Western Trans Bhutan Trail (Moderate)

Western Trans Bhutan Trail Map

Day 01: Paro - Haa

Fly into the captivating view of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On landing at the Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private guide with a customary Tashi Khaddar, a white scarf of auspiciousness and transferred to Haa.

On your way to Thimphu, stop at Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass situated at 3,988 meters, marked by numerous prayer flags. Indulge your visual senses with some natural beauty and give yourself some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. We can make a leisurely start. Once at Haa , you can check into your room.

Later visit Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo and learn the myths linked with these temples.

Overnight: Hotel in Haa

Day 02: Haa-Katsho-Paro

You will be taken to Katsho after breakfast at your hotel to start your first day of trekking along the historic Trans Bhutan Trail. For centuries, the residents of Haa traveled the same path you will take today to conduct business with the Props in the nearby valley. The severe weather conditions in Haa make it impossible to grow rice. Thus, people would trade 20 dreys (about 30 kilograms or 66 pounds) of shakam (dried beef) for 20 dreys of rice at Paro Tshongdu (market).

The ancient Trail meanders between yak pastures, rhododendron, and pine forests as it follows the lovely Haa River and rises subtly out of the Katsho Valley. The Trail crosses the ridge trail connecting Chelela and Sagala at Kaleyla Pass, where it continues to climb. You can see Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters/23,996 feet), Mount Jichudrakegang (6,794 meters/22,290 feet), and Mount Tsherimgang (6,789 meters/22,273 feet) from Kaleyla, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range to the north. 

Keep an eye out for the sky burial site of Kungkarpo and the cliff-edge Bjungneydra Taktsang (monastery), also known as "The Mini Taktsang," as you go through the Katsho Valley. During this stop, a picnic lunch will be served to you.

The Trail leads into the Paro Valley from Kaleyla after descending through a rhododendron and bamboo forest. It will then travel the final few kilometers to Paro on trails that crisscross through quaint farming communities typical of Bhutan. 

You will have the opportunity to see Kichu Lhakhang when you arrive in the Ngoma village of Paro (temple). It is one of Bhutan's earliest sacred sites and is thought to have been constructed by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. One of the most cherished sculptures in the area, the original Jowo Jamba statue, can be found in Kichu Lhakhang. Two orange trees in the monastery courtyard are also reputed to give fruit all year round.

Dinner will be scheduled either at your hotel or at a nearby restaurant by your guide.

Overnight:Hotel in Paro 

Day 03: Explore the Trans Bhutan Trail in Paro

 Rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east after breakfast today. 

The Trail crosses the Paro Valley's expansive rice terraces as it slowly ascends from Lamgong Settlement. After contouring around the northern slope, the trail descends into the historic village of Dopshari.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a typical Bhutanese lunch at a nearby farm in Dopshari. 

You will also have the chance to play a fast game of traditional "khuru" and try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport, following lunch (darts).

From where you may take in breathtaking views of the Paro Valley, make one final foray into the Trail to ascend to Upper Dopshari.

You'll be picked up at Upper Dopshari and driven back to Paro. Visit the "watchtower" along the way, Ta Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 04: Tiger Nest Hike

Early this morning after a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. 

This hike takes about 5hrs with a 3,000 feet/900 meters approximate gain in altitude. 

Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel by lunch time. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 05: Departure

After a good breakfast at the hotel, our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.