Haa
Enjoy a full day of exploration in this culturally rich valley, which is also known for being the ancestral home of the Royal grandmother. The two most important temples here are the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple), which sit at the foothills of a group of hills known as Meri Puensum. Legend has it that King Songtsen Gampo released a black and a white pigeon to select sites to build the temples, which act as guardian sentinels keeping watch over the southern entrance to the valley. Travel back towards the Cheli La Pass, which is decorated with thousands of prayer flags, and have a picnic lunch in the surrounding pine tress. As you climb the hill towards the north of the pass – out of blue pine and rhododendron forest into windswept highlands – the mountain tops will appear one by one, revealing Himalayan peaks such as the Jhomolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake (6,794m) and world’s third highest mountain Kangchenjunga (8,586m) located in Sikkim. A variety of birds can be also be seen and heard in the mountain landscape. You will then take a 45-minute hike through primeval forest from the road to Kila Goemba, one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan. The building almost to seems to suspend in mid air from the rock face, and it’s home to around 60 hardy nuns. If there’s time, perhaps practice some meditation in this place that’s been a spiritual retreat since the 9th century.
Enjoy a full day of exploration in this culturally rich valley, which is also known for being the ancestral home of the Royal grandmother. The two most important temples here are the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple), which sit at the foothills of a group of hills known as Meri Puensum. Legend has it that King Songtsen Gampo released a black and a white pigeon to select sites to build the temples, which act as guardian sentinels keeping watch over the southern entrance to the valley. Travel back towards the Cheli La Pass, which is decorated with thousands of prayer flags, and have a picnic lunch in the surrounding pine tress. As you climb the hill towards the north of the pass – out of blue pine and rhododendron forest into windswept highlands – the mountain tops will appear one by one, revealing Himalayan peaks such as the Jhomolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake (6,794m) and world’s third highest mountain Kangchenjunga (8,586m) located in Sikkim. A variety of birds can be also be seen and heard in the mountain landscape. You will then take a 45-minute hike through primeval forest from the road to Kila Goemba, one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan. The building almost to seems to suspend in mid air from the rock face, and it’s home to around 60 hardy nuns. If there’s time, perhaps practice some meditation in this place that’s been a spiritual retreat since the 9th century.
1. Walk along the Haa Chu River Side
Picturesque Haa Chu river flows right through the center of the valley. You are going to love to walk by the river side, listening the sound of water striking against stones and looking at the clouds hugging mountains around you. Views becomes even more stunning during sunrise and sunset. If you will walk a little down from the taxi stand, you will also find a very beautiful small hanging bridge. Just stand over there amid prayer flags listening to the sound of flowing water and feeling the thumping cold wind, in ensemble !!
2. Explore Rural Bhutan Culture
A little walk up from the town and you will find yourself amid Bhutan villages, while walking past the paddy fields. You will get to observe the wooden houses with unique Bhutanese architecture and walls painted with big Phallus. Bhutanese people are quite welcoming and will give you a warm smile as soon as they will see you. Children will look at you with curiosity which will transition to a chuckle as soon as you will wave at them.
Return down into the valley and back to Haa for the night.
