Bhutan Trek - Haa Valley Ancient Trade Route
A 10 day trip to Bhutan provided by Asian Footsteps
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This ancient trade route, newly opened to trekkers, traverses some of the most scenic valleys of western Bhutan and villages rarely visited by foreigners. This is a thickly forested area interspersed with rich grazing pastures.
Not neglecting the better known highlights of Bhutan, visit the famous dzongs of Punakha, Wangdue and Par and the dramatically situated Taktsang monastery as well as importand, but seldom visited temples of Haa.
Photos
Details
Departures:
A private departure available at any time.
Daily ex Bangkok
Fridays ex Kathmandu
Places Visited:
Paro - Thimphu - Wangdue - Punakha - Haa - Trek - Paro
Activities:
Cultural Activities
Hiking & Trekking
History & Archaeology
Outdoor Adventure
Spectacular Scenery
Price:
USD2120 (1 person)
USD2020p/p (2 people)
USD1750p/p (3-4 people)
+ flights
Detailed Description
Following an ancient trade route this trek will take you through some of the most scenic valleys of western Bhutan - incorporating some of Bhutan's major cultural and historic centers and lesser known areas. You will trek past herders camps - cows in summer, yaks in winter - alpine meadows, spruce and fir forests and camp overnight near small villages. The most important temple in the Haa valley is the Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) supposedly built by a pigeon emanation of the 7th century Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Perhaps most spectacular sight in western Bhutan is Taktsang dramatically situated on a cliff side in the upper Paro Valley - of immense historic importance Paro is also site of the imposing, fortified Rinpung Dzong as well as a number of small, but important temples - including Kyerchu Lhakhang and Dumtsek Lhakhang.
Punakha is unquestionably one of Bhutan's most picturesque dzongs situated between two rivers, upstream from the dominating dzong at Wangdue and partially rebult following a severe flood in 1994. In Thimphu, Bhutan's tiny capital, there is time to shop for handicrafts as well as visit the Painting school, School of Traditional Medicine and the Memorial Chorten and the chance of watching an archery match or practice session
Add-on accommodation and sightseeing packages available in Kathmandu pre or post tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 :
The flight into Paro provides a most dramatic view of the Himalaya. The tiny town of Paro, bursting with colour and tradition, is overlooked by a dramatic dzong. Fields, cover most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the countryside - the houses here are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country.
Day 2 :
Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu River. Quiet and peaceful, with its streets lined with traditional shop fronts, this town seems almost too small to be a capital – it is often said to be the only one without traffic lights. Beautiful textiles in wool, silk and cotton, basketwork, silver jewelry, thangkas and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various Handicraft Emporiums.
Day 3 :
The road to Punakha and Wangdue crosses the Dochula Pass (3150 m), offering a great view of the Eastern Himalaya. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, completely covering it and commanding an impressive view. Across the river, comes the first glimpse of the picturesque village of Rinchengang whose inhabitants are celebrated stonemasons. Punakha Dzong is the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, it is built between two rivers known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu” (Female River).
Day 4 :
Return to Thimphu in the aternoon, perhaps with time for the 2 hour hike to the Buddhist college above Tango monastery.
Day 5 :
Drive into the picturesque Haa valley. There is time to explore the small town before setting off on the easy 1 hour hike to Katso village. Opposite the village, you can see the famous Katso Lhakhang (temple) of Guru Rimpoche built against the rocky ledge. Overnight Camp above Katso Village in an open meadow through which runs a beautiful stream.
Day 6 :
The second day’s trek is about 5 hours, gradually climbing through blue pine forest. Crossing the same stream three times, the trail leads up hill through spruce and conifer forest until you reach Kalila Pass. Enroute will come across cow herders in summer and yak-herders in winter. Kalila Pass is a point from where you get a spectacular view of Paro and Haa valleys as well as the western Hiamlayan mountain ranges on a clear day. Overnight camp at the pass.
Day 7 :
After crossing the pass the trail winds down through thick spruce and fir forests, overlooking the Paro valley - a great place for bird-watchers. After descending down about 3 hours you will pass a stone piled stupa, which is dedicated to the deity of Ngoba village. Overnight in a farm house at Ngoba village.
Day 8 :
Trek down-hill towards Paro for about an hour to reach the main road where transport will be waiting for you. Drive to the hotel for lunch and rest. Afternoon spend exploring Paro town and Valley.
Day 9 :
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
