The Haa Valley
The unspoilt Haa Valley is located close to Paro and offers a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass, Bhutan's highest road, and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley. Explore the local monastery, have a picnic and return to Paro.
Area
Paro
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
The Haa Valley was only opened to tourists in 2002, and as such is relatively unspoilt. Drive up to the Chele Pass which at 3988m is the highest road pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, you will have amazing views of Mt Jhololhari. You then have the option of jumping on bikes and free-wheeling down to the Haa Valley (rental costs apply). The main Dzong in the Haa Valley is occupied by the Indian Army, but it is worth wandering through the local market and have a picnic lunch on the banks of the river. The Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) is worth visiting, as is the Black Temple. You then return back over the pass, and maybe jump on the bikes again to return down to the Paro Valley.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourEpic Bhutan
This slow-paced itinerary introduces you to one of Asia’s slightly more unusual destinations…the relatively unknown Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, revered for its precariously positioned hilltop monasteries and ancient fortresses, as well as its dramatic mountain landscapes. Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty whilst staying at some of the best properties around.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationAmankora Paro
Amankora Paro is beautifully set into the forest and delivers some breathtaking views. Traditional in design with carved wooden roofs, white wash walls and wood clad interiors.
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View AccommodationZhiwaling Heritage
Zhiwa Ling is located just outside of Paro in Bhutan and is close to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Zhiwa Ling is noted for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and offers international standards of service and rooms.
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View AccommodationSix Senses Paro
Situated high in Paro Valley, perched above The National Museum of Bhutan, Six Senses Paro offers beautiful views over the surrounding forested peaks and is sympathetically designed, incorporating the 16th century ruins that it sits.
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View AccommodationSix Senses Punakha
Taking inspiration from the terraced farms of Punakha's valley, Six Senses Punakha is an elegant rustic retreat with excellent spas, dining and service.
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View AccommodationNaksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a simple, yet charming hotel located about ten minutes above the Paro Valley in Bhutan, blending Bhutanese architecture with modern facilities. Naksel offers superb views of Mt Jumolhari and Tiger's Nest Monastery.
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View AccommodationCOMO Uma Paro
COMO Uma Paro set in the stunning Paro Valley is one of the best hotels in Bhutan. Blending Bhutanese architecture with stylish interiors, COMO Uma Paro offers a perfect base to start a tour of Bhutan for spending a longer period in Paro.
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View AccommodationSix Senses Thimphu
Hugged by lush green forest on Thimphu's steep valley, Six Senses Thimphu blends spectacular view, rustic luxury and relatively easy access from Bhutan's capital.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDressing up in traditional Bhutanese dress
Anyone who works in Bhutan must wear traditional national dress, and you can have the chance to dress up for a few hours to see how it feels. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it!
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View ExperienceZurig Lhakhang Hike & Archery
Hike through the scenic Paro Valley, visit historic Buddhist fortresses and try your hand at Bhutan's national sports - archery.
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View ExperienceParo Sunday Market
If you are in Paro on a Sunday then absolutely visit the local market. See a variety of vegetables on offer from 0630 until about 1000, and you can then see the archery ground following your visit.
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View ExperienceParo Dzong & National Museum
The Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong as it is otherwise called, looms above the town of Paro. On the hill above the Dzong in the former watchtower you can visit the National Museum.
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View ExperienceKyichu Lhakhang
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century and constructed by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.
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View ExperienceFarmhouse Visit & Home-Cooked Dinner
Visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to 7th century before meeting with local community members in a nearby farmhouse to enjoying a home-cooked dinner.
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View ExperienceDay Trip to Chelela Pass and Hike Kila Goenpa
Chele La Pass is known to be the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and provides wonderful views over Ha Valley and Paro District, which you have the chance to view today before taking a scenic hike and visit to Kila Nunnery.
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View ExperienceTiger's Nest Monastery
The Tiger's Nest Monastery is spectacular; legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Set off for the 2-hour walk to the viewpoint before continuing onto the Monastery.
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