Haa is a prestige to western Bhutan with its charming beauty and tranquility. Haa valley is the smallest district in the country, this tiny region is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the Kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forest and tranquil mountain peaks.
The altitude at Haa ranges from 1000 to 5600m above sea level, which is a massive climb in the elevation and as one travels to Haa from Thimphu or Paro they can experience the steady ascend across the mountains. The Haa valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country of which provides ideal location for hiking and mountain biking.
There are more than 13,000 households in the valley and of which is home to number of nomadic herders and hosts an annual summer festival that showcases their unique lifestyle and culture. In which you will get to immerse yourself into the tradition and unchanged lifestyle of ancient nomadic Bhutanese.
The main crops grown in the valley are rice, wheat and barley, other cash crops such as potatoes, apples and chilies are also grown by farmers on the valley floor. One of the most popular dishes in Haa is the Haapi Hoenta which is a must try when in Haa. It is just like the Momo (Dumpling) with the only difference that they are made out of buckwheat doe and healthy filling of leafy greens, chilies and cheese. Tantric practices are a very common scenario at Haa and in the past animal sacrifices were practiced there but after the intervention of the eminent Padmasambhava there was shift in those paradigms.
Some of the places of attraction that is a must see in Haa are venues like the Haa Dzong, Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakang Nagpo, local farm houses, hiking and biking and many more. Haa is the destination for a nature lover with its gorgeous natural setting and rural feel even in the town areas. Those who are not even nature photographer become one when they visit Haa valley.
Chelela Pass
Haa Dzong
Lhakhang Karpo