The Haa Valley is one of the best lesser known valleys in Bhutan to visit, having only opened to tourism in 2002. It is hidden above Paro and the development of hotels has been banned for now in an effort to retain its rustic old world charms.
Although very close, the Haa Valley has not been developed in the same way as Paro and here you will get a feel for the more traditional way of life that is more commonly seen in the eastern part of the country. We love this valley for its picturesque scenery, a sense of utter peace and excellent hiking.
Haa is accessed by day trip from Paro (2 hours each way), or alternatively, I recommend staying at Sonam Zing Haa. This family run guesthouse is as characterful as it gets in Bhutan, offering a fantastic and colourful place to stay with friendly staff and quant location in the middle of the town.
The drive to the Haa valley crosses the 3,988m Chele-la pass, from where you have superb views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey in winter. From here, Western Bhutan is laid out before you with the unspoilt Haa valley and the mountains of Sikkim to the west, Jhomalhari and Tibet to the north and the patchwork fields of the Paro valley down to the east.