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery (optional private astrology reading for an additional fee) 
• Visit Draktsho
• Visit Takin Preserve
• Visit Thimphu Craft Bazaar

Accommodation: Metta Resort & Spa or similar (3*)

After breakfast this morning, head northwest out of Paro by private vehicle for a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Precariously perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, the Tiger’s Nest is undoubtedly Bhutan’s most famous religious building. It is built on the site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived on the back of a tigress when he came to subdue the local demon, Singye Samdrup. After subduing the demon, Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in a cave here for three whole months.

The Monastery is only accessible by foot via two to three hours hike up the valley side. The trek offers spectacular views from the ridge and passes a small chorten, a basic monastery, and a waterfall on its way.

Once you have reached the Tiger’s Nest, you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, as well as the extensive network of Lhakhangs (chapels) which house images, murals, chortens, and a holy spring. You may also wish to make a diversion to the attractive Machig-phu Lhakhang (temple) on the way back down to the access road.

After the visit, you will head back to your hotel in Paro, where you will be able to relax for the remainder of the day or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide at a nearby restaurant.

Included Activities: 

• Visit Tiger's Nest Monastery

Accommodation: Metta Resort & Spa or similar (3*)

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.