Haa Summer Festival
Haa is located in western Bhutan, Haa is one of the least visited areas in the country. This small secluded region is one of the finest in the kingdom, surrounded by pristine mountain forests and serene mountain peaks.
In the homeland of the nomad shepherds, a summer festival is held each year, where their unique way of life is presented and celebrated. It is a special experience to get to know all the homemade delicacies while enjoying the traditional songs and dances while sipping on a heady local drink, the so-called Ara.
If you are lucky, you will see the rare White Poppy growing in this part of the world at the time of the Haa
Summer Festival.
Join us on a wondrous journey to the Valley of the Guardian Spirits.
In the homeland of the nomad shepherds, a summer festival is held each year, where their unique way of life is presented and celebrated. It is a special experience to get to know all the homemade delicacies while enjoying the traditional songs and dances while sipping on a heady local drink, the so-called Ara.
If you are lucky, you will see the rare White Poppy growing in this part of the world at the time of the Haa
Summer Festival.
Join us on a wondrous journey to the Valley of the Guardian Spirits.
7 days / 6 nights
Paro - Haa - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Data: July 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 1.608, - €
Travel price includes:
- Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board
- private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- endlischsprachigen tour guide
- Taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75, - € per night
Individual travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night per person
Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight variants:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Paro - Haa - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Data: July 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 1.608, - €
Travel price includes:
- Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board
- private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- endlischsprachigen tour guide
- Taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75, - € per night
Individual travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night per person
Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight variants:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival to Paro - Haa
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a mountain landscape - with a magnificent panorama and views of some of the highest mountains in the world. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Haa. The journey takes about two hours, during which you cross the Chele-La (pass) at 4000 m altitude. From here you have a unique view of the snow peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in good weather.
The Haa Valley is located in western Bhutan on the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region and is one of the most sparsely populated areas of Bhutan. It was only opened to tourism in 2002, and will allow you to experience a true journey through time with its original culture and still ubiquitous animistic beliefs.
On request, before dinner, you can take a traditional soothing Bhutanese stone bath, which is located next to your hotel on the banks of a rushing mountain river.
Overnight in Haa.
(Altitude Haa: 2,670 m)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a mountain landscape - with a magnificent panorama and views of some of the highest mountains in the world. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Haa. The journey takes about two hours, during which you cross the Chele-La (pass) at 4000 m altitude. From here you have a unique view of the snow peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in good weather.
The Haa Valley is located in western Bhutan on the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region and is one of the most sparsely populated areas of Bhutan. It was only opened to tourism in 2002, and will allow you to experience a true journey through time with its original culture and still ubiquitous animistic beliefs.
On request, before dinner, you can take a traditional soothing Bhutanese stone bath, which is located next to your hotel on the banks of a rushing mountain river.
Overnight in Haa.
(Altitude Haa: 2,670 m)
Day 2
Haa Tshechu (festival)
In the morning, after breakfast, join the celebrations of Haa Tshechu and experience pujas with centuries-old Buddhist rituals, as well as colorful monk mask dances. Your guide will explain the meanings of the rituals and dances.
After lunch, the village of Haa is explored on a walk. The narrow paths lined with stones or wood give the place a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. They have the opportunity to take a closer look at the traditional construction methods and to experience the villagers doing their daily tasks.
The dinner takes place again in the cozy hotel or on request also at the campfire.
Overnight in Haa.
In the morning, after breakfast, join the celebrations of Haa Tshechu and experience pujas with centuries-old Buddhist rituals, as well as colorful monk mask dances. Your guide will explain the meanings of the rituals and dances.
After lunch, the village of Haa is explored on a walk. The narrow paths lined with stones or wood give the place a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. They have the opportunity to take a closer look at the traditional construction methods and to experience the villagers doing their daily tasks.
The dinner takes place again in the cozy hotel or on request also at the campfire.
Overnight in Haa.
Day 3
Haa - Thimphu
Today you drive to the capital Thimphu. The trip takes 3-4 hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a hanging with prayer flags hanging bridge. The Bhutanese believe that, as we cross this bridge, we purify ourselves of bad deeds from our past.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
Today you drive to the capital Thimphu. The trip takes 3-4 hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a hanging with prayer flags hanging bridge. The Bhutanese believe that, as we cross this bridge, we purify ourselves of bad deeds from our past.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
Day 4
Punakha - Gangtey
Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the monastery fortress, which sits on a ridge above a river and offers wonderful views of the valley and mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place in winter for the exceptional and rare Black-necked Cranes. The bird is under protection, actually lives in the Tibetan mountain country and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a Farm House.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the monastery fortress, which sits on a ridge above a river and offers wonderful views of the valley and mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place in winter for the exceptional and rare Black-necked Cranes. The bird is under protection, actually lives in the Tibetan mountain country and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a Farm House.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Day 5
Gangtey
In the morning you explore the picturesque landscape of the valley again and experience the everyday life of the local population. In the afternoon, we recommend a hike on the "Gangtey Nature Trail." The approximately 2-hour hike takes you through pine forests, across rivers and through the open valley - you will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants In the evening visit a farm house and drink a cup of traditional tea with butter and salt (suja).
Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.
In the morning you explore the picturesque landscape of the valley again and experience the everyday life of the local population. In the afternoon, we recommend a hike on the "Gangtey Nature Trail." The approximately 2-hour hike takes you through pine forests, across rivers and through the open valley - you will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants In the evening visit a farm house and drink a cup of traditional tea with butter and salt (suja).
Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.
Day 6
Gangtey - Bumthang
About the Pele-la-Pass (3,300 m) drive in the morning towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. They stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century. The Chorten was built in the Nepalese style, with the famous eyes on all four sides.
The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and you can already see the impressive monastery fortress of Trongsa, long before you reach it over the landscape winding through the countryside. Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later, visit Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watchtower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
About the Pele-la-Pass (3,300 m) drive in the morning towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. They stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century. The Chorten was built in the Nepalese style, with the famous eyes on all four sides.
The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and you can already see the impressive monastery fortress of Trongsa, long before you reach it over the landscape winding through the countryside. Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later, visit Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watchtower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Day 7
Bumthang-Ura
On the way to the Ura Valley, cross the Shartang Pass (3200 m). On cloudless days you have a magnificent view of the Gangkar Phunsum (7415 m). If you like hiking, you can reach the village of Ura from here on foot. The path is lined with fir trees and again and again you can see small prayer wheels that are turned by the waters of the mountain streams. It is a beautiful hiking trail and can be mastered at any age.
In Ura you will experience the dances, the music and the sacred ceremonies of the Ura Yakcheo and up close the everyday life of the village.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
On the way to the Ura Valley, cross the Shartang Pass (3200 m). On cloudless days you have a magnificent view of the Gangkar Phunsum (7415 m). If you like hiking, you can reach the village of Ura from here on foot. The path is lined with fir trees and again and again you can see small prayer wheels that are turned by the waters of the mountain streams. It is a beautiful hiking trail and can be mastered at any age.
In Ura you will experience the dances, the music and the sacred ceremonies of the Ura Yakcheo and up close the everyday life of the village.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
Day 8
Ura Festival
Until the afternoon you will stay in this idyllic village and celebrate the Ura Yakchoe with the inhabitants. Then it's a short drive to the village of Shinkhar and you can do a little hike around the village. On the way you will visit old temples and typical houses, this recently opened area for tourists. After this excursion, you will return to Ura.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
Until the afternoon you will stay in this idyllic village and celebrate the Ura Yakchoe with the inhabitants. Then it's a short drive to the village of Shinkhar and you can do a little hike around the village. On the way you will visit old temples and typical houses, this recently opened area for tourists. After this excursion, you will return to Ura.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
Day 9
Ura - Wangdue
From Ura it is a day trip to Wangdue. The trail passes through Trongsa and the Pele-la Pass (3,300 m). There are many interesting stops along the way and you have the opportunity to explore them and stretch your legs.
Overnight in Wangdue.
(Altitude Wangdue: 1,300 m)
From Ura it is a day trip to Wangdue. The trail passes through Trongsa and the Pele-la Pass (3,300 m). There are many interesting stops along the way and you have the opportunity to explore them and stretch your legs.
Overnight in Wangdue.
(Altitude Wangdue: 1,300 m)
Day 10
Wangdue - Paro
It takes another day to get from Wangdue to Paro. Again, there is a lot to see on the way and to represent the legs with breathtaking views.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
It takes another day to get from Wangdue to Paro. Again, there is a lot to see on the way and to represent the legs with breathtaking views.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
Day 11
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at a height of about 3,000 meters on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at a height of about 3,000 meters on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 12
Departure
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
