Summer is the season of festivities for the mythical valley of Haa. Set among pristine lakes and an elevated alpine valley, Haa is located at 2 hours drive from Paro international airport via the Chelela mountain pass. Haa summer festival is a celebration of nomadic tradition and unique culture of the Haa valley. The festival has become remarkably popular among both locals and international tourists. Haa valley is home to a rare flower called White Poppy (Meconopsis Superba) which is only native to this valley in the whole world.The summer Haa festival celebrates the traditional living–culture and it is to present an insight into the lifestyle of nomadic herders.
Things to Experience at Haa Summer Festival: (Festivals within a Festival)
The Annual Alpine Festival:
The Haa Summer Festival includes a festival called the Annual Alpine Festival which is remarked as the celebration of the Yak herders and their nomadic lifestyles. The visitors can learn and witness the art of Yak Shearing and wool making. The visitors can also watch the art of weaving a Yak hair into a traditional tent demonstrated by the local craftsmen.
Celebrating the food of tradition:
Haa valley is known for its buckwheat dumplings locally known as “hoentoe”. Hoentoe is only made by the people of Haa Valley and is made only on special occasions like festivals and on New Years. Visitors can enjoy these hearty dumplings along with other delicious Bhutanese cuisines.
Songs of tradition:
The visitors can also enjoy songs and dances performed at the Festival. Mask Dances and traditional folk songs are also performed along with the famous Haa-pi Ausa, a song only sung by the people of Haa valley. The Haa-pi Ausa is sung as praise to their Yaks.
Indigenous sport:
Tourists can enjoy watching or even try playing the local sports like archery and khuru(dart).
To truly experience Haa, tourists can spend a night at one of the farm-house home-stays. The home-stay experience provides the tourists with an insight into the lives of the villagers and their living-culture. Spend a night with the locals to take in all the festive energies.
