Cultural
Western Bhutan with Haa in 8 Days
Five western valleys, two high passes and a day in quiet Haa, at a pace that leaves room to walk as well as drive.
Price on request
Western Bhutan
Haa
A small farming valley beyond Bhutan's highest road pass, opened to visitors only in 2001 and still one of the quietest corners of the west.
- Altitude
- About 2,700 m
- How long to stay
- A day trip from Paro, or one night
- Region
- Western Bhutan
Haa lies one ridge west of Paro, and the ridge is the point of the journey. The road climbs through forest to Chele La at 3,988 m, where prayer flags cover the hillside and, in clear weather, Jomolhari stands to the north. Then it winds down into a narrow valley of stone farmhouses, barley and buckwheat fields.
There is no long list of sights here, which is why people like it. Two old temples, the White and the Black, sit at the foot of three hills the valley holds sacred. The rest is walking between villages, a farmhouse lunch, and a valley that sees a small share of the visitors Paro does.
Haa works as a long day trip from Paro or, better, as a night that lets you cross the pass early while the mountains are clear.
What to see and do in Haa
- Chele La
- The pass between Paro and Haa at 3,988 m. Short walks along the ridge start from the road.
- Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo
- The White Temple and the Black Temple, a short walk apart at the foot of the valley's three sacred hills. The Haa Tshechu is held at Lhakhang Karpo.
- Kila Goenpa
- A nunnery built into the cliffs on the Paro side of Chele La, reached by a forest path from the road.
- Village walks and farmhouse meals
- Easy paths link the villages along the valley floor.
Planning your visit
- Best time to visit
April to June, when the pass is in flower, and September to November for the views. The Haa Tshechu is in autumn (6 to 8 November 2027 on the official tentative list). Chele La can close briefly after winter snow.
- Getting there
About 60 km and two hours from Paro over Chele La. A lower road follows the river out to the Thimphu highway, so the visit can be made as a loop.
Tours and treks
Trips that visit Haa
Cultural
Bumthang and the Haa Valley in 11 Days
By road to the temples of Bumthang and back, then over Chele La for a night in quiet Haa before the Tiger's Nest.
Price on request
Tell us how you like to travel
A few lines are enough: when, how long, and what draws you to Bhutan. We answer with a suggested route and what it would cost.
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