Overview
The Haa Summer Experience takes you over the dramatic Chelila Pass into the isolated, pristine Haa Valley.
Timed perfectly for the annual Haa Summer Festival, this package highlights the traditional culture, nomadic lifestyles, and religious rituals of the valley. Witness traditional sports like Khuru (heavy darts) and archery, sample local delicacies like Hoentey (buckwheat dumplings filled with wild turnip greens), and explore lush alpine meadows blanketed in summer wildflowers.
Trip Highlights
- The drive over Chelila Pass (3,988m) with views of Mount Jomolhari.
- A full day at the Haa Summer Festival — Khuru darts, horse riding and yak shearing.
- A culinary workshop making Hoentey buckwheat dumplings.
- Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, the white and black temples of Haa.
- Thimphu’s landmarks, handmade paper factories and the Craft Bazaar.
- Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Tiger’s Nest and a Dotsho hot stone bath.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Land at Paro Airport. Meet your premium team and immediately begin a spectacular drive climbing up through pine forests to Chelila Pass (3,988m), taking in views of Mount Jomolhari. Descend into the isolated Haa Valley and check into a deluxe boutique heritage lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Haa
Spend a full day at the festival grounds. Watch the local men participate in heavy dart throw matches (Khuru) and horse riding. Try your hand at traditional yak shearing, and join a culinary workshop to learn how to make Hoentey (local buckwheat dumplings).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Haa
Visit the sacred black and white temples of Haa: Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Board your luxury vehicle for a scenic 3-hour drive along the lower highway to the capital city, Thimphu. Check into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Explore Buddha Dordenma for valley panoramas, followed by the National Memorial Chorten and the Motithang Takin Preserve. Spend your afternoon exploring the local handmade paper factories and the upscale Thimphu Craft Bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass. Descend into the warm valley and enjoy a gentle walk through the rice fields of Sopsokha to Chimi Lhakhang, the historic fertility temple. Cross the long Punakha Suspension Bridge in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Tour the architectural masterpiece Punakha Dzong in the morning light. Board your luxury vehicle for the return drive to Paro Valley. Visit a private heritage weaving studio in town upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Complete the classic hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Upon descending, melt away your muscle tension with a premium traditional hot stone bath session (Dotsho) infused with wild medicinal herbs at your resort. Enjoy a fine farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Final transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.