Haa summer festival is a celebration of nomadic tradition and unique culture of the Haa valley.The festival celebrates the traditional living–culture and it is to present an insight into the lifestyle of nomadic herders.
Summer is the season of festivities for the mythical valley of Haa. Set among pristine lakes and an elevated alpine valley, Haa is located at 2 hours drive from Paro international airport via the Chelela mountain pass. Haa summer festival is a celebration of nomadic tradition and unique culture of the Haa valley. The festival has become remarkably popular among both locals and international tourists. Haa valley is home to a rare flower called White Poppy (Meconopsis Superba) which is only native to this valley in the whole world.The summer Haa festival celebrates the traditional living–culture and it is to present an insight into the lifestyle of nomadic herders.
When you arrive in Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, your tour guide will pick you up at the airport and then escort you to your hotel. After taking a rest, you will head to enjoy sightseeing around Paro.
You will first visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next drive to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This temple is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa, and holds great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni inside. And Later explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Located at the suburb of Paro City, Rinpung Dzong is a fortress built in the 17th Century to protect Paro valley, which offers you picturesque scenery and a sense of inner peace.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Getting up in the fresh morning, we’ll start today’s trek to Taktshang Goemba (also known as Tiger’s Nest). Standing on the cliff of Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3120 meters) is the landmark of Paro as well as the holiest temple in Bhutan. It’s said that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flied here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. From here, you can catch a panoramic view of Paro Valley.
After lunch, you may opt for a stone bath or enjoy free exploration nearby.
Stay overnight in Paro.
In the morning, we will depart to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, following the Pachu River. The drive takes about 1.5 hours in total, during when you can stop on the way to see the Tamchhog Lhakhang, a hereditary place of worship for the Bhutan’s iron bridge builders.
As the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is devoid of stereotyped skyscrapers and huge traffic. Instead, surrounding by rolling mountains, Thimphu is known for its picturesque Bhutan dzong, fresh air and loveable local people. Upon your arrival, you will pay a visit to Folk Heritage Museum and Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), the most beautiful Bhutan dzong as well as the headquarters of Bhutan government.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
Today, you will enjoy a full-day sightseeing around the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, to visit the following sites:
1) National Memorial Chorten:
The National Memorial Chortan was constructed in memorial of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974. The King was generally regarded as the father of modern Bhutan and widely esteemed by the Bhutanese. “Chorten” in Bhutan literally refers to the “seat of faith” and Buddhists often call such monuments the “Mind of Buddha”.
2) National Textile Museum:
It is an amazing museum that keeps the traditional art of waving preserved and exhibits a good collection of ancient colored textile in various forms. You can find how the exquisite exhibits are waved by locals giving a spot operation with intricate tools.
4) National Institute of Traditional Medicine
See the productive process of Bhutan’s traditional medicine, herbs mostly, and watch the medical practitioner training.
5) Traditional Paper Making Factory
Originating from the old tradition in the 8th century, Bhutan papermaking has been well preserved and listed as the valuable national heritage of Bhutanese culture.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
The new day begins with tasty Bhutanese breakfast. After that, we will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) and have a refreshment there. The perfect vintage point brings you the unobstructed vista of Great Himalayas. You will also pay a visit to the Roya Botanical Park, Bhutan’s first botanical park situated at the back of the Dochu La Pass.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, we will drive the same way back to Thimphu from Punakha. You will explore the world-renowned Punakha Dzong, widely believed to be the most beautiful Bhutanese Dzong, built at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. You will also visit Chimi Lhakhang, a popular Buddhist monastery built around 1499 by Ngawang Chogyal.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
It will be a 3-4 hours’ drive from Thimphu to Haa, before you reach the festival site. The Haa Summer Festival is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. It gives the chance to witness the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Tourists can play local sports, drink local liquor, taste home-cooked cuisine and enjoy traditional songs and dances. If lucky, you can also experience the night at one of the many village home stays and enjoy the hospitality of the local people of Haa Valley.
Stay overnight in Haa.
In the morning, we will continue to enjoy the festival with a lot fun and joy. In the afternoon, we will take a short trek to the 8th century temples such as Juneydrag, Katsho Goempa and Haa Goempa.
Stay overnight in Haa.
Today we will head back to Paro from Haa. On the way you will pass through Chelela Pass (3,988m), the highest Pass in Bhutan. We will stop here to take impressive photos of the great natural view. After arriving in Paro, you can have a good rest in your hotel.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Today, our tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination. Tour service end.