Haa Summer Festival
7 days · from US$2250 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
A lively celebration of the nomadic lifestyle in Haa. Features yak riding, traditional sports, and local cuisine in a stunning alpine setting.
Highlights: Yak Riding · Nomadic Culture · Chele La Pass · Home Cooking
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro. Transfer to hotel. Evening briefing about Haa Summer Festival - a celebration of nomadic culture in Bhutan's most remote western valley. Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro Exploration
Visit Paro Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang. Explore town and markets. Evening preparation for tomorrow's journey to Haa. Overnight: Paro
Day 3: Haa Summer Festival - Day 1
Morning drive to Haa valley (3 hours) via Chele La Pass (3,988m), Bhutan's highest motorable road. Spectacular mountain views including Jomolhari on clear days. Descend into pristine Haa valley (2,670m), one of Bhutan's most isolated and picturesque valleys. It opened to tourism only in 2002. Afternoon: Haa Summer Festival begins! This two-day celebration honors nomadic culture, traditional sports, and local cuisine. Festival highlights: - Yak riding competitions (watch locals skillfully handle these massive beasts) - Traditional archery and khuru (dart throwing) competitions - Highland farmin
Day 4: Haa Summer Festival - Day 2
Second day of festival with more competitions and cultural programs. Morning: Watch stone lifting competitions, wrestling, and tug-of-war - traditional sports requiring strength and skill. Participate in preparing traditional dishes. Learn to make butter tea, roast barley flour (tsampa), and cook yak meat. Afternoon: Cultural performances by local dance troupes. The isolation of Haa has preserved unique folk traditions different from other valleys. Visit craft stalls selling hand-woven textiles, wooden handicrafts, and traditional tools. Evening bonfire with local ara and folk songs. Overnight
Day 5: Haa Valley Exploration
Post-festival rest day. Explore Haa valley at leisure. Visit the twin temples (White Temple and Black Temple) guarding the valley. Legend says a demon-chasing pigeon turned to stone here - the rock is visible between the temples. Walk through traditional villages. Haa architecture features unique white and black designs. Optional: Visit Jule Gompa or Katsho Goemba monasteries. Overnight: Haa valley
Day 6: Haa to Paro
Morning at leisure in Haa. Final walks or photography. Afternoon drive back to Paro via Chele La Pass. Farewell dinner in Paro. Overnight: Paro
Day 7: Departure
Morning at leisure. Optional visit to Tiger's Nest if time permits. Transfer to airport. You leave having experienced Bhutan's nomadic culture in one of its most beautiful and remote valleys. Tashi Delek!