Lhakhang Karpo, the bastion of Haa valley’s revered guardian deity, Ap Chhundu is one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo during 7th century. Lhakhang Karpo literally translates to ‘White temple’ and according to local legend, black & white pigeons were released to select the site of the temple and white pigeon landed at the foothills of three towering mountains worshipped as Rigsum Gonpa and is where lhakhang stands today. Built mainly to protect the southern entrance of Haa valley, the Lhakhang houses the main seat of Haa’s guardian deity Ap Chhundu.

Situated in Dumchoe village, the temple was established in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that when in search of auspicious locations for two temples, King Songtsen Gampo released black and white pigeons, the black pigeon landed little north to white pigeon where Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple) stands today thus temple got its name. Its inner shrine houses the statue of Jowo Sakyamuniadorned with lovely crown and jewels while outer chapel holds a shrine to red-faced protector Drakdu Tsen.

Located in westernmost part of Bhutan, Haa valley is blessed by presence of Meri Puensum, three small mountains symbolizing Manjushri (God of Knowledge), Avalotiteshvara (God of Compassion) and Vajrapani (God of Power). These three brother hills standing equal in height without touching one another present breath-taking views like heap of flour in the middle of valley and are a unique landmark of Haa valley.

It is one of the several shrines dedicated to the protective deity of Haa valley, Ap Chhundu. The chapel is a five-minute walk down a concrete path below Lechuna village.

Drive for about three kilometres (20 minutes) from Haa town to Yangthang village (2,770m) from where the hike starts. This beautiful, charming village is hub for various tourism attractions & activities such as archery and local sports at its picturesque ground, village walks, biking trails and centre for homestays / farm stays and camp sites. 

Yangthang – Hatey day hike provides a rich cultural & natural exposure walking along the riverbank of calm Haa Chhu (river). This hiking trail is in fact on one of the famous trade routes with Tibet used by people of Haa valley, in olden days.  

This hike also provides opportunity for the visitors to virtually walk on the footsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India who came to Haa valley through same trail, crossing Tibet on foot before continuing journey to Paro and Thimphu. This day walk along the river is on the same historical route that he followed.

Time: approx. 4 hours exploration

This fascinating hike commences from Bali village which used to be known as Bayul (land of monpas). The village houses Bali Lhakhang (temple) built during the 8th century by King Thrisong Detshen of Tibet which is the starting point of the hike. It is a pleasant walk via pine forests filled with lovely flowers and also provides opportunity to explore beautiful villages and to see semi-permanent cowsheds, cow milking, churning milk to produce butter and cheese ball. Picnic lunch can be enjoyed in the meadow above Kadam chorten. The end point, Katsho goenpa, dedicated to Guru Rimpoche is highly sacred monastery founded by Lama Choying Gyatsho and it holds a monastic school also. Every year, a hundred million recitation is held here from the beginning of the 30th day of the twelfth month and continue until the 20th day of the first month.

Time: approx. 4 hours exploration

The picturesque village of Yangthang is located about 3km from Haa town and acts as hub for various tourism activities and attractions such as hike to Yangto goenpa, Gemtey goenpa and Tshenka goenpa, biking excursion to Haa town and Damthang, experiencing village homestays, local sports and hot stone bath. The village is also bordered by beautiful campsites.

Jangkhakha is an open beautiful meadow near the farm road and located only few metres away from Yangthang village. This site is a fascinating campsite and importantly at same place prayers and offerings to Ap Chundu (the protective deity of Haa valley and Paro) are made. These celebrations (locally known as the birthday celebration) in honor of Ap Chundu are offered annually during the 10th month of the Bhutanese calander. Once an appropriate date is fixed by astrologers, people form the long traditional procession from the glorious Lhakhang Karpo and proceed to the meadow to make sacrificial offerings every year.

Jangkhakha is also the centre of various tourism activities and attractions like nature walk, hike to Jamtoe goenpa and Yangto goenpa, bird watching, butterfly tour, picnic, mountain biking. Haa – Paro Sagala trek and Chelela trek also begins from Jangkhakha.  

Begin your walk through the lower village of Lechnua and continue on down to the Haa Chhu (river) before crossing a quaint wooden bridge. From here the walk to Jamte goenpa is gradual ascent taking about 1.5 hour through pristine forest which later opens up to the village. Visit the monastery which is more than 300 years old followed by visit to a village house. The view of southern Haa valley can be enjoyed best from here. Then we take a seldom used animal track that connects on to the main trail after an hour’s walk. Continue onto Chumpa bridge to stop for picnic lunch beside the river. After lunch, we walk slowly through the beautiful Chuma village taking time to see the villagers at work and even have some interaction with them.  Walking along the village path, we reach to motorable road and drive on to our lodge.

Time: approx. 4 hours exploration

A picturesque nature trail of about an hour from Yangthang village leads to Yangto goenpa. The route also provide opportunity to witness village life, visiting farms and experiencing lifestyle of Haaps (people of Haa valley). According to legend, the monastery was founded by Lama Thinley Gyatsho, the great disciple of Lama Drakpa Gyatsho, a renowned Buddhist master of 17th century. It’s a two storeyed structure with an Avalokiteshvara shrine at the lower level and a shrine of Dhrmakaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya and the shrine of the lama at upper level. Every year a hundred million recitation ceremony is held here during the first month of the Bhutanese calendar.

This one-day hiking trail covers a distance of eleven kilometres in about five hours and overlooks four major monasteries of upper Haa: Yangthang, Katsho, Dranadingkha and Takchu Goenpas. The hike could either start from Yangthang Goenpa or Wangtsa village through thick pine coverings and provides bird’s eye view of Haa valley, gently ascending up to an altitude of 3,150 metres.

Nestled within the tranquil beauty of Haa valley lies Yangthang Goemba, a monastery steeped in history dating back to the 14th century. Constructed by the visionary Lam Thinley Jamtsho, this sacred sanctuary holds a captivating tale of an extraordinary flower. Legend whispers that a devout disciple, on his quest for alms, brought back two rare flowers, planting them in different spots. Sadly, one withered away. Yet, guided by a dream, he determined that the surviving flower was destined for the grounds where the temple now stands. It is said to blossom on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Lunar calendar.

Nestled on the southern slope of Avalokiteshvara Hill within the picturesque Haa Valley, Shelkar Drak Lhakhang stands as a modest sanctuary akin to the renowned Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Its architecture seamlessly melds with the natural contours of the cliffside, earning it the moniker "Shelkar Drak," which translates to "white crystal cliff" in homage to its whitewashed facade and organic integration with the rocky surroundings. While the precise age of this sacred site remains elusive, historical records indicate its significance as a haven for spiritual luminaries, including Choglay Jigme Tenzin, the sixth Sungtrul of Bhutan's revered unifier, Zhabdrung Rinpoche.

Legend intertwines with history within the confines of Shelkar Drak Lhakhang, where the echoes of devotion resonate through tales of wonder. Within its sanctum, inaccessible to the lens of cameras, rests a venerable statue of Dorje Dzinpa, the guardian deity revered for its protective presence. Local lore weaves a tapestry of miraculous occurrences, from the mystical sight of juniper smoke unfurling without flame to the palpable vibrations of a stupa in response to earnest supplications.

Thus, Shelkar Drak Lhakhang stands not only as a physical edifice but also as a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Bhutan, where the ethereal and the earthly intertwine in a dance of reverence and wonder.

In the 19th century, Lama Choney Dorji laid the foundation of Katsho Goemba in the serene expanse of Haa Valley, guided by a prophetic vision that beckoned him to this sacred site. Inspired by a dream where the heavens shimmered with celestial brilliance, he christened the location "Kartsho," signifying the starlit expanse that inspired his spiritual journey.

Originally a towering two-story structure, Katsho Goemba faced the tragic fate of two devastating fires around half a century ago, reducing it to its present form as a single-story sanctuary. Despite these trials, it remains a beacon of faith and devotion in the valley. Within its hallowed halls, devotees pay homage to Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara), venerating their timeless wisdom and compassion.

Katsho Goemba holds a significant place along the renowned Panorama Hiking Trail of Haa, an 11-kilometer trek that commences at Yangthang Goemba, winds through the spiritual enclave of Katsho Goemba, and culminates at the revered Juney Dra Monastery. This trail not only offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape but also serves as a pilgrimage of the soul, traversing sacred sites imbued with centuries of spiritual resonance.
 

Perched atop Avalokitshvara Hill within the three mountains (Mi Ri Phuensum) of Haa valley, Takchu Monastery holds deep historical and cultural significance. Serving as the primary seat of Vaishravana, the Lord of Wealth, the monastery is affectionately known as Takchu Goenpa, symbolizing a continuous flow of blessings in both material prosperity and spiritual teachings.

Constructed in the 14th century as a defensive bastion against potential northern threats, Takchu Goenpa stands as a testament to Bhutan's rich heritage. Beyond its protective purpose, the monastery offers visitors a captivating vista of Jomolhari mountain. As one of Bhutan's tallest peaks, Jomolhari's majestic presence enhances the already awe-inspiring scenery.

Takchu Goenpa remains a bastion of cultural and spiritual legacy, inviting visitors to delve into its historical significance while reveling in the natural beauty of Jomolhari's summit. This holistic experience promises to enrich the soul and captivate the senses, offering a profound journey through Bhutan's spiritual and natural wonders.