Haa Tour: The Valley Of The Guardian Spirit

Wangchulo Dzong:

The construction of the Wangchulo Dzong was commissioned by Gongzim Ugyen Dorji, the Grandfather of the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. The Dzong structure resembles the Wangdicholing palace in Bumthang which was the seat of the 1st and 2nd Kings.

Dobji Dzong:

This is another fortress in the Haa valley. The fortress is located 11 kilometres away from Chunzom towards Haa proper and was built in the 16th century by a Tibetan Lam Nawang Chogyal. The five-storied fortresses are perched on a hilltop and flanked by a hair-raising ravine descending to the basin of the Pachu-Wangchu. It was once one of the main centres of Drukpa Kagyudpa teachings, the state religion of the country. From the fortress, one can view the lush green forests of Chhukha Dzongkhag with the highway running across it.

Tagchu Goemba:

This hundred-year-old temple was founded by Dali Lam Sangay Gyatso who served as the abbot of Nub Dali Dzong in Tibet. People believe that the temple is thus modelled on the lines of the Nub Dali Dzong. It is located in Lungsekha village in Isu gewog.

Shekhar Drak:

A place of importance in the valley is the Shekhar Drak temple that is ensconced at the foot of a cliff with its walls melded in the rock. A visit to the temple will be truly a spiritually fluffing one.

Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo:

Explore the two great temples namely the White (Lhakhang Karpo) and the Black (Lhakhang Nagpo). The temples are both located in the tiny village of Dumchoe. Lhakhang Karpo can be distinguished by its sparkling white walls while Lhakhang Nagpo is easily distinguished by its greyish black wall. The temples are both located in the foothills of the three towering identical mountains venerated as Rigsum Gonpo. Mesmerise yourself with the stories of how the temples and the mountains were formed.

They represent the essence of Wisdom, Knowledge and Subjugation. Maybe you can draw your own parables here. The people of Haa have a tradition of going on pilgrimage to the temples and you can join the pilgrims on foot.

Summer Festival:

The Summer festival at Ha valley is an annual festival where you get an opportunity to explore the Alpine valley which is a favourite haunt of nature lovers with lakes and mountains. You also get an opportunity to participate in the nomadic lifestyles of the Haaps and feel the experience of ancient Bhutan besides savouring the delicacies of the Haaps, especially the Haapi Hoentoe, a dumpling. You may also take rides on Yaks and horses back and compete in the traditional game of Khuru, archery and Soksum and try hitting the bull’s eye.

You may also share a night or so in the traditionally built farmhouses and experience the true essence of cultural exposure. We can design tours that will allow you to experience farming of the valley’s staple crops of wheat, potatoes, barley, millet and ample green vegetables. Trekking will reveal the legends of Nob Tsonapatra (highland lakes) and yak herders' livelihood. We present the best of Haa during the Summer Festival and other festivals as listed here.