7 Days Essence of Bhutan Tour with Haa Valley

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

After arrive in Punakha, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury where preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

Later, you will back to Punakha.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlights: Visit Chimi Lhakhang on the way back to Paro and visit the popular Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong upon arrival.

After breakfast, you will take a 4-hour drive back to Paro from Punakha.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accident fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlight: Enjoy a day trip to Haa Valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo.

Today, you will drive 2.5 hours from Paro to Haa (2,740m). On the way, you will pass through the Chele La Pass (3,988m), which offers the majestic panorama of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If weather permits, you will capture a stunning view of Bhutan's second-highest peak, Mt.Jomolhari (7, 314m) from here.

After arriving at Haa, you will head to visit Lhakhang Nagpo, also called the Black Temple. With a history of 1300 years, it is one of the oldest temples in Haa Valley. It is said that when searching out auspicious locations for two new temples the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released one black pigeon and one white pigeon. And the black pigeon landed here, the white one at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel).

In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Lhakhang Nagpo

Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.