Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (8 Days 7 Nights)

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu, check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.  Evening time at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 03: Drive to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hr drive.)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to Paro. On arrival  check into the hotel & proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 05: Paro to Haa (65km round trip, approx 3 hrs)

After breakfast,you will travel through farmlands and scattered hamlets and gradually climbing to the Chele La Pass, 3822 m high, with spectacular glimpses of the Bhutan Himalayan mountain peaks all the way.  Descending down into the Haa Valley, you will be rewarded by stunning scenery as you wind along the side of the mountain into the town of Haa. You stop for picnic lunch at Haa before making your way to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Local legend has it that deity helped construct the temple thus giving the name to Haa, meaning ‘surprise’. Haa is overlooked by three mountains called ‘Rig Sum Gonpa’ which signify three Buddha deities; Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrizig. Haa was not opened up to tourists until 2002 so remains relatively unspoilt by the 21^st Century modernization.

In  the evening, explore the beautiful Haa Valley.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Haa. (Altitude 2,670m)

Day 06: Haa Summer festival

After breakfast you will proceed to the Haa Summer Fesival ground and enjoy the festival the whole day.

Things to see and do at the Haa Summer Festival:

·         The Annual Alpine Festival: You will get to watch skilled local craftsmen weaving yak hair into their traditional tents and also traditional arts of yak shearing and wool making. You will also see how delicious traditional meals are made using yak dairy products as main ingredients.

·          Food, A Taste of Tradition: You will get to taste delicious Haapi Hoentoe, hearty dumplings made from buckwheat and stuffed with fragrant grated turnip, dried turnip grees, mushrooms, garlic, onions and chopped cabbage seasoned with gingerp, ground walnut, chili-powder, salt, butter, sesame and poppy seeds. This is the special dish of Haa valley and made only by people of Haa Valley. There will also be other traditional Bhutanese dishes to sample.

·         Song and Dance: You will get to watch and enjoy the lively folk songs and mask dances performed at this festival and also experience Haapi Ausa, traditional songs extolling the virtue of their yaks that are typically sung while tending their yaks.

·         Sports: you can either watch or participate in the  local sports such as Archery, yak and Horse riding, Khuru ( darts), Soksum ( light javelin throwing).These lively competitions are energetic affairs accompanied by mich laughter, sining and friendly taunts.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Haa. (Altitude 2,670m)

Day 07: Haa to Paro and Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After an early breakfast drive back to Paro and go directly for hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 08: Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!