Haa Valley is situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet.
It was closed to tourism until 2001. The following ancient trek route
will take you through some of the most scenic views of Ha and Paro
valleys over alpine Kalila pass, as well as to Paro, Thimphu and
Wangduephodrang for cultural touring of medieval dzongs, temples
and monasteries.
Day 1:
Arrive Paro International Airport. During the flight one will experience
breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount
Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. Received at airport by
your representative and escorted to hotel for lunch and
check-in. After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) Once the
watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National
Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the
Paro valley in all its glory. On the way back visit the Paro Rinpung
Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge
with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong.
Today the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well
as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of
the Dzong, with its superb woodwork.
Evening visit Paro town and enjoy dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
Overnight Hotel Olathang or Pedling Lodge.
Day 2:
Drive to Thimphu (2-hour drive) capitol of Bhutan. Visit the famous
Thimphu weekend market (if on a weekend). Stalls of fresh produce,
jewelry, Bhutanese handicrafts and enchanting local shoppers will
entice your camera to snap snap away. Ask permission to photograph.
Thank You. Check into Hotel Druk and after lunch we drive to Tango
Monastery for a 2-hour uphill hike up to the mountaintop it sits
on. Meet with senior monks for Discussion. Tango Monastery is one
of Bhutanese most important Buddhist colleges. Overnight Druk Hotel.
Day 3:
Drive to Wangduephodrang across Dochula pass (10,500ft). On a clear
day you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain
range. Hotel check in and lunch. Early afternoon visit the Punakha
Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative seat
of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic
body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the
Pochu and Mochu, male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD.
We as well will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong courtyard; a most
impressive dzong which you can view from your room at hotel overlooking
the River. Overnight at Dragons Nest Resort.
Day 4:
Return to Thimphu in the morning after breakfast. Tour the Textile
Museum in Thimphu and spend the afternoon at your leisure to shop
for Bhutanese crafts, books, collector stamps, or visit the National
Library, archers match or the paper and incense house of manufacturing.
Your guide will assist you. As always Bhutanese guides are extremely
ready to please. Overnight Druk Hotel.
Day 5:
Drive to Haa valley from Thimphu through the Confluence in Chuzum .
Pincic lunch en route. On arrival in the picturesque Ha Valley, stroll
through quaint town and begin the first part of the trek starting
from Katso village (alt. 8840 ft). This is a fairly easy trek of
about one hour walk through Katso village and fields. Opposite Katso
village, one can see the famous Katso Lhakhang (temple) of Guru Rimpoche
built against the rocky ledge. Camp above Katso Village in an open
meadow through which runs a beautiful stream. Camp altitude 9472
ft.
Day 6:
Katso to Kalila: A 5 hour trail walk beginning with a gradual climb
crossing the stream through blue pine forest. After crossing the
same stream three times, the trail leads up hill through spruce and
conifer forest until you reach Kalila Pass at alt. 12497 ft. En route
you will meet a few cow herders in summer and yak-herders in winter.
From the Kalila Pass one can get a spectacular view of Paro and Haa
valleys as well as the western Hiamlayan mountain ranges on a clear
day. Camp at the pass in the open meadow.
Day 7:
Kalila to Ngoba is another day of 5 hour walk crossing the pass where
the trail winds down hill over-looking Paro valley through thick
spruce and fir forests - a great place for bird-watchers. After descending
down for about 3 hour you will find stone piled stupa, which is dedicated
to the deity of Ngoba village. Camping in a farm house at Ngoba village.
Day 8:
After a leisure breakfast we trek down from Ngoba toward Paro for about
an hour to the main road head, where transportation will be waiting
to receive you. Drive to the hotel for a nice hot bath and lunch. Spend
this afternoon exploring Paro town with your guide. Dinner at a cozy
restaurant in Paro Village.
Day 9: Today we drive to "Tigers Nest Monastery" where you
may hike or ride a pony, to the famous Taktsang Monastery. The monastery
is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 feet.
It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava,
the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted here upon the
back of a tigress. Here we enjoy snacks and tea at the cafeteria viewpoint.
Overnight in our hotel and enjoy farewell dinner with your guide.
Day 10: Depart to Paro airport for your Bhutan departure.
We hope you enjoyed your visit to Bhutan. Tashi Delek!..
Tashi Delek!
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