Haa Valley Hidden Gem Tour

Arrive in Paro on one of the world's most spectacular flights. After settling in, take an evening walk through Paro town and receive a briefing about the journey to the hidden Haa Valley.

• Scenic flight into Paro Valley
• Traditional welcome at airport
• Transfer to hotel
• Afternoon rest and acclimatization
• Evening walk through Paro town
• Visit local handicraft shops
• Briefing about Haa Valley expedition
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in Paro

Explore Paro Valley's cultural treasures before heading to Haa. Visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, and the National Museum.

• Morning visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong
• Explore the fortress-monastery
• Walk across traditional cantilever bridge
• Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum)
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Pilgrimage to sacred Kyichu Lhakhang
• Offering of butter lamps
• Evening at leisure in Paro
• Dinner with Haa Valley preview
• Overnight in Paro

The adventure begins with the drive over Chele La Pass at 3,988 meters - Bhutan's highest motorable road. Prayer flags flutter in the wind as you descend into the mystical Haa Valley.

• Early departure for Chele La Pass
• Wind through pristine pine forests
• Arrive at Chele La (3,988m)
• Panoramic views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake
• Prayer flag offerings at the pass
• Spot blue poppies in season (June-July)
• Picnic lunch with mountain views
• Descend into Haa Valley
• Visit Haa Dzong
• Check into homestay or hotel
• Traditional Haa dinner
• Overnight in Haa

A full day exploring the secrets of Haa Valley. Visit the legendary White and Black Temples, hike the Meri Puensum Nature Trail, and learn to cook traditional hoentey dumplings.

• Morning visit to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
• Learn the legend of the three sacred pigeons
• Visit Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple)
• Hike portion of Meri Puensum Nature Trail
• Forest walk with mountain views
• Lunch at local farmhouse
• Afternoon hoentey cooking class
• Make traditional buckwheat dumplings
• Visit local cheese cooperative
• Evening with host family
• Stories of Haa Valley traditions
• Overnight in Haa

Bid farewell to Haa and journey to Thimphu via Chele La and Paro. The afternoon offers different light for photography at the pass before continuing to Bhutan's unique capital.

• Farewell breakfast with homestay family
• Morning exploration of Katsho Village
• Visit Katsho Lhakhang
• Drive back over Chele La Pass
• New photo opportunities in different light
• Continue through Paro to Thimphu
• Arrive in Thimphu afternoon
• Visit Buddha Dordenma statue
• Explore Thimphu town
• Dinner in capital
• Overnight in Thimphu

Cross Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and descend to the subtropical Punakha Valley. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.

• Morning Thimphu sightseeing
• Visit Memorial Chorten
• Explore weekend market (if Saturday/Sunday)
• Drive to Dochula Pass
• Photo stop at 108 chortens
• Mountain views on clear day
• Descend to Punakha Valley
• Visit magnificent Punakha Dzong
• Walk across suspension bridge
• Optional hot stone bath
• Overnight in Punakha

Return to Paro for the highlight of any Bhutan visit - the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. This sacred site clings impossibly to a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor.

• Early drive from Punakha to Paro
• Arrive at Tiger's Nest trailhead
• Begin the iconic hike
• Steady climb through pine forest
• Rest stop at cafeteria with views
• Continue to monastery
• Explore sacred temples
• Receive blessings
• Descend via waterfall route
• Celebration dinner in Paro
• Overnight in Paro

Enjoy a final breakfast in Bhutan before your transfer to Paro Airport. Time permitting, squeeze in some last-minute shopping for Bhutanese crafts and textiles.

• Breakfast at hotel
• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Visit handicraft shops
• Purchase Bhutanese textiles
• Transfer to Paro Airport
• Farewell from Quest for Happiness team
• Departure with memories of hidden Haa