Haa Valley Trek

Overview

This is an easy trek, passing through villages in the Haa valley & dense forest on the Paro side. The ascent is on good trails through forest & meadows. The descent is on a steeper trail. The trek ends at the road near Drukgyel Dzong. You could travel from Paro, crossing the Chele La (3780m) down into the Haa valley, and start the trek the same day.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 2

  Full day guided sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 3

  Fly to Paro

  You will arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. One of our representatives will escort you to Hotel. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 4

  Sightseeing in Paro

  Today you will visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill leads to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 5

  Hike to Taktsang Monastery

  Today in order to acclimatize, you will join a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's nest lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Stroll back to Hotel. You’ll have evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 6

  Drive to Khadey Gom via Haa Valley

  You will drive from Paro to Haa Valley (2712m) to Yatong (2735m). Then you will trek to Khadey Gom (3235m) crossing Yatong Gompa, Talung village. The trail winds around farmlands fenced with piles of stones to protect the fields from deer & wild boars. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 7

  Trek to Dongney Tsho via Saga La

  A gradual hike for about 1hr through meadows & coniferous forest is followed by the 2hrs climb to the Saga pass. On a clear day there is a fantastic view on both sides of the pass. The view towards Paro includes sacred Mount Jhomolhari & below in the valley the Drukgyel Dzong & the sacred Taktsang monastery. Looking to the west the peaks of Haa forming the border with Tibet can be seen. From the pass it is all downhill. A good 2hr downhill hike through mixed conifer forests & rhododendrons will bring you to the camp in an open meadow at Dongney Tsho, surrounded with tall firs. To the left is the black Choshola mountaing: a holy place from which a lake escaped. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 8

  Trek to Drukgyel Dzong

  The first part of today's hike is steeply downhill for about 1.5hr until you reach the Genchu Zam. The hike is through thick vegetation, & laughing thrushes, magpies, nutcrackers & pheasants are often seen. There is a beautiful small village comprised of about eight households and a temple on the left side of the trail. Chodeypu, set picturesquely at the base of the mountain Laump Bjara (Foggy Mountain, inhabitated by mountain goats). Another 1hr from this village will take you to Balakha Chhu where the ancient Haa Planters' Trail ends. Meet the vehicle & drive 5 hours to Wangdiphodrung. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 9

  Day Excursion to the Gangtey Gompa Valley

  The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the hotel. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 10

  Drive to Thimpu via Lobesa and Punakha

  Drive to Lobesa and take a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Then drive 3 hours to Thimphu visiting Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 11

  Sightseeing in Thimpu and drive to Paro

  Today you will visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & Craft School, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. In the afternoon you will be visiting the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further up for a good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and drive back to Paro. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 12

  Fly back to Kathmandu

  Today you will be transferred to the airport in Paro for your flight back to Kathmandu. You will be received upon arrival at Kathmandu airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 13

  Sightseeing tour to Bhaktapur

  Today after your breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur also known as city of devotees for sightseeing tour. You will have lunch in the restaurant in Bhaktapur and later drive back to Kathmandu. Afternoon time will be free for last moment's shopping. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 14

  Final Departure

  Today keep in mind your international flight time, so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal.