Bhutan: The Haa Valley, Himalayan Passes & Tiger's Nest
Overview
7 Days
Paro
Paro
Geluxe Collection
Premium
6-99 Years
16
Moderate
Fully Guided
ADPB
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be met by a G Adventures representative. and transfer along the scenic National Highway to Thimphu, Bhutan’s serene capital. After checking in, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel before your welcome meeting. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 169-foot monument perched in the mountains.
A gentle climb of 228 steps rewards you with sweeping views of Thimphu valley and a closer look at the intricate golden statue commemorating Bhutan’s Fourth King. Later, wander through the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, filled with fresh produce, vibrant spices, and handcrafted souvenirs, offering an authentic taste of Bhutanese daily life. Conclude your day with a welcome dinner, savoring traditional Bhutanese flavors in a cultural setting.
Please book any arriving flights to land by 1pm.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: After lunch at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Buddha Point Visit: Buddha Point is home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu valley, this 51-meter (167ft) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday and was originally made in China before being transported to Thimphu in pieces. The massive Buddha statue in Thimphu made of bronze and gold. Take lots of pictures - it's beautiful!
- Orientation walk to Centenary Farmers Market: Experience the Centenary Farmers Market, Bhutan’s lively local marketplace where farmers and artisans gather to showcase fresh seasonal produce, traditional ingredients, and handcrafted goods.
Begin the day with a drive to the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,200 meters, where 108 Chortens (stupas) and colorful prayer flags frame stunning views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, the country’s highest mountain. Descend to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple surrounded by lush rice fields.
Walk through the village of Sopsokha, noted for its unique phallus-painted houses, and experience local rituals and blessings at the temple. Continue to Punakha town to cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge and enjoy lunch before visiting the striking Punakha Dzong, renowned for its historic and architectural significance. Return to Thimphu in the evening with free time to explore before dinner at your hotel.
- Chimi Lhakhang Visit: Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is mainly visited today by women as it is known as the temple of fertility.
- Punakha Dzong Visit: Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures, housing many sacred relics. It is also the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in around 1637. Arguably, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. The Dzong guards Bhutan’s most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig kept away from the public in the utse (tower). It has survived Tibetan invasions, numerous fires, floods and a glacial lake burst. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese Government until the early 1950s; and the coronation of the His Majesty the First Druk, Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, took place here.
Explore Thimphu’s cultural highlights, beginning with the serene National Memorial Chorten, followed by a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum, where traditional Bhutanese life is brought vividly to life. Continue to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, showcasing Bhutan’s unique arts and crafts, and stop at the Royal Textile Academy to admire intricate weaving traditions.
In the afternoon, drive to the picturesque Haa Valley, a serene mountain valley rich in natural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley, taking in the landscapes and local village life. Conclude the day with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing traditional Bhutanese Hoenty dumplings.
- Memorial Chorten Visit: The chorten is one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, and for local Bhutanese it is a popular part of their daily prayers. Watch locals walk around the Chorten, spinning the prayer wheels and meditating in this lovely and peaceful spot.
- Folk Heritage Museum: Explore the Folk Heritage Museum, which preserves the traditional art of weaving through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colour and design.
- Hoenty Dumpling Cooking Experience: Join a hands-on cooking experience where you’ll learn to prepare hoenty—traditional bucket dumplings—guided by local expertise. Discover the flavors and techniques behind this unique dish before enjoying your freshly made creation.
Today is your OMG Day, offering you the chance to choose between two unforgettable adventures in the stunning Haa Valley. Option 1: Juney Drak Hike & Cultural Immersion Hike near Katsho Village through pine forests to the cliffside Juney Drak Monastery (“mini Tiger’s Nest”), seeing sacred footprints of Machig Lhadrön, naturally formed rocks, and golden and silver bowls, with panoramic views of Haa Valley.
Continue to the 200-year-old Ingo Village, enjoy a picnic lunch, and free time before exploring a fishery center and learning wood carving. Option 2: Haa Panorama Hike Drive to Yangthang Goenpa and follow a scenic trail through pine forests, meadows, and riverside villages connecting ancient monasteries. Ascend to 3,150m, taking in spectacular views of the Meri Puensum peaks and Haa Chu River. Cross traditional bridges, enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, and descend into Wangtsa Village, a charming traditional settlement. In the evening, your group will reunite for a thrilling archery demonstration and dinner at the hotel, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
- Your OMG Day: Juney Drak Hike & Cultural Immersion or Haa Panorama Hiking: Option 1: Hike from Katsho Village through pine forests to the cliffside Juney Drak Monastery for panoramic Haa Valley views, then continue to Ingo Village for a picnic, cultural visits, and hands-on local experiences. Terrain: moderate, steady ascent, passing through dense forests Length: 3 km (2 miles) Duration: 3 hours (including picnic lunch) Elevation: +100-200m Option 2: Set out from Yangthang Goenpa on a scenic hike through pine forests, open meadows, and riverside villages, linking historic monasteries and crossing traditional bridges, with sweeping views over the Haa Valley and Meri Puensum peaks. Terrain: gradual uphill ascent on forest and meadow trails, followed by a steady descent; natural paths with some uneven sections, plus log and cantilever bridge crossings. Length: 11km (7 miles) Duration: 4-5 hours (including picnic lunch) Elevation +480m
Travel along the winding Bondey-Haa Highway to Chele La Pass, where dense forests of spruce, larch, and rhododendron open to breathtaking views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the northern Himalayas. Hike to the serene Kila Nunnery, nestled on a cliffside and home to meditating nuns, then descend to Gorina Lhakhang before driving to Paro town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tara Monastery, perched on a ridge with panoramic valley views and a unique vantage point of Paro Airport.
Return to your hotel and indulge in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, where fire-roasted river stones heat mineral-rich water in a centuries-old wellness ritual. The soothing warmth, aromatic herbs, and tranquil setting provide the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Conclude with dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the day’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures.
- Kila Goempa Nunnery Hike: Hike through the deep forest of pine trees and rhododendrons to Kila Goempa nunnery (approx 2.5 hrs). It seems to cling to a rocky cliff and houses around 50 nuns. This is a moderate level hike through stunningly beautiful scenery.
- Tara Monastery Visit: Visit Tara Monastery, a serene retreat nestled in Gimna Village. Perched on a ridge overlooking the valley, its tranquil meditation spaces provide a peaceful contrast to Bhutan’s busier landmarks, while the site also offers a unique vantage point to watch planes skillfully navigate the narrow Paro Valley to land at Paro International Airport.
- Hot Stone Bath: Relax with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a centuries-old wellness ritual using fire-heated river stones to warm mineral-rich water—perfect for soothing muscles after a day of hiking.
Embark on a scenic hike through verdant forests and winding mountain trails to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. This sacred 8th-century site, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on a tiger, offers panoramic views of the Paro Valley and a profound sense of history and spirituality.
Pause for lunch at the cafeteria, then return to your hotel with free time to explore the charming streets of Paro town. Conclude your journey with a celebratory dinner accompanied by traditional Bhutanese cultural dance, a fitting finale to your unforgettable adventure.
- Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to and from the Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike from Paro.
- Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & Monastery Hike: Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest); containing 13 holy relics, it's considered one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is also where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 2,953m above the valley. The group will hike from 2400m elevation and reach 3100m at the Taktsang Monastery before returning back to 2400m in the same day. The climb should take around 6 hours for a total distance of 7 km.
- Free Time: Enjoy free time in the afternoon to discover Paro town before your farewell dinner.
- Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Trip Inclusions
- Hike through rice fields to the charming Chimi Lhakhang temple.
- Explore the dramatic Punakha Dzong and cross a scenic suspension bridge.
- Dive into rural Bhutanese life in the Haa Valley with village walks and a cooking class.
- Trek to the cliffside Kila Nunnery then unwind with a traditional hot stone bath.
- Take on Bhutan's most iconic hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- Your Foodie Moment: Hoenty Dumpling Cooking Experience, Haa Dzongkhag Your OM
- G Day: Your OM
- G Day: Juney Drak Hike & Cultural Immersion or Haa Panorama Hiking, Haa Dzongkhag
- Complimentary Arrival and Departure Transfers
- Visit Buddha Statue
- Experience Centenary Farmers Market
- Explore Thimphu Town
- Dinner at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
- Sightseeing at Dochula Pass (108 Chortens)
- Chimi Lhakhang Hike
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple
- Walk on Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Folk Heritage Museum
- Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Visit Royal Textile Academy
- Hoenty Cooking Experience
- Juney Drak Hike and Culturual Immersion Activities (OM
- G Day: Option 1) Haa Panorama Hike (OM
- G Day: Option 2) Archery Demonstration
- Drive to Chele La Pass
- Hike to Kila Nunnery
- Visit Tara Monastery
- Traditional Hot Stone Bath
- Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Hike
- Farewell Dinner with Cultural Dance
- Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and porterage
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, walking/hiking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (6 Nights)
- Hotels (6 nts)
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Geluxe Active Adventures put comfort first. Stay in handpicked accommodations, including one unforgettable “OMG Stay” for its wow-factor. Each trip features an “OMG Day” with two extraordinary experiences to suit hikers, history buffs, and food lovers.
Enjoy extras like pre-paid tips, arrival transfers on most trips and more included dining than other G Adventures styles. Geluxe “rolls out the purple carpet” for travellers seeking style, depth and total comfort.
Dates & Pricing
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