Haa Summer Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Haa Summer Festival is a vibrant celebration that offers a deep dive into the traditions and lifestyle of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. This annual event features religious performances, folk dances, songs, and traditional sports, showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees can also savor local Bhutanese cuisine and ara (local alcohol), adding to the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the festival is the opportunity to admire alpine flowers and explore the artifacts that tell the story of Bhutanese traditions. The warm hospitality of the local people of Haa Valley further enriches the experience.
Haa Summer Festival 2026
- Venue: Chorten Karpo, Haa Valley
The festival provides a unique and authentic experience of Bhutan’s cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Haa Summer Festival in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the colorful Haa summer festival.
- Visit ancient temples, monasteries and dzongs.
- Meet local people.
- Visit Bhutanese villages and farm houses.
- Witness archery matches.
- Scenic landscapes.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour.
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours.
- Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey | Altitude: 3000 m | 75 Km | Drive: 2 hours.
- Day 5. Gangtey – Paro sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m | 170 Km | Drive: 4 hours.
- Day 6. Paro – Haa valley (Haa summer festival) – Paro | 60 Km | Drive: 2 hours.
- Day 7. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Hike: 2 hours.
- Day 8. Paro – Departure.
Haa Summer Festival tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
- Solo travel: US $ 2235
- 2 persons: US $ 1905 per person.
- 3 – 10 persons: US $ 1645 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Haa Summer Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Thimphu. Along the way, visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in the world at 51.5 meters, followed by visits to the sacred Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the evening, enjoy stunning views of Thimphu from the Sangaygang Viewpoint, visit the tranquil Dupthop Lhakhang Nunnery, and conclude with a tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Je Khenpo. End your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing.
In the morning, start your day in Thimphu with a visit to the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s unique philatelic history. Continue to the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute) to witness traditional Bhutanese art being taught and practiced. Explore the lively Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic local handicrafts, and enjoy some free time strolling through the town, perfect for photography.
Afterward, drive to Paro and begin your afternoon with a visit to the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery. End the afternoon with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, ideal for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | Altitude 1242 m | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochu La Pass (3140 m) for stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the 108 stupas. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman”. The temple is known for its fertility blessings, attracting many childless couples.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which served as the capital of Bhutan until the reign of the second king. The dzong sits at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers, offering a beautiful setting.
In the evening, enjoy a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, which offers panoramic views of the valley below.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey | Altitude: 3000 m | 75 Km | Drive: 2 hours.
In the morning, drive to Gangtey.
– On the way, a short stop to view Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Note: Upper part of the valley is called Gangtey and lower part is called Phobjikha.
While in Gangtey, visit to:
– Gangtey Gompa monastery built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa.
– Crane information center.
In the evening, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the rare black necked cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 5. Gangtey – Paro sightseeing | Altitude: 2283 m | 170 Km | Drive: 4 hours.
In the morning, drive to Paro, with occasional stops along the way for scenic photography.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1649 that now serves as the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Then head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which functions as the administrative center of Paro District. The dzong is an architectural marvel and offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual and administrative history.
In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Paro town for shopping and photography, capturing the essence of this picturesque town.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6. Paro – Haa Summer Festival | 60 Km | Drive: 2 hours
After early breakfast, drive to Haa valley. We stop on the way at Chele la pass (3988 m).
You can see the beautiful view of the Himalayas including Mt. Jomolhari. The pass boasts of the highest motorable road in Bhutan. The Chele la pass divides Haa from Paro valley.
While in Haa valley, witness the Haa summer festival 2025 (Full day).
In the evening, visit to:
– Lhakhang Karpo built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo (One of the 108 monasteries). He built Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in the Haa valley.
Then drive back to Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 7. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike, a two-hour ascent, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of Bhutan’s most cherished experiences.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of Victory,” which holds significant historical importance, and the sacred Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 8. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
FAQs - Haa Summer Festival tour itinerary
Can photos and videos be taken during the festival?
Photography is allowed, but it’s courteous to avoid interrupting rituals. Always seek permission before photographing monks or performers.
Is prior booking necessary to attend the festival?
While tickets are not required for the festival itself, it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance due to high demand during festival time.
What should I wear to the festival?
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Bhutanese attire like Gho (for men) and Kira (for women) is ideal but not mandatory. Comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide driver.
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