Bhutan EXPLORER

Season: Best from April to June and September to November
Max Altitude: 3,800 m/ 13,000 ft.
Duration: 13 days/12 nights

Day 1: Arrive Paro, Bhutan

The flight into Paro (2,200 m/ 7,800 ft.) on the national carrier, Druk Air (‘Druk’ meaning Dragon), is a befitting introduction to the magnificent beauty of Bhutan. From a window seat on aclear day you can enjoy a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro International airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then driven to the hotel. After refreshing yourself, visit the National Museum (housed in Ta Dzong-watch tower), which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Have an easy afternoon walking around the Paro town. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Haa Valley

Today we drive (3 hours) westwards to the Pristine and remote Haa valley, which was recently open to tourists. The valley is dotted with fields of millet, barley, and potatoes and full of ancient shrines. Haa Valley is the western most state in Bhutan. It borders the Indian state of Sikkim and Tibet. We drive to Haa via the Chele-la pass (3,800 m/13,000 ft.) through blue pine and rhododendron forests. On a clear day there are superb views from the pass of two of Bhutan's highest and best known peaks - Mount Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake. We will stop here briefly to enjoy the lovely mountain scenery and then continue down to Haa town (2,670 m/ 8,811ft.). The drive will give you an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Modern development has brought better education, health care and electricity to these remote areas but the local small farm-based economy that has kept the local people self sufficient over the years is largely unchanged. After a picnic lunch by the river near the newly built Haa Dzong (fortress), we visit two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Lhakhang Karpo is also called Chundo Gompa, dedicated to the chief protector-deity of the valley. The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa, Tibet. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo and as a result, the place came to be locally known as 'Hay' (meaning 'surprise') which later became 'Haa' due to varying interpretations and pronunciations over time. Visit Dorikha Village. Dinner at a local Hotel and Overnight in the Haa Valley.