Haa Summer Festival 6 Night 7 Days (July 3-9th)
Day1, July3. Bangkok – Paro
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative from Resa Tours and Travel and will escort you to the hotel. After lunch we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, built in 1656 and used as watch tower, It has a magnificent views over Paro valley, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armors and rare stamps. And down to visit Rinpung Dzong-‘Fortress of a heap of jewels.’ The trail then leads across Paro Chhu(river)via a traditional covered bridge(Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground. If time permits take a leisurely walk around Paro town.
Day2, July 4. Drive to Thimphu(1 hour)
Market days: The weekend market in Thimphu, takes place every weekend, starting from Friday evening and running through to late afternoon on Sundays. It draws traders from all across the country, many of whom will travel several days to sell their goods and it’s awesome for the Kodak moment. So your itinerary may be adjusted to include one of these market days if you wish.
National memorial Chorten: It was built in 1974 in the memory of our Third king H.M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk , who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, died before his plan came to fruition. However the Royal family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes.
Folk Heritage Museum: it is a restored three-storey traditional rammed mud and timber that resembles the rural household in the Thimphu area during the mid 19th century, domestic tools equipments that were used by rural families of that period and also provides you a glimpse of lifestyle, items and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural households.
The national institute of Zorig Chusum: is the centre for Bhutanese Art education. It was set up by the Government of Bhutan with the sole objective of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and training students in all the traditional arts forms. The curricula cover a comprehensive course of drawing, painting, wood and slate craving, embroidery, sculptures, weaving and paper making.
Buddha Point (kuensel Phodrang): Another place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha point. It is a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk and take a glimpse of the valley
Mini Zoo: is the best place to see our National animal, takin, a strange looking beast which some say looks like a moose. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free. The reason for declaring Takin as a National Animal of Bhutan is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as Divine mad man to the west.
Day3, July 5. Thimphu to Haa Valley via beautiful Chelela pass 4000m(2.5hours)
This drive is truly awe inspiring as it zig zag up to the 4000m high mountain pass of Chelela with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, on a clear day sweeping views of the Mt. Jumolhari, a second highest mountain in a country. Time to stretch the legs with the short walk through the prayer flags along with the snow capped mountain.
Slowly, descend to the Haa valley located at 3000m from seas level and it’s one of the most remotest district in western Bhutan. Check in the hotel.
Day4, July 6. Haa Spiritual festival. Enjoy whole day with locals
After breakfast we will drive to witness the ongoing religious festival, the festival is celebrated annually by the people of Haa valley. During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed, locals visit with their picnic lunch participate the festival in their finest dress, since it’s an only gathering once a year for them, they work tirelessly for whole year round. People believe to gain merits just by attending a religious festival. Overnight at the same hotel
Day5, July7. Haa to Paro valley via Chelela pass (2hours)
Attend a religious festival until lunch after lunch drive back to Paro valley. Retrace our steps back over the Chelela Pass for a second chance to see wonderful view of the Mt.Jumolhari. OPTION; If all of you agree, you could hike to the Kili goemba or nunnery dates back to 15th century, approximately hike would take 2.5hours. Check in a hotel.
Day6, July8. Paro valley spiritual day excursion to Tiger Nest.
After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro and conclude our visit to the Dragon Kingdom with a hike to the magical temple known as Taktsang (the "Tiger's Nest). Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The temple itself is perched on a granite cliff that drops 2,000 feet to the valley floor. The name is derived from a legend that Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains to this spot on the back of a tigress,
reaching a cave in which he meditated for three months, converting the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism during his stay. The path takes us through a forest of oak and rhododendron, arriving at a small chorten surrounded by prayer flags. With a little more effort, we will reach a teahouse and a spectacular view of Taktsang. That will be our lunch stop. Those who choose can hike further, to an overlook that is almost at eye level with the temple.
Day7, July9. Paro-Bangkok
DrukAir departs early morning, after breakfast, your guide and driver will see off at the airport. You need to check in two hours early for departure.
Resa Tours and Travel handles the whole booking process on behalf of our guests, including Druk air flights and visa applications, therefore we advice to book well in advance to secure good accommodation and seats on Bhutan’s national airline- Druk Air
For more information on services, including full range of itineraries and including tailor-made itineraries, groups and hosting of special events we offer, please email: resatours@gmail.com