Bhutan · Private & Tailored Tour
High Valleys of Western Bhutan & Haa
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Haa
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa
Travel Style
Private & Tailored Tour
Covering
1 Country · 4 Cities
Overview
Bhutan – The Last Shangri-La of the Himalayas!
Tracing an expansive loop through western Bhutan, this eight-day journey links monumental river-valley citadels with high alpine basins. Starting in Paro with Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong, the route follows the river to Thimphu to explore the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, the National Library, and Tashichhodzong.
Crossing the 3,100-meter Dochu-La pass, the road descends into balmy Punakha. Valley highlights include the monumental 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the hillside stupa of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Wangduephodrang Dzong, and the fertility shrine of Chimi Lhakhang. Turning west past Semtokha Dzong, the route climbs over the panoramic Chelila Pass to explore the pristine, newly accessible Haa Valley, home to the 8th-century black and white temples of Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo.
Returning to Paro, the finale features the iconic pilgrimage ascent to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest), clinging to sheer granite cliffs 900 meters above the valley. Explorations conclude at the victory ramparts of Drukgyel Dzong and 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Backed by private overland transit, licensed local guiding, and curated monument admissions, this circuit balances classic western highlights with serene highland backcountry.
Highlights
What You Will Experience
- Explore Paro’s Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong, introducing Bhutan’s rich historical and religious heritage
- Discover Thimphu’s spiritual and cultural landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, National Library, and Tashichhodzong
- Cross the scenic Dochu-La Pass with panoramic Himalayan views and seasonal rhododendron blooms
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the historic “Palace of Great Happiness,” at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers
- Hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and explore the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong
- Travel through the scenic Chelela Pass to Haa Valley and explore its traditional temples, villages, and mountain landscapes
- Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery and experience its dramatic cliffside setting above Paro
- Explore historic Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang before departing from Paro
The Route
Your Journey
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Haa
Itinerary
Day by Day
Day 01 – Arrive Paro – Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 02 – Thimphu
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 03 – Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
Overnight: Punakha / Wangduephodrang
Meals: As per plan
Day 04 – Punakha
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country.
Afterwards drive back into the Punkha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing.
Overnight: Punakha / Wangduephodrang
Meals: As per plan
Day 05 – Punakha – Thimphu – Haa
Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies.
Afterwards drive to Haa via Chelela Pass where you will enjoy an panoramic views of the Paro and Haa Valleys as well as Mt Jumolhari and the the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. From Chelela drive down through a deep pine forest and into the narrow valley of Haa.
Overnight: Haa
Meals: As per plan
Day 06 – Haa – Paro
The extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to Tourists. Haa is a picturesque fertile valley ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (white temple and black temple) that was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. Enjoy strolling around the small and beautiful township of Haa with the option of exploring the valley by bicycle through villages along farmroad (additional US $ 30 bike hire charge applies). In the late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 07 – Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 08 – Depart Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!
Meals: As per plan
Stays & Travel
Accommodation & Transport
Where You Stay
- Thimphu – 2 nights
- Punakha / Wangduephodrang – 2 nights
- Haa – 1 night
- Paro – 2 nights
Getting There
- Fly into Paro (gateway to Bhutan)
- Departure flight from Paro to your onward destination
Getting Around
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
- Your team: Private Guide, Driver, Trip Managing Expert
Your Tour
What Is Included
Included
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Local English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
Not Included
- Internal/ International flights not mentioned
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel early check-in or late check-out surcharge (if requested)
- Meals (L/D) and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, Excess Baggage Charges, souvenirs…) and other services not mentioned.
- Peak season surcharge
- Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
- All other services not mentioned above
Booking Terms
Cancellation Policy
Read the cancellation policy
Charges, as a share of the tour price, by days before departure:
- More than 21 days: 10%
- 15–21 days: 25%
- 7–14 days: 50%
- Less than 7 days: 100%
Our standard booking terms and website disclaimer: Terms & Conditions.
Tailor This Journey
Plan Your High Valleys of Western Bhutan & Haa Holiday
Every Kanishka tour is private and can be shaped around your dates, pace and interests. Tell us how you would like to travel.
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