Unseen Bhutan
A wonderful, easy paced tour designed to get you under the surface of Bhutanese culture.  The first of its kind in Bhutan that incorporates all the key culture sights, including the iconic Taktsang Monastery called Tiger’s Nest. Staying at tradional houses restored to suit the needs of the travellers.We meet villagers in their own homes, and travel right into the smallest and western most district of Haa. Spend time in Haa, exploring the villages and monasteries with gentle walks. The tour is called “unseen” because other valleys like Paro are more popular, hence leading to the Haa Valley to be undiscovered. On this captivating tour, we show you a pristine valley that has retained it’s charm, it’s natural beauty, as well as the customs, of local men who still travel by horse over mountain passes to trade goods with China.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Accommodation: Lodges and Deluxe Camp
Grade: Moderate
Max trek altitude: 3,720m ( hike over the Saga la)
Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days
Trek Leader: English Speaking Guide
Group Size : 2 -8 person only

HIGHLIGHTS
Walk to the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery
Explore the villages and monasteries of Haa Valley
Get a real sense of the Bhutanese lifestyle
Vist the Yak Herders Camp
Drive over Chele La Pass

Day 01: Fly to Paro,  Drive to Haa. ( 75km) ( 3hrs)
On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest and Kangchenjunga, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. In Paro you will be met by your guide and start your trip to the valley of Haa, Depending on your flight timings, the option of hiking to Dzongdrakha Monastery  ( total 1 hrs)(The complex is constituted of four shrines, devoted to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. As per local verbal custom, when Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) beyond north up the valley. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo (11th century) on the way to Haatey Overnight : Lechuna Heritage Lodge.

Day 02: Village Walk ( 4-5hrs)
This cultural landscape is exemplary of the traditionally distinct, rural Bhutan. Forest, fields and farm houses dominate the landscape. Your day begins with a small ceremony at the Chundu Lhakang and continue  walking through the lower village of Lechuna down to the Haa Chhu (river) before crossing a quaint wooden bridge. From here the walk to the Jamte Gompa is a gradual ascent of not more than 1.5 hours through pristine forest which later opens up to the village. Visit the 300 year old plus monastery, which is presently undergoing renovation work due to earthquake damage. This is followed by a visit to a local farmers house for a cup of tea and 'zau'. The views of the southern Haa valley can be enjoyed best from here. After the tea break we will take a seldom-used animal track that connects onto to the main trail after about half an hour and continue on to the Chumpa Bridge to stop for a picnic lunch beside the river. After lunch we walk slowly through the beautiful Chuma village taking time to see the villagers at work and even have some interaction. Walking along the village path we continue on to our lodge in time for high tea. For those who are interested in looking around the village our guide can accompany them.. Overnight: Lechuna Heritage Lodge.

Day 03:  Trek to Choedue via Sagala Pass (6hrs)
After early breakfast drive to the village of Thalung. From here we commence out trek crossing yak grazing meadows for a little over an hour begin the ascent towards Saga La .The walk through old pristine alpine forest trail that once connected the two valleys of Haa and Paro, climbing gradually all the up to the pass which is 3720 meters.  After a short lunch break, begin the decent  and for the next 2.5 hours before the valley suddenly opens up and the camp site at Choedue(2865 m) is reached.. Overnight: Camp
Walking Time: 6hrs. Altitude gain: 740m Altitude loss: 855.
 
Day 04:  Excursion to Yak Herders Camp (6hrs)
Today will be a full day excursion to the Yak Herders camp (3560m). We start off with a climb to the base of a hill through forest of spruce, fir hemlock and rhododendron, till we reach the yak herders camp. Spend time by the camp with views of the mountains and a picnic lunch. We make our way back through a different  trail that meanders downhill through the pristine forest , the view of Tiger’s Nest and the Paro valley can be seen as we make our way back to the camp. The highlight of the day will be a traditional stone bath prepared with mineral rich mountain water close by the campsite before dinner
Walking Time: 6hrs. Altitude gain: 695m Altitude loss: 695,
 
Day 05: Paro
After breakfast follow the old trail to the restored fortress of Drukgyel Dzong which once served as a bastion against the Tibetan invasions from the north.  Pick up by your vehicle and drive to Paro with stop at town. Check into  Nemjo Heritage Lodge.  In the evening a cultural program with cocktail, snacks and followed by dinner will be organized.
 
Day 06: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
 Early morning start for hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (3120m), perched high above the Paro valley. The monastery is perched some 2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.
The excursion will take anywhere between 4 to 5 hours so lunch will be served on the way down from the monastery at the View point restaurant.  Once down in Paro valley complete the day with visit to the Taa dzong Museum and the Paro Rinpung dzong.  Farewell dinner at Nemjo Heritage
 
Day 07: Transfer to the airport for departure


 

Walking the Vales of Bhutan
The one and only kind of trip in Bhutan for the intrepid traveller, walking from Lodge to Lodge through the valley of Haa and Paro.
The secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Buddhism permeates every aspect of daily life, hidden valleys shelter ancient fortress-monasteries, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. On our journey through this magical Shangri La, you’ll hike to tiny villages and spectacular mountainside shrines, explore lively artisan markets, and meet red-robed monks in the chanting halls of majestic Dzongs.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Accommodation: Hotels and Lodges
Grade: Moderate
Max altitude: 3,720m (Hiking over the Sagala La Pass)
Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Trek Leader: English Speaking Guide
Group Size : 2 -8 person only

HIGHLIGHTS
Panoramic views of the Himalayas you fly into Bhutan
Spend active days in the remote Haa valley  
Go hiking around the old capital of Punakha and Gangtey
Hike to Taksang Monastery – the Tiger’s Nest
Experience the highlight of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu

Day 01: Fly to Paro,  Drive to Haa. ( 75km) ( 3hrs)
On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest and Kangchenjunga, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. In Paro you will be met by your guide and start your trip to the valley of Haa, Depending on your flight timings, the option of hiking to Dzongdrakha Monastery  ( total 1 hrs)(The complex is constituted of four shrines, devoted to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. As per local verbal custom, when Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) beyond north up the valley. Continue to Haa. Overnight : Lechuna Heritage Lodge.

Day 02: Village Walk ( 4-5hrs)
This cultural landscape is exemplary of the traditionally distinct, rural Bhutan. Forest, fields and farm houses dominate the landscape. Your day begins by walking through the lower village of Lechuna and continue on down to the Haa Chhu (river) before crossing a quaint wooden bridge. From here the walk to the Jamte Gompa is a gradual ascent of not more than 1.5 hours through pristine forest which later opens up to the village. Visit the 300 year old plus monastery, which is presently undergoing renovation work due to earthquake damage. This is followed by a visit to a local farmers house for a cup of tea and 'zau'. The views of the southern Haa valley can be enjoyed best from here. After the tea break we will take a seldom-used animal track that connects onto to the main trail after about half an hour and continue on to the Chumpa Bridge to stop for a picnic lunch beside the river. After lunch we walk slowly through the beautiful Chuma village taking time to see the villagers at work and even have some interaction. Walking along the village path we continue on to our lodge in time for high tea. For those who are interested in looking around the Lechuna village our local guide can accompany them. The option of having a hot stone bath is open and can be arranged for before or after dinner. Overnight: Lechuna Heritage Lodge.

Day 03:  Trek to Choedue via Sagala Pass (6hrs)
After early breakfast drive to the village of Thalung. From here we commence out trek crossing yak grazing meadows for a little over an hour begin the ascent towards Saga La .The walk through old pristine alpine forest trail that once connected the two valleys of Haa and Paro, climbing gradually all the up to the pass which is 3720 meters.  After a short lunch break, begin the decent  and for the next 2.5 hours before the valley suddenly opens up and the camp site at Choedue(2865 m) is reached.. Overnight: Camp
Walking Time: 6hrs. Altitude gain: 740m Altitude loss: 855.
 
Day 04:  Excursion to Yak Herders Camp (6hrs)
Today will be a full day excursion to the Yak Herders camp (3560m). We start off with a climb to the base of a hill through forest of spruce, fir hemlock and rhododendron, till we reach the yak herders camp. Spend time by the camp with views of the mountains and a picnic lunch. We make our way back through a different  trail that meanders downhill through the pristine forest , the view of Tiger’s Nest and the Paro valley can be seen as we make our way back to the camp. The highlight of the day will be a traditional stone bath prepared with mineral rich mountain water close by the campsite before dinner
Walking Time: 6hrs. Altitude gain: 695m Altitude loss: 695,

Day 05: Walk to Drukgyel Dzong ( 3hrs), Drive to Thimpu (1hrs)
After breakfast we start our walk towards Drukgyel dzong, we detour slightly and walk along the ridge passing by an ancient temple, the walk is about 3 hrs. Here our vehicle will be waiting for us to drive to Thimpu (1hrs).  Time permitting we visit the Farners market and Tashichoo dzong. Overnight Hotel.

Day 06: Drive to Wangdi ( 3-4hrs)
In the morning we have time for some more sightseeing in Thimpu,  Leaving Thimpu, the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 3,140m/10,302ft. On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Puensum, 7,550m/24,770ft. The road drops down through varied forest and to Wangdi Phodrang. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 07: Excursion to Gangtey Valley
We start early as the drive to Gangtey is about 2.5hrs,  Gangtey is home to the black neck crane,  a wide valley with nature walks. The Gangtey Monastery is also worth a visit, return back to Wangdi. Overnight: Kichu Resort.

Day 08: Drive to Paro (130km) ( 4 hrs)
Drive to Paro, Stopping by the impressive Punakha Dzong situated on the confluence of the Mo and Po Chuu rivers, you’ll visit Drukpa Kunley’s temple built in the centre of the Punakha Valley and called Chimi Lhakhang. It is just a short walk across the paddy field to reach this temple, built by the “Divine Madman” to celebrate his victory over the demoness of the Dochu La.  Overnigh Nemjo Heritage Lodge

Day 09: Taktsang Monastery
This morning you’ll take the walk to Taktsang Monastery – the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched some 2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigeress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It’s a steep uphill walk through woods, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a tea house (an ascent of 340m/1,125ft.) Apart from offering welcome refreshment this teahouse is one of the principle viewpoints of the monastery, and those that prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others have the option to continue on.  In the afternoon, time for some more sightseeing, and later in the evening farewell dinner at Nemjo Heritage. Overnight Nemjo Heritage Lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport