Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
The Western Valleys
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- …
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
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Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Nature & Wildlife
Haa & the Western Valleys
The classic western circuit with an extra valley — over Chele La to Haa for a homestay night among farming families.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Route
- Paro → Chele La → Haa → Thimphu …
- Activity level
- Easy · up to 3,988 m (Chele La)
- Best time
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Haa sits just over the mountains from Paro, yet it sees only a fraction of the visitors. This itinerary adds it to the classic western circuit, crossing the high pass of Chele La and spending a night with a farming family in the valley.
It is an easy way to see a quieter, more traditional side of Bhutan without long drives.
- Paro
- Chele La
- Haa
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Highlights
- Chele La, the high pass with views of Jomolhari
- A homestay night in the traditional Haa valley
- The White and Black Temples of Haa
- Thimphu, Dochula and Punakha Dzong
- The Tiger's Nest
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro Paro
Welcome and an afternoon at the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong.
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
- Day02
Over Chele La to Haa Paro → Chele La → Haa
Climb to Chele La for prayer flags and mountain views, with a short walk along the ridge. Descend to Haa and visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo before settling into your homestay.
- Chele La
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
- Homestay
- Day03
Haa to Thimphu Haa → Thimphu
Help with the morning chores, walk to Juneydrak hermitage, then drive to Thimphu.
- Farm morning
- Juneydrak walk
- Day04
Thimphu Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma, the arts school, Textile Academy and the evening ceremony at Tashichho Dzong.
- Buddha Dordenma
- Zorig Chusum
- Textile Academy
- Tashichho Dzong
- Day05
To Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Cross Dochula and descend to Punakha. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang and visit Punakha Dzong.
- Dochula
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Day06
Punakha to Paro Punakha → Paro
Morning at the Khamsum Yulley chorten, then back to Paro.
- Khamsum Yulley Chorten
- Day07
The Tiger's Nest Paro
Hike to Taktsang; farewell dinner in the evening.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Day08
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels and one night in a family homestay in Haa (simple, clean and warm).
- Meals
- All meals included, with home cooking in Haa.
- Transport
- Private vehicle and driver.
- Your guide
- Licensed English-speaking guide.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation as listed
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private guide, driver and vehicle
- Entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
April–June and September–November; July for the Haa Summer Festival.
- January
- February
- March
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June — recommended
- July — recommended
- August
- September — recommended
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Travel insurance
Along the way
Places on this route
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