Haa Festival Tour

8 days

Ancestral home to the Dorji family, the people of Haa inhabit the high valleys above 3,000 meters. Strong-boned and resilient, the people of Haa are devout and hardworking yak herders and farmers who cultivate high altitude crops such as wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Their religious life revolves around the appeasement of Buddhist and Shamanic (Bon) deities and entities including Ap Chhundu, their guardian spirit, believed to protect all people born in Haa.

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 provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. It displays a lively traditional living culture, nomadic life styles, demonstration of local cuisines, brewing of local ara, traditional sports, religious performances, dances, songs, artifacts and natural alpine flowers. Tourists can also experience the night at one of the many village home stays and enjoy the hospitality of the local people of Haa Valley.

Day; 8 days – Night: 7 nights  
Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest, additionally, landing in the heart of Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner. During our time here, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro to Haa

After our breakfast you will travel through farmlands and scattered hamlets and gradually climbing to the Chelela pass, 3822m high, with spectacular glimpse of the Bhutan Himalaya Mountain peaks all the way. Descending down into the Haa valley you will be rewarded by stunning scenery as you wind along the side of the mountain into the town of Haa. During your stay here you will visit many monuments includes, visiting Lhalkhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple). The local deity helped in constructing the temple thus giving the name to Haa, meaning ‘surprise’. Haa is overlooked by three mountains called ‘ Rig Sum Gonpa’ which signify three Buddha deities, naming Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrizig. Ib evening we will explore into the beauatiful Haa town. Overnight in Haa.

Day 3: Haa summer Festival

After leisurely breakfast you will proceed to Haa Summer Festival ground and enjoy the festival the whole day. During the The Annual Alpine festival you will get to watch skilled local craftsmen weaving hair into their traditional tent and also traditional arts of yak shearing and wool making. Expect to see a variety of yak products on display including coveted bundle of white yak tails (which are believed to bring good luck to one’s home), learn about the traditional process of yak shearing and wool making, see how yak dairy is turned into delicious traditional meals that showcase the culinary traditions of Haa.

Food. A taste of Tradition: You will get to the taste delicious Haapi Hoentoe, hearty dumping made from buckwheat and stuffed with fragrant turnip, dried turnip gees, mushroom, garlic, onion and chopped cabbage seasoned with ginger, ground walnut, chilli powder, salt, butter, sesame and poppy seeds.  This is the special dish of Haa valley and made only by people of Haa valley. There will be also other traditional Bhutanese dishs to sample.

Dance and songs: You will get to watch and enjoy the lively folk songs and mask dances performed at this festival and also experience Haapi Ausa traditional song extoling the virtue of their yaks that are typically sung while herding their yaks. 

Sports: You can either watch or participate in the local sports such as archery, yak and horse riding, Khuru (Darts), Soksum (Light javelin throwing). These lively competitions are energetic affairs accompanied by much laughter, singin and friendly taunts. 

Day 4: Haa to Thimphu

After our breakfast you will travel through farmlands and scattered hamlets and gradually climbing to the Chelela pass, 3822m high, with spectacular glimpse of the Bhutan Himalaya Mountain peaks all the way as follow way back to the Thimphu. Upon arrival in Thimphu we will check into the hotel and after lunch you will visit:

Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Takin Preserve, Motithang: The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories

The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim): It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.

Simtokha Dzong: This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Traditional Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside. In evening at leisure in hotel. Overnight in Thimphu. 

Day 5 & 6: Thimphu Sightseeing

After our leisurely breakfast we will start our day visiting handmade paper factory, visit painting school, nearby folk heritage museum and national library. Further visit following places during your stay here:

The trek to Phajoding Monastery is around 3 hours trek up and around 2 hours trek down. But if there is more time then you can trek all the way up to Thuje Dra till you can see the skull mountain. The view from Phajoding Monastery and Thuje Dra of Thimphu is simply breath taking. From the top of Thuje Dra, you can see the Rhododendron bushes stretching all the way. This trek is part of the Druk Path Trek. In late noon we head back to Thimphu.

The World Monument Fund (WMF) has listed Phajoding monastery as one of the 5 endangered cultural monuments that need most help in the world. Phajoding monastery was founded in 1224 by Phajo Drugom Zhipo (Buddhist saint) who spread the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Trashichhoedzong: Also know as “fortress of the glorious religion”, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by KingJigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.

Zilukha Nunnery: On the edge  point, overlooking attractive Trashichhoedzong and Golf course, it is the only nunnery in capital once belong to the Drubthop Thangthong Gyalpo often referred to as King of the open field in the early 15^th century. You may interact gere with nuns who have devoted their life to spiritual and Buddhism. 
Tango Goemba: This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the “Divine Madman”, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.
Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.

Cheri Goemba: This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung’s father. The goemba is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m).
The trail commences by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery. Being the place where the Shabdrung spent many years in meditation, Cheri today has numerous hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, commanding spectacular views. The one way walk to the monastery is approx 4.5 km, taking about 2 hours.

Phajoding Goemba : It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School in Bhutan in the 13th century. It was one time one of the richest monasteries in the country.

Handicrafts Shops:A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. 

Craft Bazzar: On Tuesday and Wednestday in centenary market Framer’s market, under support of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture, tourism council and the Department of agriculture, this market offers Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts.

Botanical Garden in Serbathang; Located on hillside about 10km from the city, the garden offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanist will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.

Coronation park: Located on the banks of the river, near the city stadium, parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or sit and watch the river flow by.

Tandin Nye: This sacred Lhakhang is about 1km from main town, built on a clif just like the Tiger’s Nest in Paro. This visit to the temple provides an opportunity to feel and see the great work of ancient Buddhist ledends.

Sangaygang – Wangditse Loop

Drive to Sangaygang view point, situated at an elevation of 2,685m and presenting wonderful view of Thimphu valley from the hillside below the telecommunications towers. Few hourS walk from sangaygang will explore to Wangditse monastery, founded in 1750. The inner chapel house a two storey statue of Sakyamuni Budhha. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day: 7: Thimphu to Paro

Check out from the hotel and follow our way back up to bright green Paro Valley at 7,500ft, is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and most fertile valley. Numerous shrines, fortresses and farm houses dot the landscape and graceful willow trees grow along the edge of Pachhu River, which passes through paddy fields and farmlands. During our time here, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. Among others you will also visit Bhutan National museum, housed in an ancient watchtower and visit Paro Rinphung Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortress /monastery in Bhutan. We also dedicate a full day for excursion to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery, a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. For this hike, you can also hire a riding horse to take you part of the way. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2,200m.

Day 8: End of the tour in Gross National Happiness country,Bhutan. 
After breakfast our representative will drive to Paro airport for departure.