Discover the Hidden Trails of Haa

During the journey to Bhutan, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. You will then visit the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House. Located in Kyichu, the memorial house was Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s primary residence in Bhutan. It was inaugurated as a museum and opened to the public in 2010 to mark his centennial. The house has been preserved almost exactly as it was when he lived there. Khyentse Rinpoche was one of the main spiritual teachers of the Bhutanese Royal Family. The house includes the reception room where Rinpoche gave private audiences and teachings, as well as his bedroom where he meditated daily and recited prayers. You will also visit Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan, followed by Paro Dzong. Built in the 17th century, Paro Dzong now houses government offices and religious institutions. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast this morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After exploring the monastery, you will hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, you will drive to Haa Valley across Chele La Pass (3,900 meters), which is dotted with colourful prayer flags. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari and other mountains. Before reaching Chele La, you will visit Kila Gompa Nunnery, one of the oldest nunneries in Bhutan, consisting of a series of buildings built against the cliff. After visiting the nunnery, you will begin a 2-hour hike to Chele La, passing through chortens and fluttering prayer flags. Your vehicle will be waiting at the pass to pick you up and transfer you to Haa Valley. The drive downhill from the pass takes you through forests of blue pine, fir and oak. In the afternoon, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). You will also explore Haa Valley and visit a farmhouse. Overnight at a farmhouse in Haa.

DISTANCE: 17 KM | TIME: 5–6 HRS. | ASCENT: 220 M | DESCENT: 55 M | CAMP ALTITUDE: 2,700 M Your trek begins with a gentle climb towards Talela Pass at 3,780 meters through thick forests of rhododendron and conifer trees. The gradual ascent continues to a yak herders’ camp at Tshojo. You will then climb further to Gochula Pass at 4,200 meters. After crossing the pass, you will follow a trail along a ridge before gradually descending to your camp at Womji. Overnight at camp in Womji.

DISTANCE: 22 KM | TIME: 7–8 HRS. | ASCENT: 650 M | DESCENT: 0 M | CAMP ALTITUDE: 3,700 M Today, after breakfast, you will start climbing steeply through juniper and rhododendron forests to Gochhila Pass at 4,350 meters. From the pass, you can enjoy views of the Tshejala range. You will pass several yak herders’ camps, and in spring, the trail is often covered with wildflowers. You will then continue towards Tshejala Pass, following part of the ancient trade route between Haa and Tibet. Overnight at camp in Tshona Pata.

Today is a rest day at Tshona Pata. You will have the opportunity to explore the area around the sacred lake. You can visit nearby yak herders’ camps, look for golden trout or walk around the surrounding hillsides. Overnight at camp in Tshona Pata.

DISTANCE: 8 KM | TIME: 4–5 HRS. | ASCENT: 800 M | DESCENT: 0 M | CAMP ALTITUDE: 3,940 M This morning, you will retrace your route as far as Gochhila Pass before taking a different trail over a ridge towards Tshojo Lake at 3,780 meters. You will have a picnic lunch by the lakeshore. After lunch, you will descend to the camp in a yak meadow at Tshojo. Overnight at camp in Tshojo.

DISTANCE: 18 KM | TIME: 6–7 HRS. | ASCENT: 650 M | DESCENT: 650 M Your trail gradually descends through juniper and rhododendron forests until you reach Talela Pass. You will cross the pass to re-enter Haa Valley. Your trek ends here, where your transport will be waiting to take you back to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.