Samdrup JongkharTrashigangTrashi Yangtse+6
Chorten Kora Festival Journey
A spring festival at the great white stupa in the far east, combined with an east–west crossing.
Offbeat Bhutan Village Homestays
Haa Valley Homestay
Two nights in a Haa farmhouse beyond Chele La, one of the quietest valleys in the west.
- Duration6 days · 5 nights
- ActivityEasy
- Best timeMar – May, Sep – Dec
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 6-day journey takes in Paro and Haa. Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Rinpung Dzong
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Chele La pass
- Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo
- Starts
- Paro International Airport
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
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Fly into Paro. The descent between forested ridges is one of the most memorable landings anywhere, and on a clear day flights from Delhi or Kathmandu pass close to Everest and Kanchenjunga. Your Jash guide and driver meet you outside arrivals with a traditional white scarf.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices. Climb to Ta Dzong, a round watchtower turned National Museum, for masks, thangka paintings and an excellent view over the whole valley.
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Climb to Chele La (3,988 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, then descend through pine and rhododendron into the quiet Haa valley.
Later, arrive at a family farmhouse for the night. Join the household in the kitchen, help with evening chores and share dinner around the stove. A traditional hot-stone bath can be prepared on request.
Stop at Chele La, the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan, where prayer flags stream over rhododendron forest and, on clear days, Jomolhari fills the horizon.
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Later, arrive at a family farmhouse for the night. Join the household in the kitchen, help with evening chores and share dinner around the stove. A traditional hot-stone bath can be prepared on request.
Visit the White and Black Temples, Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, which guard the Haa valley. Walk the Haa Panorama trail through meadows and a small monastery above the valley.
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Climb to Chele La (3,988 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, then descend through pine and rhododendron into the quiet Haa valley.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples in the kingdom, where an orange tree in the courtyard is said to fruit all year.
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Today is the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley. The trail climbs through pine forest hung with prayer flags to a teahouse with the first full view, then down and up a stairway beside a waterfall to the temple gate. Allow 4–6 hours round trip; ponies can carry you to the halfway point.
In the evening, a farewell dinner — and if you like, a hot-stone bath in a farmhouse to soothe tired legs.
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After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
| Haa | Risum Resort | Risum Resort | On request |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
How fit do I need to be?
Most days involve light walking around temples and towns. The Tiger's Nest hike is the most demanding part; ponies can help with the first half.
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