Haa-Paro Trans Bhutan Trail

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu). Before we start the hike, we will visit to Tallest Buddha Statue in the world.

Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy.

Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices.

Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town.

After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made. Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.

After having breakfast, we will drive to Haa through the Chelela pass, 3880m above the sea level. From these pass also, if the weather is clear we can see the second highest mountain of Bhutan the Jhomolhari, 7454m above the sea level. The drive will take around 3hours and 30 minutes and lunch will be serving at Haa.
On reaching at Haa, visit to Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagkpo founded in 7th century by 33th king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo. After this we will make round of Haa town and we will visit to Haa Traditional Farmhouse. We can try here cooking with the host family and you can learn Bhutanese Cooking. Dinner and overnight stay at Haa Traditional Farmhouse.

After the breakfast at farmhouse, we will driven to Katsho where you will start your two-day trekking adventure on the Trans Bhutan Trail. This is a particularly important route for the older generations of Haa, as they would have used the Trail to trade with the Parops.

Follow the Haa River as it winds out of the Katsho Valley. On the way you will walk through yak pastures, heading deep into pine and rhododendron forests. Keep your eyes peeled for Bjungneydra Taktsang, the monastery perching on a cliff’s edge, similar to but smaller to the iconic Tiger’s Nest. The Trail continues to ascend before reaching Kaylela Pass. Stop for lunch here, and admire beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain range to the north.
After lunch you will begin to descend into the Paro Valley. Say hello to the locals as you walk past small farming villages along the way. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel.

This morning you will head back onto the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east within the Paro Valley. Hike past wide rice paddies and through lush countryside before descending into the traditional village of Dopshari. Your lunch will be served at Traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse. You will also get the chance to try Bhutan’s national sport, archery, as well as a quick game of ‘khuru’ (darts).
This afternoon you will get a final chance to experience the Trail as you climb towards Upper Dopshari. Enjoy stunning views over the Paro Valley on the way. From Upper Dopshari, you will be transferred back towards Paro. On the way, stop to visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower which is now Bhutan’s National Museum. You will also visit the spectacular Paro Rinpung Dzong, which translates as ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel.

Today after having breakfast, we will make a hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang means “TigerNest” named after Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. We have to walk about 2hours and 30minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria.
While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Traditional Farmhouse. Enjoy the Traditional Hot stone bath.

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.