Haa Summer Festival

Day 1: Arrival in Paro 

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about an hour, and you will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. You can visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, or stroll through the local market. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and the Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. You will also visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple that is one of the oldest religious sites in Thimphu. In the evening, you will have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing 

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Along the way, you will stop at the Dochula Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. In Punakha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress that is considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. You can also take a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” who is known for his unorthodox teachings and humorous antics. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey

After breakfast, you will drive to Gangtey, a picturesque valley located at an altitude of 3000 meters. Along the way, you will stop at Wangdue Phodrang, a small town famous for its bamboo products and stone carvings. In Gangtey, you will visit the Gangtey Monastery, which is perched on a hill overlooking the valley. You can also take a leisurely walk through the valley, which is home to rare black-necked cranes. Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 5: Gangtey – Paro 

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro, a beautiful valley located at an altitude of 2280 meters. Along the way, you will stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang iron bridge, which was built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a famous Tibetan saint, in the 14th century. In Paro, you will visit the National Museum of Bhutan and the Rinpung Dzong, a fortress that has served as a government office and monastery since the 17th century. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 6: Paro – Haa Valley (Haa Summer Festival 2023) – Paro

After breakfast,drive to the Haa Valley to attend the Haa Summer Festival, which showcases the unique culture and traditions of the Haa Valley. You can enjoy cultural performances, traditional games, and local food. You will have plenty of time to explore the festival and interact with the locals. In the evening, you will return to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 7: Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest

After breakfast, you will hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang). The monastery is located on a cliff at an altitude of 3120 meters and is one of the most revered sites in Bhutan. The hike takes about 2 hours and offers stunning views of the Paro Valley. After visiting the monastery, you will hike back down and have the rest of the day to explore Paro on your own. You can visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, or explore the local market. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 8: Departure 

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Paro International Airport for your departure flight.