A cosy little region in Bhutan’s Haa District, the Haa Valley is a scenic viewpoint taken right out of a picture postcard. It is sometimes called the ‘Hidden Land Rice Valley’ and, luckily, is not frequented by large crowds of tourists, allowing ample enjoyment of the surroundings. This is mainly due to the fact that until 2001, the valley was closed to visitors in the region. Now that it is open to outsiders, there has been a steady trickle of intrigued sightseers entering the valley. A place of stunning landscapes and rustic charm, no trip to Bhutan can be considered complete without visiting the Haa Valley.
Although the valley is small in size, it is home to an array of monasteries and temples. Two of the more famous temples in the Haa Valley can be found in the tiny village of Dumchoe. These are the Black Temple, also called Lhakhang Nagpo; and the White Temple, which is called Lhakhang Karpo. The two temples are located side by side and were built sometime during the seventh century AD. The Haa Gonpa, a temple situated deeper into the valley has also become quite popular.
The best time to visit the Haa Valley is during the summer time, as that is when the valley comes alive with various celebrations. As part of the festivities, tourists can take part in a variety of activities such as archery, yak riding and other traditional sports. The valley also has plenty of spots suitable for biking and trekking. Visitors will definitely enjoy the many activities available at the Haa Valley and are sure to leave with fond memories of the place.
Bhutan may not be very large in size but it is packed full of interesting places to see. Taking advantage of the various Bhutan tour packages is the ideal option for travellers who want to make the best use of their time. The Uma Bhutan is a quality option for a Bhutan hotel that offers tour packages in addition to great accommodation. Their hotel in Paro is surrounded by tree-covered mountains and is situated just a short distance away from many of the country’s cultural attractions. Offering all the modern conveniences, guests are sure to enjoy their stay here.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.
