HAA (1000-5600MTS)​

Haa is located to the southwest of Paro and covers an area of roughly 1,706 sq. km, it is one of the smallest Dzongkhags in the country. This tiny region is one of the kingdom’s most beautiful and isolated areas, adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks. However, there are many things to do in Haa and amazing sightseeing places to visit in Haa valley.

It is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family. This valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest.

A visit to Haa allows you to delve into the age-old tradition and Nomadic Lifestyle. It takes you away from the bustle of towns into the sacred world of Mysticism, Spirituality, and Nature. Here, the modern change has been minimal; remnants of the past are evident and the connection with nature is vibrant.

It has many legends, myths, and stories to tell. As a bonus one can also come across the rare White Poppy. Or relish Hoentay ( a local delicacy in the form of a Dumpling) which is endemic to Haa and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Haa Valley, Bhutan

  1. It is one of the smallest Dzongkhag in the country.
  2. Haa is the least visited area in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest
  3. It is an alternate name for ‘hidden-land rice valley’
  4. The land is 78% covered with forest
  5. The northwest boundary of Haa meets the Tibet
  6. Alongside Buddhist practices, the Haaps also continue their old Shamanistic tradition
  7. The wooded hills here provide an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking.
  8. Haa Summer Festival is held in mid of July
  9. The famous Nub-tshonapatta Lake is located here
  10. Top things to do in Haa includes hiking, biking, and homestay

Here, check out the popular tourist sightseeing places to visit  in Haa Valley, Bhutan

Chele La Pass​

Chele La Pass is one of the highest road points in Bhutan and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It is situated at an elevation of 3,988 meters/13,084 feet between the Paro and Haa valleys. The drive to Chela La Pass from Paro is as charming as the Mountain Pass itself. Post the pass you descend and gradually enter the Haa valley. Explore Places to visit in Haa.

Drive-Up to Chele La Pass 

Your first few days of the Bhutan Tour will be steeped in culture and history. It will be good to fuse nature on your trip; take a break indulge your visual senses with some natural beauty and give yourself some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. You have the option to take a leisurely drive and carry a picnic lunch as well as a beverage of your choice. It is just over  40 km to the pass; you drive 5 km to Bondey from Paro town and take an ascending road that leads to Haa (61km) via Chelela Pass.

The Chele La pass is at a cool crisp mountain pass and your route takes you through a spectacularly lovely forest of pine, oak and rhododendrons that ablaze with blood red and pink blooms in April and May. The heady scent of daphne permeates the air and the sun-dappled – as enchanting a drive as you could have hoped for. Around 10 km from the top you can spot the Kila Nunnery perched on the opposite hillside with prayer flags lining the walking path to it and surrounding the complex. Once you cross the tree line, you are likely to come up with yaks grazing in the alpine meadows. The pass itself is marked by a multitude of prayer flags that seem to spear the intense blue skies! On a clear day, you can get a breathtaking view of Mt. Jomolhari and other Himalayan giants.

On the other side of the road descends to the remote Haa valley. There are plenty of opportunities to explore places to visit in Haa valley and other cultural experiences. 

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Karpo Lhankhang​

There are legends of the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo setting out two birds (white and black) to locate auspicious sites for the construction of temples during the 7th century. The place where the white bird landed is where the Lhakhang Karpo (meaning the white temple) was built. It has been renovated and extend recently.

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Viillages Of Haa​

The villages of Haa exudes a strong sense of the old ways. Even the obvious signs that told us that modernity has arrived are somehow subdued.

The villages of Haa are picturesque. They are quaint, charming and delightful. In the background you can feel the protective gaze of the three prominent tapering mountains, standing side by side.

Some of the beautiful villages that you can visit are Lenchunna Village,Yangthang Village and Jangangkha village. The village serves various kind of activities and attractions such as hiking,biking  village homestays, local sports and hot stone bath.

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Haa Town

Nestled in the remote and picturesque Ha Valley, the town of Ha offers a serene escape from the more frequented destinations of Bhutan. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Ha is a hidden gem that provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life.

Ha is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine rivers. The valley is surrounded by majestic mountains that provide a dramatic backdrop to the charming town, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The area is less traveled compared to Bhutan’s more prominent tourist spots, allowing for a more intimate and peaceful experience.

One of the highlights of Ha is its vibrant local market, which serves as the heartbeat of the community. Here, you can explore a variety of local produce, traditional crafts, and artisanal goods. The market is a bustling hub where locals gather to buy and sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other daily necessities. It’s also an excellent place to interact with the friendly residents and gain insights into their way of life.

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