Haa treks
A little used trek route in the remote Haa valley with 2 nights in camp
This morning we will drive to the Chele La pass about 45 minutes from Paro. Chele La, at 3800m, has views of Mount Jomolhari to the north as well as down to the Haa valley, weather permitting. Walk down the hill towards Kila Gompa, a nunnery inhabited by about 30 nuns, and then on past to another temple called Gorina Lhakhang where there is a small monk residence. Your car will collect you and you can continue a further 2 – 2.5 hours to Haa town. Haa has only recently opened to tourists and the town is still very small – as yet there are only one or two basic restaurants and local lodges and no tourist hotels, so the area remains quite remote. From Haa you can walk or drive to Katso village and from there you can visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. This evening you can prepare for your trek and anything you don’t want to carry with you will be stored safely for your return.
Overnight in Haa
HAA TREK DAY 1: Drive about 30 minutes from Haa town to Puduna Village in the east of Haa valley to begin the trek. Walk gently uphill through Puduna village and then continue through pine and rhododendrons forest. After approximately one hour you reach Pajakha village. Continue to Chuzokha Lhakhang (temple) for few hours where you can stop for a picnic lunch and visit the Lhakhang, believed to have been founded in the 17th century. From here continue to climb for a few more hours through fir and hemlock forests to Sungzikha where you camp for the night at approximately 3600m. Total walking time 5 – 6 hours.
Overnight in camp
HAA TREK DAY 2: Sungzikha to E-lukha. Start your trek by climbing for about one hour to Labokha, from where there are views of Mount Jomolhari and the Himalayas. From Labokha you walk walk along the ridge, a mixture of ascents and descents to Thimphu Ri. From here you should still be able to see Jomolhari and down into the Haa Valleyon one side, with the Nobtsonapata range on the other side. Cross the Shamu La at around 4100 m then descend about one hour to camp at E-lukha at around 3700m. Total walking time 6 – 7 hours.
Overnight in camp
HAA TREK DAY 3: E-lukha to Haa. Today the trail is mostly downhill through a variety of different vegetation. This is also a good area to spot birds. Your driver will meet you in Haa town. Total walking time 5 – 6 hours. Late afternoon, return to Paro for the night.
Overnight in Paro.
