Haa, Bhutan: travel guide
A quiet Himalayan valley of white and black temples near Tibet
A quiet, less-visited valley near the Tibetan border, opened to tourism relatively recently. Known for the Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo temples and the annual Haa Summer Festival.
About Haa
Haa is a high, quiet valley in western Bhutan, close to the Tibetan border and opened to tourism comparatively recently. Pine forests, grazing meadows and small villages fill the valley floor, and the pace of life is slow.
The Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) are the valley's best-known sights, standing near one another beneath the hills. Juneydrak Hermitage clings to a cliff above the valley, and Katsho Goemba adds another temple stop. Haa also holds an annual summer festival that celebrates local culture and food.
The valley suits walkers, cyclists and anyone who prefers a calm stay to a checklist of sights. Spring to autumn is the usual window for visiting Haa, with cooler air than the lower valleys.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
Last updated
Top places to visit in Haa
Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
lhakhang · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic "White Temple" at the foot of the Rigsum Gonpo hills in the Haa valley, traditionally dated to the 7th century; a serene complex with classic Bhutanese woodwork.
Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple)
temple · 4.8 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Bhutan's oldest temples, a quiet sacred site a short scenic walk above the White Temple in the Haa valley.
Juneydrak Hermitage
monastery · 4.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Cliffside hermitage above Haa reached by a short steep hike from Katsho, holding the sacred footprint of Machig Labdron, with spectacular valley views.
Katsho Goemba
monastery · 5.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop monastery on the Haa Panorama Trail with wonderful views over Haa town; the trailhead for the Juneydrak hike.
Things to do
- Haa Panorama Trail Hike Hiking · 3 h
Where to stay in Haa
- Haa Town
Quiet valley settlement for homestays and a few small hotels, off the main tourist trail.
Hotels
- Ugyen Homestay 3-star
- Haa Heritage Hotel 3-star
- Hotel Lhayul 3-star
- Nguyen Homestay, Haa Valley 3-star
Where to eat
- Pelden Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 250 per person
- Hoentay Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 250 per person
- Bathup Point Bhutanese, Fast Food · about BTN 250 per person
- Blue Pine Restaurant Bhutanese, Indian · about BTN 250 per person
Getting to Haa
Nearest airport: Paro (PBH), about 14 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Walking
More in Bhutan
Frequently asked questions about Haa
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Haa?
- The highest-rated places in our Haa guide are Katsho Goemba, Juneydrak Hermitage, Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).
- Where should I stay in Haa?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Haa: Haa Town.
- How do I get around Haa?
- Ways to get around Haa covered in our guide: Car with driver, Walking.