Haa Summer Festival 2024

Haa Summer Festival Tour Itinerary (Outline):
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m | Distance: 54 km | Duration: 1 hour.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m | Distance: 76 km | Duration: 3 hours.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey | Altitude: 3000 m | Distance: 75 km | Duration: 2 hours.
Day 5: Gangtey – Paro Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m | Distance: 170 km | Duration: 4 hours.
Day 6: Paro – Haa Valley (Haa Summer Festival 2024) – Paro | Distance: 60 km | Duration: 2 hours.
Day 7: Paro Sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Hike: 2 hours.
Day 8: Paro – Departure (End of Haa Summer Festival Tour)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and driven to Thimphu. Along the way, pause to admire the ancient Tamchog Monastery, constructed in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo. In the afternoon, explore:

• The National Memorial Chorten (1974), dedicated to the Third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• The Craft Market, offering an array of Bhutanese handicrafts and artworks. Later, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, housing the national government and central monastic body. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel.

Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m

Begin your day with visits to:

• Kuensel Phodrang to behold the tallest sitting Buddha statue globally, standing at 51.5 meters.
• Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu Valley’s oldest temples, built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
• The Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.
• Sangaygang Viewpoint and Dupthop Lhakhang, a surviving nunnery. Relish lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum, savoring traditional Bhutanese dishes and folk dances. In the afternoon, explore the:
• National Postal Museum, where you can imprint your photos on official Bhutanese stamps.
• School of 13 Arts and Crafts (Painting School). Enjoy an evening of leisure in town. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours

Embark on a scenic drive to Punakha in the morning. En route, visit:

• Dochula Pass (3140 m), featuring 108 stupas and stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
• Chimi Lhakhang, also known as “The Temple of Fertility,” built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. In the afternoon, explore:
• Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, once the ancient capital of Bhutan. Conclude the day with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey | Altitude: 3000 m | 75 Km | Drive: 2 hours

In the morning, journey to Gangtey, pausing en route to view:

• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, established in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Upon arrival in Gangtey, visit:
• Gangtey Gompa Monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley.
• Crane Information Center. Explore the enchanting Phobjikha Valley, known for its rare black-necked cranes in winter. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at your hotel.

Day 5. Gangtey – Paro Sightseeing | Altitude: 2283 m | 170 Km | Drive: 4 hours

Set out for Paro in the morning, with occasional stops for picturesque photo opportunities. Upon reaching Paro, spend the afternoon visiting:

• Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower housing the National Museum of Bhutan.
• Rinpung Dzong, an architectural marvel built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Enjoy some leisure time in the evening for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 6. Paro – Haa Valley Sightseeing – Paro | 60 Km | Drive: 2 hours

After an early breakfast, journey to Haa Valley, pausing en route at Chele La Pass (3988 m) for panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari. Witness the vibrant Haa Summer Festival 2024 throughout the day. In the evening, visit:

• Lhakhang Karpo, one of the 108 monasteries built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. Return to Paro for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 7. Paro Sightseeing – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Embark on a morning drive to Satsam Chorten, followed by a 2-hour hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). In the afternoon, explore:

• Drugyel Dzong, constructed in 1647 as a defense post against Tibetan forces.
• Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. Enjoy dinner and spend your last night in Bhutan at your hotel.

Day 8. Paro – Departure (End of Haa Summer Festival Tour)

After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your departure, bidding farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan and concluding your memorable Haa Summer Festival Tour.