7 Days Hidden Land of Bhutan

Uncover the secrets of Bhutan’s hidden Haa Valley on this exclusive 7-day adventure through one of the kingdom’s least explored regions. Trek through pristine alpine landscapes as you journey between the sacred Haa and Paro valleys, discovering remote temples and authentic rural homesteads along the way.

Bhutan Cultural Tour

ABOUT TRIP

Experience the dramatic ascent to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) and explore the secluded Kila Goemba Nunnery, perched high between these mystical valleys. This unique hiking tour offers intimate glimpses into traditional Bhutanese village life, ancient Buddhist culture, and untouched natural beauty. Perfect for adventurous travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in the last Himalayan kingdom.

Hear From Our Satisfied Travellers

Our Guests Rate Their Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

tripadvisor

A Perfect Trip

This was the Perfect trip from first contact to the end. Every question was answered almost immediately before we arrived and once in Bhutan, we had one of the best guides that I have ever had. Sanguay and our driver, Terine, were always nearby making sure we had an understanding of the culture and history of what we were seeing or getting the best service from our hotel or restaurant. I wouldn’t hesitate using them again or recommending them.

tripadvisor

Lifetime trip / Honeymoon

I chose Best Bhutan Travel because it was high on the tripsdvisor ranking - and frankly because their communications were very professional compared to other agencies and individual travel guides I had reached out to. Communication has been fast, crisp and helpful. They were very supportive with the payment which honestly felt so strange to me (you pay Bhutanese agencies through the national Bhutan bank). They took care of the visa, and our return flights from Nepal to Bhutan. We were happy with the suggested itinerary. We spent 12 days together, all the way to Bumthang. On the trip itself we realised it is more of a guideline where to go - with changes possible for e.g. hotel or activities. The latter was notably thanks to our guide and driver who were phenomenal. We had an amazing time with Lotay (guide) and Khandu (driver). They were kind, attentive, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. They adjusted the itinerary based on our interests* and their experience. We went to the (in)official start of the Paro festival which is held in the "second tiger nest". We were the only Western foreigners and were so welcomed by all locals, and really enjoyed watching the masked dances, with Lotay explaining to us their meanings and purposes. *Our guide was very, very attentive. For example I mentioned quickly that my wife does a lot of arts and crafts. Therefore, we visited a paper making factory and the institution of 13 arts in Timphu. We really appreciated it. We also went to Karaoke twice, and competed in archery and darts. Our visits to the temples were amazing, with Lotay teaching us about tantric Buddhism, and as a very social person, always talked with the monks and shared more insights with us. Along the way we learnt from the head monks and got blessed. Honestly I could go on about all the positive aspects. On the 2nd day I briefly mentioned that this trip was actually our honeymoon. The very evening they congratulated us with wine and cake, and every hotel had some decoration to celebrate our marriage. It was also very important for me that we eat local, Bhutanese food. It's spicy, trust me. This may be an important element to mention in your planning so that restaurants and hotels are made aware. Our guide and driver took care of everything. We were also always fed to keep energy levels up. Honestly, you get the drift, so I wholeheartedly recommend Best Bhutan Travel. Finally, surprisingly, some hotels were very nice and empty, as if they were just booked for us. We were lucky. As a word of advice: the more East you travel, the more you'll spend time in the car, so prepare accordingly your expectations. We did enjoy Trongsa and Bumthang though! Very different to Western Bhutan.

ebF9653GL April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Good overall first time experience in Bhutan

My partner and I visited Bhutan over the course of a week and was wowed by the majestic nature and vibrant culture that Bhutan had to offer. Even though both of us were unfortunate to come down with food poisoning towards the latter half of the trip, we were super well taken care of by our guide Lotay and driver Khandu. Would recommend Bhutan Best Travel for a well curated itinerary and thought through recommendations, but I would pay abit more attention in retrospect to a couple of the dining establishments (which were likely the cause of our stomach upsets)

anghong April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Trip of a lifetime!

My husband and I have just completed a 12 day tour with Bhutan Best Travel. We are in our mid-50s and have been travelling most of our adult lives. We have almost always done this independently, so we were a little unsure how we would fare on an organised tour. We needn't have worried. We had an amazing experience of Bhutan, and that was in no small part due to our guide Sangay and driver Tshering. They were incredibly thoughtful and always looking for ways to make our trip special. We had the flexibility to change what we did, when we did it, where we ate, and what we ate. Sangay picked up on things we said during the trip and then incorporated that into our experience. (Eg. We told him early on we liked eating fish, so he organised with some of our hotels some delicious fish meals.) We opted for 3 star hotels and we were very happy with the choices that Bhutan Best Travel made for us. Our experience with the staff at all the hotels was positive, and our rooms were comfortable with great views, usually looking out across a valley at the local dzong. There were so many highlights - the stunning natural scenery, the fauna and flora, the unique architecture, the fascinating history and traditions, the Bhuddist culture and way of life, and the warm and gentle Bhutanese people. We started in Paro and timed our visit in April so we could see the Paro festival and the Rhododendrons in bloom. From Paro, we headed east, visiting Thimpu, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar (in Bumthang), and Gangtey. We visited dzongs, temples, monasteries, local markets, a local school, a local brewery, a home stay, tried our hand at archery (the national sport) and went on a number of short hikes. A real highlight was the hike up to Tiger's Nest. We started out just before sunrise to beat the crowds to the top and weren't disappointed. It was a magical experience and one not to be missed. Bhutan is a small country, but the challenging geography means a bit of time spent in the car travelling from valley to valley, negotiating narrow roads that cling to steep valley walls, snaking their way up over high passes where yaks graze amongst the Rhododendrons, with distant views of snow capped mountain peaks. Despite the challenging road conditions, we always felt safe with Tshering at the wheel. Our time in the car was spent learning about life in Bhutan, which Sangay and Tshering were happy to share with us. We can't speak more highly of Sangay and Tshering. They went out of their way to make our experience enjoyable. We learnt so much from Sangay and his knowledge of Bhutanese history and culture, and he really enriched our experience as we explored the numerous temples and dzongs that we visited. We really appreciated his willingness to tailor our experience according to our interests. Tshering was so sweet and caring. He was great company and very thoughtful. He drove extra cautiously when my husband was sick with a stomach bug for a couple of days, and constantly checked in to make sure he was OK. Sangay and Tshering made us feel relaxed and at home. We shared many meals with them, and the four of us spent hours in the car together. We developed a great rapport and had a lot of laughs along the way. It's only been a few days, but we are already missing them both. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, we would both thoroughly recommend Bhutan Best Travel. From our first contact with the office team when we started looking into the trip, through to our final farewell with Sangay and Tshering at the airport, our experience was first rate.

cathy2939 April 25, 2025

Day 1 (Paro, Thimphu)

Welcome to Bhutan – Scenic Flights, Sacred Monasteries & a Warm Thimphu Arrival

Day 2 (Thimphu)

Crossing the Sacred Pass of Dochula

After breakfast, hike to Chagri Monastery, which takes about 1 hour to reach. Built high on the slope in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this was his first monastery in Bhutan. The trail leads through temperate forest of oak, rhododendrons and other hardwood trees. The view from the monastery of the valley below is spectacular. Descend to the valley and drive back to Thimphu.

After lunch, visit:

  • The School of Traditional Arts
  • Mini Zoo to see takins, Bhutan’s national animal
  • Buddha point for panoramic views of Thimphu valley

Evening at leisure to:

  • Stroll through town
  • Visit local handicraft shops
  • Shop at your convenience

Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 (Punakha)

From Mountain Passes to Fertility Temples

After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in the country, built in 1629. Thereafter, the road climbs for an hour until you reach Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,150m, adorned with colourful prayer flags and 108 stupas. Weather permitting, this pass offers spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. You may enjoy a hot cup of tea/coffee at the Dochula resort.

Continue descending en route to Punakha and Wangdue through varying landscapes:

  • Temperate forest with rhododendron and magnolia blooming in spring
  • Semi-tropical zone abundant with orange trees, banana trees, and cacti

Have lunch en route.

After lunch, take a 25-minute walk through rice terraces and the village of Yoakha to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. The temple stands on a round hill rock, situated on a spur above the village. It is believed that childless couples will be blessed with children after receiving blessings at this temple.

Evening: Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, crossing the cantilever bridge. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 4 (Paro)

From Divine Madman to Sacred Cranes

After breakfast, take a drive to Haa Valley, following the same road back across Dochula Pass. The drive to Haa takes approximately four hours.

After lunch in Thimphu, continue your drive to Haa Valley. This district, which opened to tourism only in 2004, is accessed via a road from Chuzom that passes Dobji Dzong and the small Bitekha Dzong before reaching Haa Valley (2,700m). The valley lies in the heart of the high-altitude, largely forested Haa district, close to the Chumbi (Gromo) valley in Tibet (China).

On arrival, visit Haa’s two famous temples:

  • Lhakhang Karpo
  • Lhakhang Nagpo

These temples are believed to be part of the network of temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, according to Bhutanese tradition.

Overnight stay at hotel in Haa.

Day 5 (Haa, Paro)

Sacred Footprints and Mountain Passes: From Haa to Paro

After breakfast, take a three-hour return hike from Haa town to Juneydrak Hermitage. The walk leads through rhododendron forest offering fine views. Begin about 1km north of Haa, near the hospital and just before the main bridge, where a 4-wheel drive track branches east to Katsho village.

The trail includes:

  • A cliff-side retreat containing a footprint of Machen Labdrom (1055-1132), a female Tibetan tantric practitioner
  • A path following the stream past a mani wall to a two-legged archway chorten (known as a khonying)
  • A bridge crossing followed by an ascent through rhododendron forest
  • At a red sign, a left trail leading to a chorten marking the Hermitage entrance

If no monks are meditating inside, you can view the footprint in the temple. Even if meditation is in progress preventing entry, the walk offers beautiful views of Haa valley from the temple. A visit to a local farmhouse can be arranged during the walk.

After lunch, drive to Paro crossing Chelila Pass at 3,988m. The route leads directly into Paro valley through forests, offering views of both Haa and Paro valleys. In clear weather, glimpse Mount Jhomolhari and enjoy scenic views of deep valleys, river gorges, and surrounding mountains.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 6 (Paro)

The Tiger’s Sacred Lair: Taktsang Pilgrimage

After breakfast, hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery. The trail winds through meadows of pines, rhododendrons, and oaks, taking about 2 hours to reach the viewpoint. Visitors can take a short break at the café for tea or coffee and enjoy excellent views of the monastery. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, meditated for 3 months, and subdued the local deity Singye Samdrup, converting him to Buddhism. In the 17th century, the 4th Desi (temporal ruler) of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye, built the temple in 1692, fulfilling the wishes of Zhabdrung Rinpoche who passed away before its construction. (Horse ride to the café available at additional cost)

After lunch, visit:

  • Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built by a Tibetan king in the 7th century to subdue a demoness
  • Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), the administrative and religious centre of Paro District, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan

Time permitting, visit:

  • Kyichu Lhakhang’s perpetually fruit-bearing orange tree
  • Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (14km from Paro), the historical Fort of Drukpa Victory, from where Bhutanese forces repelled Tibetan invasions. On clear days, view the 7,314-metre snow peak of sacred Mount Chomolhari

Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 7 (Depart)

Farewell to Bhutan: Safe Travels and Hope to See You Again!

Today, you bid farewell to Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell. Thank you for visiting Bhutan! Hope to see you again. Tashi Delek!

BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!

Lorem ipsum nulla from amet dolor amet.
Hurry Up!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, pulvinar dapibus leo. Viverra mattis nisl nec lobortis. Quisque cursus ante mollis eros mattis, ac rutrum augue lacinia! Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Viverra mattis nisl nec lobortis. Quisque cursus ante mollis eros mattis, ac rutrum augue lacinia!

Have any questions? Contact us!

+1-234-567-8900

hello@yoursite.com

Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 18.30

    Select tour

    Number of Travellers
    Adult

    Child

    Infant

    Child refers to traveller aged below 12 years and infant refers to traveller aged below 2 years during travel period.

    Title

    First Name (Given Name)*

    Last Name (Surname)*

    Email*

    Mobile Number*

    Message