The Haa Summer Festival will be celebrated on the 9th – 10th July 2013.It offers a lively and uplifting combination of traditional living culture, nomadic lifestyle, demonstration of Bhutanese cuisines, processing of local Ara (drink), traditional sports, religious performance, dances, songs, artifacts, and natural alpine flowers.
Set among pristine lakes and high alpine valleys, the Haa Summer Festival offers a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional Bhutanese culture, its unique cuisine, traditional sports and religion. This summertime festival provides tourists with an in-depth view of the lives and culture of the nomadic herders inhabiting Haa Valley. Visitors have the opportunity to observe their traditions, sample their delicious cuisine, participate in some local sports (darts, javelin throwing, horse or yak riding, and more), and even dance along to their ancient folk songs.
The Haa Valley is an incredibly beautiful location, replete with unspoiled wilderness and stunning views of the Himalayan landscape. It is the perfect place for hiking or mountain biking, and visitors are highly encouraged to spend at least a few days exploring the area, either on foot or bicycle. The Nub Tshona Pata Trek takes hikers up to a lake that has been considered sacred for countless generations. The Haa River is an excellent location to try out kayaking, as the water flow is not too rapid but provides a suitable level of challenge for most skill levels.
The highlights of the Haa Summer Festival are a photography competition and mountain bike race. In addition, visitors to the festival are able to stay the night in the Haa Valley in one of the many traditionally built farm houses, where they can sample the cuisine and enjoy the hospitality of the local people.