Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa to PUNAKHA HERITAGE TREK
detail informations
A Brief Description
10Nights/11days in Bhutan
The Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa to Punakha Heritage Trek offers a rare opportunity to experience Bhutan’s living history, culture, and landscapes on foot. This section of the trail connects the quiet valley of Haa Valley to the lush subtropical region of Punakha, following ancient pathways once used by pilgrims, traders, and messengers.
Spanning several days, the trek traverses pristine forests of blue pine and rhododendron, climbs over high mountain passes, and descends into terraced farmlands and river valleys. Along the way, trekkers encounter traditional Bhutanese villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. Encounters with local communities provide insight into Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, as well as its deeply rooted Buddhist traditions.
One of the highlights of this route is crossing the scenic Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 chortens and sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. The trail also passes through historic temples, monasteries, and dzongs (fortresses), each telling stories of Bhutan’s spiritual and political past.
As the trek approaches Punakha, the climate becomes warmer and more fertile, culminating near the magnificent Punakha Dzong, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. Set at the confluence of two rivers, it stands as a symbol of Bhutanese architecture and heritage.
The Haa to Punakha segment of the Trans Bhutan Trail is not just a physical journey but a cultural immersion. It blends natural beauty, historical depth, and meaningful human connection, making it an unforgettable experience for trekkers seeking authenticity and tranquility in the Himalayas.
- Journey along the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, once the only route connecting villages and cultures across the kingdom.
- Explore the pristine Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most untouched and authentic regions.
- Cross scenic mountain passes with breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and lush valleys below.
- Walk through traditional villages and experience genuine Bhutanese hospitality and daily life.
- Visit ancient monasteries, temples, and dzongs that reflect Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage.
- Trek through diverse landscapes—from alpine forests and rhododendron trails to terraced farmlands.s..
- Conclude in the fertile Punakha Valley, highlighted by the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers
Day 01. Arrival to Paro Airport – Haa
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, by our guide and driver. You will drive to Paro town to have tea/coffee. Then we will drive to Haa over Chelela pass, a mountain pass which at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level is the highest paved road in Bhutan. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Haa hotel or Camping at Haa.
Day 02. Haa Stay
After our breakfast, we will do sightseeing at Haa Valley like visiting to Lhakhang Karpo – the white temple and Lhakhang Nagpo – the black temple. Stroll around the Haa valley. Lunch at Haa town. After lunch we will make a hike in and around Haa valley. Dinner and overnight stay at Haa Hotel or Camping.
Day 03. KATSHO VILLAGE – NGOPA VILLAGE
After breakfast at the 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.
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 through rhododendron and bamboo forest into the Paro Valley.
On arrival in the Ngopa gewog of Paro, if time permits, you will have the chance to visit Kichu Lhakhang (temple). Said to date from the 7th century and built by Songtsen Gampo, it is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites. Kichu Lhakhang is home to an original statue of Buddha, which is one of the most sacred sculptures in the region; and the two orange trees inside the monastery courtyard are said to bear fruit year-round. Dinner and overnight stay at the Camp.
Trek Distance: 14.3 kilometres (8.9 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 895 metres (2,936 feet)
Elevation Loss: 1,245 metres (4,085 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,772 metres (9,095 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,375 metres (7,792 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,684 metres (12,087 feet)
Day 04. NGOPA VILLAGE – DAMCHENANG VILLAGE
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. Lunch will be a picnic lunch. After lunch, head out onto the trail for one last time for the climb up to Upper Dopshari (Damchenang), where you will end your hike with stunning views out over the Paro Valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Trek Distance: 14.92 kilometres (9.27 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 758 metres (2, 487 feet)
Elevation Loss: 301 metres (988 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,375metres (7,792 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Day 05. DAMCHENANG VILLAGE – TSALUNANG VILLAGE
After breakfast today, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east towards Tsalunang. Today’s trek begins with a climb from Upper Dopshari through community reforestation projects, small farming villages, into deep forest and along pristine rivers. You may well find the perfect spot to hoist some lungdhar (prayer flags) on your way.
After a picnic lunch at the Pass at Jela, if time permits, you may wish to make the small detour to visit Jela Dzong (fortress). Built on the site where Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is said to have encountered the protective deity Pal Yeshey Goenpo on his pilgrimage to Paro, its main relics are the statues of Du Sum Sangye (Buddha of the Past, Present and the Future). It is believed that the Buddha once faced northwards but then miraculously turned itself to face southwest towards Paro.
From Jela, the trail drops gently down into the Tsalunang Valley, passing through forests of blue pine and rhododendron on its way. Bird watching enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for some of Bhutan’s beautiful species on this section. Dinner and overnight stay at the Tshaluna Camp.
Trek Distance: 12.81 kilometres (7.96 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 770 metres (2,526 feet)
Elevation Loss: 812 metres (2,664 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,777 metres (9,111 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,473 metres (11,395 feet)
Day 06. TSALUNANG VILLAGE – BUDDHA DORDENMA
After breakfast at camp, continue your hike east towards Bhutan’s capital city, 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. It is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world with Bhutanese tradition.
From Tsalunang, the trail climbs through forests of fir, blue pine, dwarf rhododendron and through yak pastures before it reaches the Pass at Pumola, which, at 3,994 meters (13,104 feet) above sea level, is the highest point on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Herders from Punakha would once bring their cattle here over the summer to escape the heat of the lower-lying Punakha valley.
After enjoying a picnic lunch and excellent mountain views at Pumola Thabzakha, rejoin the trail as it meanders down through picturesque meadows, offering stunning views of the Thimphu Valley from the long ridge thereafter. From here, you will be able to make out your route for the next few days in the distance beyond Thimphu. Towards the end of the day, you will arrive at Buddha Point, home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu Valley, this 51 metres (167 feet) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday.
Dinner and overnight stay at the camp or at the hotel at Thimphu.
Trek Distance: 17.53 kilometres (10.89 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,197 metres (3,927 feet)
Elevation Loss: 1,373 metres (4,505 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,777 metres (9,111 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,609 metres (8,560 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,994 metres (13,104 feet)
DAY 6. BUDDHA DORDENMA – HONGTSHO VILLAGE.
After breakfast at your hotel, head back to Buddha Dordenma to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Before the National Highway was built, the section of the trail which you will follow today would have been a busy thoroughfare connecting Thimphu with Punakha and, beyond it, the east. From here, you will descend via the Debsi Valley. After crossing the river on the motor road bridge, you will follow the old east-west highway through the town of Babesa, until you reach Simtokha Dzong (fortress). Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the fortress is said to sit on the site where a demon once vanished into a rocky outcrop. Simtokha Dzong (fortress) is said to be the first fortress in Bhutan built to house both administrative and monastic residents, and it is also the oldest dzong to have survived as a complete structure. The Dzong boasts many fine murals, carvings and tapestries, a three-storey utse (tower), and a number of chapels.
From Simtokha, the trail continues to rise steadily as it traverses orchards, strawberry fields, and market gardens. Upon arrival in Hongtsho, end your hike for the day and join the vehicle to drive back to the hotel. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening.
Trek Distance: 20 kilometres (12.43 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 570 metres (1,870 feet)
Elevation Loss: 399 metres (1,309 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,609 metres (8,560 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,780 metres (9,121 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,780 metres (9,121 feet)
DAY 7. HONGTSHO VILLAGE – THINLEYGANG VILLAGE
After breakfast at hotel, head back up to Hongtsho, from where the branches off into dense forest and across meadows. Eventually, the trail will reach Dochula, a mountain Pass at 3,116 metres (10,224 feet) above sea level. Mountain passes are some of the most sacred places in Bhutan and so it is customary to burn incense as an offering in places such as this. You may also wish to join locals in hanging colourful prayer flags as a sign of respect to the Gods.
Dochula offers one of the most spectacular sunrises anywhere in Bhutan and so we recommend rising early this morning. At clearer times of the year, you enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan range in the distance as the sun rises. You should also visit the Druk Wangyal Chorten (stupa), also known as the ‘108 Chortens’, and its nearby meditation caves.
After a short break at the Pass, embark on a historic journey and head down into the adjacent valley and join a section of the trail known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail’. You are now following in the footsteps of the Divine Madman himself, Drukpa Kuenley, when he came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century to fulfil his destiny of suppressing evil energies. Over the coming days, you will come across a number of important cultural sites and extraordinary stories related to the life of Drukpa Kuenley.
You will make a stop for a picnic lunch at Lumitsawa before continuing down towards Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple).
Upon arrival, head to your campsite where a dinner prepared from organic, locally-sourced produce will be provided at camp.
Trek Distance: 12.88 kilometres (8 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 436 metres (1,431 feet)
Elevation Loss: 1,404 metres (4,607 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,780 metres (9,121 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,770 metres (5,807 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,116 metres (10,224 feet)
DAY 8. THINLEYGANG VILLAGE – PUNAKHA DZONG
After breakfast this morning, head down towards Toeb Chandhana to complete the destiny of the Divine Madman. Upon arrival, if time permits visit the Toeb Chandhana Lhakhang (temple) also known as the Chandhana Lhakhang, meaning ‘where the arrow landed’. Legend has it that when Drukpa Kuenley fired an arrow from Tibet to determine his course, it landed here in Toeb Chandhana. The temple itself was built in the 15th century to ward off the evil energy of a demoness and then served as the religious seat of Ngawang Chogyal. The two hills at each end of the temple resemble knees and are said to be the knees of Ngawang Chogyal herself.
Next door to the Temple is the house of Toeb Tshewang, which Drukpa Kuenley’s arrow is said to have struck when it landed. Legend has it that, dressed as a hunting beggar, Kuenley courted Tshewang’s wife and that, in a fit of jealous rage, Tshewang drew a sword which Drukpa Kuenley miraculously knotted. Thus, Realizing Kuenley’s divine power, Tshewang offered him his wife as a gift to aid him in fulfilling his prophecies. The building still houses the eleven-stepped wooden ladder that Kuenley’s arrow is said to have struck; and the descendants of Tshewang have preserved the house as a monument for fifteen generations.
After the visit, bid farewell to Toeb Chandhana as you commence the ascent towards Sew Drangsa. In recent years, the central monastic body occasionally uses this route to reach its winter residence in Punakha and to return to Thimphu in the summer. At Sew Drangsa, you will find a clearing marked with prayer flags, which is where the monks stop for lunch en route, as you will do today. From here, the trail descends towards Punakha Dzong (fortress), offering spectacular views of the Punakha Valley on the way.Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Trek Distance: 14.71 kilometres (9.14 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 196 metres (643 feet)
Elevation Loss: 777 metres (2,549 feet)
Starting Elevation: 1,770 metres (5,807 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,288 metres (4,226 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 1,821 metres (5,975 feet)
DAY 9. PUNAKHA – PARO.
After the breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Paro. Lunch will be served at Paro. After lunch, we will do Bird Eye View of Paro Valley Hike. Stroll around Paro town. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Paro.
DAY 10. PARO CITY – TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY – PARO CITY.
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. 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. Lunvh will be served at Taktshang cafeteria. On the way to hotel, we will visit Kyichu Lhkahang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan. Stroll aroudn Paro to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Dinner and ovenright stay at hotel Paro.
Trek Distance: 9.15 kilometres (5.69 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 724 metres (2,375 feet)
Elevation Loss: 724 metres (2,375 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,584 metres (8,478 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,584 metres (8,478 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,152 metres (10,342 feet)
DAY 11. PARO – AIRPORT (DEPARTURE)
Breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport.
Thank you
Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!
In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.
The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.
1. When and how to visit Bhutan?
Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.
By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.
Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.
By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance.
2. What are your itineraries?
All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.
Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.
After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.
Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.
We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.
Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.
Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor
diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).
I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.
The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.
The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.
We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.
So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.
Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.
The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.
The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.
Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.
It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.
The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.
