Haa Valley
Haa is known for being the traditional home for the Royal Queen Grandmother and the famous Dorji family. Nomadic herdsmen and tribal in Haaorganise a famous Haa summer festival that provides a nice opportunity for exploring village life.
Surrounded by mountains and vast grasslands, Haa valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan.
This serene place is filled with tradition. People here follow the traditions said by 8th Guru Padmasambhava which can be seen in the local traditions and festivals.
The ride to HAA Valley involves crossing the stunning Chele La Pass which offers great views of Mount Chomolhari and JichuDrakey. Bhutan’s choicest biking trails, village trails and walking tours are organised around this region. But there is little capacity for shopping and fine dining. However, Haa valley is home to one of Bhutan’s finest weaver communities so collecting textiles can be on your agenda here.
Chele La pass
Two hour’s drive from Paro will take you to Chele La pass, which is the highest motorable pass of Bhutan. The pass connects Paro to the lesser known valley of Bhutan, known as the Haa Valley. At an elevation of 13000 ft, get mesmerized at the stunning mountain views and the green valley down. The route towards the pass is through lush valleys, pine and rhododendron forest. If the weather permits, on a clear day you can enjoy the stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake from Chele La pass.
White and the Black temples (Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Ngapo)
The Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Ngapo stand at the base of the Meri Phuensum mountains or the three brothers mountains who are symbolic of the 3 protectors of the valley; Vajrapani,Manjushri and Avaloketeshwara.
White temple (Lhakhang Karpo)
The Lhakang Karbo is popularly known as the white temple and it is a seat for embodying the true Buddhist values of kindness and Dharma. Life at Lhakhang Karpo is believed to be a gentle passage to the liberating realm of death. This temple was built in 7th century during the reign of Emperor Songstan Gampo. The temple is a big one and is home to Haa’s monastic order.
Black Temple (Lhakhang Nagpo)
It was built roughly during the same time as White temple. The dark and mysterious black temple represents the tantric procedures that are so rampant in the valley. Locals believe that the black temple stands on top of an invisible lake. The building is starkly painted in black with deep horizontal gashes of white and red.
Haa Wangchuklo Dzong
Haa Wangchuklo Dzong is different as it has been built squarely on the Valley floor between the mountains that dividHaa Valley from Paro to the east and west. The Dzong was built as an administrative center for the royal government. Built in the year 1915, it’s an interesting place. Standing in the midst of lush greenery this beautifully painted building is worth of spending few hours walking and admiring the very presence of it.