Thimphu, Punakha, Phobiikha, Haa, Paro 7N8D

Morning: Hike to Cheri Monastery (15km/30-45min)

• It was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. The Monastery serves as the monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poets and many other Buddhist studies. According to legend or history of Bhutan the place was first visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century it was visited by PhajoDrugomZhigpo the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat at the monastery and stayed for many years.

Picnic lunch will be arranged by the river side. After lunch drive back to Thimphu city and visit;

Handmade paper factory 

• Although the process of making traditional paper may be simple, a considerable amount of time is required to collect the raw materials, such as the bark of the Daphne plant and certain plant roots for glue. Apart from a small heater to dry the sheets of paper, everything is manually done. Daphne paper is one of the finest papers in the world and is highly recommended for artists.

Handicrafts Stall / Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar

• Bhutan’s first ever Craft Bazaar is now open in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. A spectacle of traditional bamboo huts, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre, showcase wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products with reasonable price range. The products in its 80 stalls cover all aspect of traditional Bhutanese art and craft synergized for contemporary use and market needs. Visitors will find an interesting assortment of genuine Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles available for sale here. With the products sourced mostly from rural areas, the bazaar aims to promote Bhutan’s craft industry by creating a viable market, which in turn acts to preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique culture. The initiative is also expected to bring about equitable socio-economic development in the country.

Centenary Farmer’s Market

• Talk a walk though this market and shop/interact with the local farmers. Thimphu’s new weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Nearby, across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles and handicrafts.

Overnight in Thimphu

Distance: 135km (5-6hrs)

Elevation: 3,000mts / 9,843ft

The journey to Phobjikha includes the 108 DrukWangyelChorten commonly known as Dochula Pass standing at 3150m above the sea level. The Druk Wangyel Chorten was built to celebrate the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth king of Bhutan. The pass provides spectacular 360 degree panaromic view of Himalayan Mountain Range.

After checking into hotel visit the following places:

Gangtey Goempa

• This monastery was founded in 1613 by Je Kuenga Gyaltshen. It’s one of Bhutan’s oldest and recently renovated Monasteries situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley and winter home to the rare Black Necked Cranes.

Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5hr)

• The most beautiful and perpetual nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. So the pristine environment provides best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds "Black Neck Cranes".
   

Black Neck Crane’s information center

• Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane Information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes.

Overnight in Phobjikha

Distance: 78km (3hrs)

Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft

After breakfast drive to Punakha. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

After checking into hotel visit the following places:

Chimmi Lhakhang (45 min hike round trip)

• Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". Commonly known as fertile temple among and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings. 

Punakha Dzong

• The name means Palace of Great Bliss. This Dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land where two rivers (Phochu and Mochu) meet. Punakha Dzong has special significance in Bhutanese history as the place where Bhutan's first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907.

Suspension Bridge

• This Bridge is located near Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge connecting the nearby villages and mountains adjacent gives a magnificent view.

Evening: Free to explore Punakha Town.

Overnight in Punakha.

Distance: 199kms (5-6hrs)

Elevation: 2,670m

Haa is located in South West of Paro and covering an area of roughly 1706 sq. km,

Haa Dzongkhag is a picturesque remote valley and consists of five Geogs. Characterized by rugged and mountainous terrain, it has been difficult and expensive to deliver development services to the Dzongkhag, due to which most communities are isolated from roads and town. To rouse this problem, the Dzongkhag is constrained by short growing seasons and limited arable land, as only about two percent of the land is cultivable. Livestock rearing is also a key economic activity in the Dzongkhag. Because of the cold, most families raise yaks.

Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family.  The wooded hills of Haa provides an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking. Biking around the valley to visit the dozen or so local temples is an enjoyable way to spend the day when visiting. Haa is home to a number of nomadic herders.

Visit the following places in Haa:

Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple): Itwas established in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gempo in his mission to build 108 monasteries in one day.

A legend says that a white and a black bird flew from Tibet and sat on the place where the Lhakang now stands.

Lhakhang Nakpo (the Black temple): Located in Dumchoe village, the monastery was established in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo in his mission to build 108 monasteries in one day. It is situated towards the north of Lhakhang Karpo. The temple was named Nagpo (black) as it was built on the site where the black pigeon landed.

Explore Haa town before driving back to Paro. The drive from Haa to Paro is a beautiful ride. Stop at Chelila Pass, of 3810 m for some pictures of the panoramic views of the northern and western Himalayan mountain ranges as well as Haa and Paro Valleys. From the Chelila Pass it is drive downhill to Paro.

Overnight in Haa.

Distance: 68kms (2hrs)

Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft

Morning, drive to Paro via Chelala Pass which stands at an elevation of 4000m (highest motobrable pass in Bhutan).  The first part of the drive for 1hour is a gentle uphill climb through forests of blue pine, fir, oak and rhododendrons till the Chelila pass, then it’s downhill to Paro. On a clear day/sky, from this pass you can enjoy the panoramic view of the northern and western Himalayan mountain ranges, including the famous Mt. Jumolhari 7329 m as well as Haa and Paro Valleys on two sides.

After reaching Paro check in the hotel and visit the following places:

Farm house

• Visit a local farm house for an experience for authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Enjoy a meal with the family here (optional)

National Museum

• Was built in the 17th century to guard the Paro Rimpong dzong (fortress) below.  It was said that the future first king was kept in this tower as a prisoner for a week. It was the third king who restored the Ta-dzong and converted it into the National Museum. The visit to the museum will familiarize you with the Bhutanese way of life and will also acquaint you with the natural and cultural history.

Evening: Free to explore Paro Town.

Overnight in Paro.

Bhutan’s most picturesque landmark, Taktshang the Tiger's nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley. The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century.  It was said that he meditated there for about three months. The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was consumed by fire in 1998.  Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003. Takshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world. The programs afterward are optional to the guest.

Evening: Relax at the hotel or free to explore further.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, representative from HatchWay Holidays will see you off at Paro International Airport for your onward journey.