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Haa

Haa was one of the main commercial gateways until roads opened through Phuntsoling in the earlier 1960s. The historic journey of Indo-Bhutan friendship took place on this route when the Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru walked to Bhutan in the 1958.  It is one of the smallest districts in the country. After the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became Ap Chundu.

  • Wangchulo Dzong

The construction of the Wangchulo Dzong was commissioned by Gongzim Ugyen Dorji, the Grandfather of the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. The Dzong structure resembles the Wangdicholing palace in Bumthang that was the seat of the 1st and 2nd Kings. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning.

  • Dobji Dzong

11 kilometer away from Chunzom, at an altitude of 6,600 feet, Dobji Dzong is situated en-route to Haa. The Dzong was built in 1531 AD by Ngawang Chhogyal. The Dzong was built on a cliff facing the eastern wing to the narrow ravine of Pachhu-Wangchhu River. It was once one of the main centres of Drukpa Kagyudpa teachings. The Dzong is also believed to be the first model Dzong in Bhutan

  • Tagchu Goemba

The Temple is located in Lungsekha village in Isu Gewog. This hundred-year-old Temple was built by Dali Lam Sangay Gyatso who served as the abbot of Nub Dali Dzong in Tibet

  • Shekhar Drak

Shekhar Drak temple is one of the important and sacred places to visit in Haa district. It is located at the foot of a cliff with its wall melded in the rock.

  • Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo

The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo (White Temple) is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result the place came to be locally known as ‘Hay’ meaning’ surprise’ which later became ‘Haa’ due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time. The temples are both located in the tiny village of Dumchoe. Lhakhang Karpo can be distinguished by its sparkling white walls while lhakhang Nagpo is easily distinguished by its grayish black wall. The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley were called ‘Me Rig Puen Sum’ especially after the incidence of the Lhakhang Karpo construction. Today the three hills are popularly known as ‘Rig Sum Goenpa’ signijfying three deities Jambayang Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.

  • Dawakha village

Dawakha village is well known for Stone mining. This village had got lots of limestone deposits that lead to formation of many calcite caves. The spiritual cave includes Wangdue Nye, Chikar Gompa and Tashiling Gompa. This area is also known for Cantrell mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius) which grows in summer.

  • Jabana village

Jabana literally translated as the “Realm Behind” is one of the villages worth visiting. The Jabana village got its name from Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal after unifying Bhutan under one rule in the 17th century. Jaba-beteykha is the most populated region of Jabana village. It is the region where historical small fortress called Beteykha dzong exists. It is worth to visit the old water-run flourmill close to Jabana village.