Bhutan

Haa Valley Trail, September 2026

Contact us

Haa Valley Trail: Bhutan's Hidden Cultural Gem

Walking the Valleys of Western Bhutan

Trek the Haa Valley Trail. Discover Bhutan's pristine landscapes, ancient traditions, and unique cultural experiences. A journey into untouched Himalayan beauty.

20-25Km

Total Trekking Distance

3,100m

Highest Altitude

Sep

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Multiple Locations

Explore the four key locations of West Bhutan, namely Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha

Excursions

Embark on several excursions that offer an immersive peek into life in Bhutan

Comfortable Housing

Enjoy premium accommodation at our carefully curated stay options

Panoramic valley trail

The trail reaches a maximum elevation of 3,150 metres, offering sweeping views of the valley below and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

High Alpine Meadows (3,100 m)

Region:

North Haa

5

Day 5: Fly hone

After a memorable journey through Bhutan’s mountains, valleys, and sacred sites, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home—a scenic drive of approximately 15 minutes. Depart with lasting memories of the kingdom’s serene landscapes and timeless spirit.

n/a

n/a

4

Day 4: Exploring Tiger’s Nest

Today, you’ll drive from Thimphu to Paro, a scenic journey of approximately 50 km that takes around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you have the option to embark on a memorable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120m, the monastery is reached via a 4 km (3 hour) ascent, offering breathtaking views along the way. The total hike takes 5-6 hours round trip.

Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro

All meals included

3

Day 3: Chele La Pass to goempa Nunnery trail

Begin the day with a drive up to Chele La Pass—at 3,988 metres (1 hour drive), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes. From here, embark on a scenic downhill trek to Kila Goenpa, a tranquil nunnery nestled against a cliffside. The trail covers approximately 4 kilometres and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, winding through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests. Along the way, soak in sweeping views of the Paro and Haa valleys, while colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind above. Ending at an elevation of around 3,500 metres, the walk offers both natural beauty and moments of quiet reflection. After the trek, continue by road to Thimphu (2 hour 30 minutes).

Norkhil boutique hotel and spa, Thimpu

Al meals included

2

Day 2: Haa Valley panoramic valley trail

Today’s adventure takes you on an 11-kilometre trek along the Haa Valley Panoramic Trail, a scenic route that unfolds over approximately 5 hours. The trail reaches a maximum elevation of 3,150 metres, offering sweeping views of the valley below and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Along the way, pass traditional farmhouses, ancient temples, and bursts of alpine flora. The route winds through quiet forests and open high meadows, immersing you in the raw beauty and cultural richness of Haa. Return to your hotel to unwind and take in the day’s stunning vistas

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, Haa valley

All meals included

1

Day 1: Touchdown in Bhutan’s Majestic Paro Valley

Begin your journey with a breathtaking landing at Paro International Airport at 3:20 PM, nestled in a deep valley framed by towering Himalayan peaks. Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a kingdom where ancient traditions thrive alongside pristine natural landscapes. This small Himalayan nation is famed for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, prioritizing wellbeing and cultural preservation over rapid modernization. As you take in the crisp mountain air and sweeping views, you’ll begin to sense the profound connection between Bhutan’s people, their spiritual heritage, and the rugged environment that shapes their way of life. From Paro, drive westward through scenic valleys and quiet villages to Haa Valley (approximately 2.5 hours), where you’ll settle into the charming Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge for a restful evening.

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, Haa valley

All meals included

Key Notes

Haa Valley is one of Bhutan’s most untouched and serene regions, offering pristine alpine landscapes, traditional villages, and deep-rooted spiritual heritage. Far from the usual tourist trails, it provides an intimate glimpse into authentic Bhutanese mountain life.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Twin-sharing accommodation (double room)

Single occupancy accommodation

2 nights at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, Haa Valley

1 night at Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa, Thimphu

1 night at Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro

Guide support for 5 days

All ground transport in a luxury van

All meals during the trip

Sustainable Development Fee for 4 nights (for Indian passport holders)

GST (5%)

Not Included

Flights to and from Paro

Gratuities / tips to staff

Any changes to itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

The Wild Rodung La Trek is designed for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers seeking an authentic Eastern Himalayan experience without committing to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Suitable for fit beginners and moderate trekkers with basic fitness who enjoy scenic mountain trails, riverside walks and cultural village interactions. Ideal for travelers who want a peaceful Himalayan experience without technical climbing.

Challenges to Expect

Expect gradual ascents over varied terrain, uneven rocky trails, river crossings during monsoon months and occasional steep sections near high meadows. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, with cold mornings and potential showers.

Fitness Expectations

You should be able to walk 5–6 hours per day at a steady pace with a small daypack. Moderate cardio, strength training and regular hill walks before the trek will help you enjoy the trail comfortably

FAQs

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Can I customize a trip or create a private experience for my group?

Absolutely — custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail — permits, logistics, menus, support staff — so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.

Do I need travel insurance to join a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

What kind of gear do I need to bring for the trek?

We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.

What kind of food is served during the trip?

Food is a big part of the Juniper experience. Whether you’re in a guesthouse, mountain lodge, or remote campsite, you’ll be served nutritious, locallynutritious,locally inspired meals designed to fuel your journey. On the trail, our kitchen team prepares hot breakfast (think porridge, eggs, paratha), packed or hot lunches, evening snacks, and hearty dinners (dal, rice, vegetables, pasta, or local dishes). We use clean water, fresh ingredients, and avoid oily or spicy food at altitude. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, and soups are always available. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on request. If you have allergies or specific preferences, let us know in advance — we take dietary needs seriously. Meals are timed to your exertion, ensuring you’re energized for the climb and able to recover properly. Expect delicious mountain hospitality: soul food with a view.

Key Highlights

No items found.

Interested in the trip?

Stay informed on upcoming trips, featured destinations, learn from our specialists on gear, preparing for an adventure.
Download trip as PDF
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
August
September
October