Things to know about Haa Valley in Bhutan and a must-visit place in 2024!

Haa Valley is the place where you go following angels or escaping demons, and when you are there already you wake up to some of the most surreal landscapes ever. Haa Valley, nestled in the Himalayan land in Bhutan, is where nature looks its unimaginable best. There are many things to know about Haa Valley in Bhutan and go through the same in detail below-

The Valley is a nestled heaven connecting Paro, Chhukha, and Samtse districts of Bhutan. Located at 13 miles distance from the disputed India-China border in Doklam, this place holds a vital position stretching over 1700 sq km. It was in the year 2002 when it was made available to the public, yet the valley still does not have too many movements. You can reach the valley from the nearest town of Paro easily. Truly a notch above the rest, the Haa Valley takes you through to the enchanting place beyond mountains in Bhutan where the world is so quiet and light is natural. There are various things to know about the Haa Valley. You can know about them in detail in the below sections.

Haa Valley: About

Haa town is known for its old traditions and rituals. With its less populated valley region, this place gives you the tranquillizing feel like a fewer place in the world. Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) from the 7th-century rest in the foothills of the Meri Puensum mountains.

The valley is located in close vicinity to Doklam or Zhoglam – a plateau enveloped by Tibet’s Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan’s Haa Valley to the east and India’s Sikkim state to the west. This place is of vital importance to India and China and the armies of both the nation were in news because of the 73-day-long military standoff in Doklam. Talking about the way of life, the valley and surroundings reflect the Shamanistic rituals.

To reach the valley by road you need to traverse Chele-la Pass at 3988 meters. It is from the valley that you get to feast on the beautiful views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. Haa is strategically important for India because of its close proximity near the Indo-Tibet border. The IMTRAT (Indian Military Training Teams) also has its base in the Haa town which is a critical position for India.

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Haa Valley: Best time to visit

You can visit Haa Valley from October to November when the weather is pleasant. You can get the finest view of Mt. Jomolhari and the snow-covered surroundings during Autumn. The weather during this time is moderate and perfect for a hike in the valley. You will have the time of your life here and will not be disheartened by the bevvy of activities that you will come across in this region.

Haa Valley: How to reach

There are various ways by which you can reach Haa Valley. A few of them are listed below. Take a brief look and you can choose according to your convenience.

By air: Paro Airport is the nearest airport you can reach Haa Valley by plane. Paro international airport is 65 kilometres far from the valley. Cabs are easily available from the airport and this will take around 1 hour 50 minutes to reach Haa Valley by road.

By bus: Direct cabs are accessible from Phuentsholing to Haa Valley. You can also reach by cab or private vehicle from Thimpu in 4 hours approximately. There are local buses running from Thimpu and Paro to Haa Valley on fixed days. Thimpu is around 114 kilometres from Haa Valley.

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Haa Valley: Things to do

Haa valley is popular for its remarkable outdoors which makes it a hikers pleasure. The rich green surroundings and architectures from ancient times are just too good to wonder. Go on a Poppy trail, live in a homestay, pray at a monastery, or taste some of the most delectable local cuisines, Haa Valley offers a lot to the nomad. Below are some more things to do.

• Go hiking to the Buddhist temples
• Take a hike to Haa Chu Riverside
• Experience the rich Bhutan culture
• Go on a Poppy trail in the valley

Haa Valley: Places to visit

With the kind of tranquillity that Haa Valley is surrounded, you cannot just get over its enthralling charm. The place is offered with stunning nature and a lot of tiny temples and gompas from ancient times. You can expect simple joys of life in the seamless trace farms mentioned below –

• Haa Gompa
• The Black and White Temple Temples
• Dumchung Dzong
• Has Samarpudung
• Yangthong Gompa
• Gyechu Lhakhang/ Chhundu Lhakhang
• Juneydrak Hermitage
• Katsho Gompa

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Haa Valley: Top 4 places to stay

One of the major things to know about Haa Valley is that this place has limited stay options to choose from! Hence you must plan a stay in advance before heading there. These stays are special because of their picture-postcard location, beautiful outdoors, and comfortable feel. We have listed down the top 4 for places to stay.

Risum Resort

Risum Resort is situated near a picturesque village called Wangtsa at an elevation of 2,700 metres (8856 feet) above the sea level. It has a majestic view of Haa Wangchuk Lo Dzong and the sacred site with its three ridges known as Meri Puensum. The name means “The Three Brothers of the Hills” in local myth, represents the three great Bodhisattva (Manjusri, Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani).

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge is a remarkable and immaculately renovated farmhouse. It is located in the village of Hatey. The lodge combines culture with modern comfort. Customary paintings, earthen walls, and ancient timber balance the comfortable bedding, heated rooms, and modern bathrooms to create an unforgettable atmosphere for all our guests. You will be able to fill the warm hospitality during your stay here.

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Lechuna Heritage Lodge

Lechuna Heritage Lodge is the most attractive farmhouses in Bhutan. The lodge is located in the smallest district of Bhutan with a population of just twenty thousand. It is located at an altitude of 2960m. The farmhouse is positioned in the picturesque village of Lechu. The village has a group of two-storey traditional houses. The staff is pleasant to talk to here.

Nguyen Homestay

Staying at Nguyen Homestay will provide you with a truly memorable experience. It is one of the best homestays in Bhutan in terms of cleanliness and facilities offered by the accommodation. You will get Butter tea and biscuits, in addition to many local delicacies such as dumplings. The guests also will feel the utmost warmth at this place.

Mountains are nature’s most unbelievable art! For they welcome you to grand landscapes and unique sights. After having read about things to know about Haa Valley, this valley must be on your itinerary when you are planning a trip to Bhutan with Pickyourtrail. We will help you with customise tour packages for your favourite destination and for further info please refer to our guides page. We are also available on Whatsapp.