Often referred to as the ‘Mother of all Animal Fairs’, The grand Sonepur ‘Mela’(Fair) is a vibrant rural fair that comes alive every year at the site of the confluence of rivers Ganges and Gandak. It also marks the advent of the holy period of Kartik Purnima (Full Moon Night). The ‘Mela’ gets underway usually in November every year and is the largest cattle fair of Asia and perhaps the world, it usually goes on for a month.

Steeped in history and mythology the fair dates its origins back to the rule of India’s first Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who used to buy elephants and horses from here for his army.

The bustling fair is filled with Street magicians, spiritual gurus, snack stalls, local handicrafts, amusement rides, circus performers, hordes of animals like Elephants, Horses, Cattle & Goats on sale, along with a virtual sea of people descending here. All this and more makes it a sight to behold.

Set amidst pristine lakes and high altitude alpine valleys the Haa summer festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Bhutanese living & culture, nomadic lifestyles, cuisine, traditional sports and religious beliefs.

The festival gives a unique insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Soak your senses in experiences of a life time- play the local sport, sample home-cooked delicacies and enjoying traditional songs and dances all while savouring the heady local liquor (Ara) which by the way no less than ‘Rocket fuel’.

Haa valley is located very close to the international airport at Paro. To get to Haa you travel for about two hours by road and cross the Chelela pass perched at an altitude of 12 139 Feet above mean sea level.