Bhutan: Haa Valley 10 Fun things you must do

Haa Valley is one of the most remote parts on the tourist circuit while travelling around Bhutan. If you have the time make sure you end up going to Haa Valley, you definitely won’t regret the extra miles to visit one of the most scenic places in all of Bhutan. 

-> Haa Valley Black temple (Lhakhang Nagpo)

A short drive or a ten-minute walk north of the Lhakhang Karpo is the Lhakhang Nagpo (the black temple). The local legend goes that this is the spot that the black pigeon chose. Built on top of a lake, the Lhakhang Nagpo owes its name to its dark appearance in the middle of a lush green forest. The temple is nicely painted in black and exhibits deep horizontal slits of red and white. The dark and mysterious Lhakhang Nagpo is a representation of the tantric procedures prevalent in the valley. It’s where the guardian deity Da Do Chen sits.

-> White temple (Lhakhang Karpo)

White temple in Haa Valley

The white temple is commonly known as Rigsum Gonpo among the locals and is more of a grand callosum in appearance when you first walk through the grand doors. The architecture of the entire place is typically Bhutanese both from the inside and outside. In the evenings, the light around the temple makes it a delight to the eye and a beautiful spectacle for visitors. It’s a perfect piece of art to try out the night mode on your camera. 

-> Go kart 

Yes, you can actually go-kart in Haa valley. The Indian army has set up a small track around 150-200 meters and it’s very affordable at just ₹500 for 10 laps. It’s something definitely worth trying since not many places this high in the world will have a place where you can go-karting. 

-> Indian Army cafe 

The Indian Army has one of the only fast food joints in all of Haa valley. Serving even slice cake, this canteen turned cafe is an excellent place to stock up on some light munchies for the rest of your time at Haa Valley. 

-> Take a evening stroll 

Evenings in the valley can get boring is you plan to sit in your room. So move out and take a stroll walk through the lanes of the village and discover the simple village life first hand. Meet some friendly locals and hear the sound of nature with the wind, the birds and the occasional yak or cow that passes your way.

-> Play with the kids 

The kids in Bhutan are shy but once their trust is gained, they will be more than happy to include you in their games. This will definitely bring back your childhood memories. It’s fun to randomly take a trip down memory lane and actually relive the same in person while on holiday in another country. 

-> Stone hot bath 

Pretty must the most hyped thing in Haa valley, you’ll read and hear all about it, the minute you decide to travel to Haa valley. The stone steam hot bath which is actually worth the hype comes at a steep price. But your body will feel fresh like a baby’s and you’ll be as good as new for the rest of the journey. You won’t even need a massage even after you are back home.

-> Home stay 

The best way to experience the valley is by living in the house of one of the locals. The family home stays in the Haa valley are very basic in terms of amenities but are high on experience. You’ll understand how the people in Bhutan have managed to claim the title of the happiest people on earth. By just living a day with them your entire perspective of life will be altered. If you’re going to be stopping over at Haa valley, make sure you spend a night in a homestay and not a hotel.

-> Local cuisine 

The home food prepared in these homestays and even the other restaurants in Haa valley are very basic and limited only to their traditional food. Ema Datshi (chicken or beef), momos, Phaksha Paa (Pork with Red Chilies) are must-eats. For breakfast, their homemade pancakes clubbed with butter tea will definitely stuff you till lunchtime.  

-> Interact with monks

Owing to its remoteness, Haa valley has been home to numerous monk schools. Since the place is still very much in its early days with tourist, it’s kind of the perfect place if you’re looking to catch a conversation with the monks without having them run away from you. 

–>For a similar experience,>>Click here

–>To plan a trip to Asia,>>Click here