When is the best time to visit Haa?

By Risum Resort

Spring and autumn: the best seasons for Haa

Haa is one of Bhutan's quietest, least-visited and most beautiful valleys, and it can be enjoyed at any time of year. That said, if you are here for touring and hiking, spring and autumn are the finest seasons. In spring the forested slopes come alive with wild flora, including the celebrated Blue Poppy — Bhutan's national flower — and the white poppy that grows only in Haa. In autumn the light is crisp and clear, perfect for walking the ridges and looking out over the valley from the resort at 2,700 metres.

Autumn is also festival season. The valley's monasteries and temples host colourful gatherings that draw visitors from across the country, and timing a stay to coincide with one of these celebrations turns a peaceful mountain break into something truly memorable. If you would rather see Haa at its most distinctive, the Haa Summer Festival is a wonderful window onto the traditions, food and nomadic culture of this border valley.

Winter festivals and getting there

Winter has its own quiet magic. Haa is home to unique ethnic and winter festivals — intimate, deeply traditional occasions that few travellers ever witness. The valley borders Tibet to the north, and the cold, clear months reveal the mountains at their most dramatic. With the resort's wood-panelled rooms and cottages, an evening tea with snacks and a warming bonfire, even the coldest season is a comfortable one to visit.

Most journeys to Haa begin in Paro and cross the Chele La pass at 3,988 metres — one of Bhutan's highest motorable passes — with sweeping views over rhododendron forest and, on a clear day, the high Himalaya. Once you arrive there is plenty to see: the sacred Meri Puensum, or Three Brother Hills, that rise above the valley, the Wangchuk Lo Dzong, ancient monasteries and temples, and forests rich in flora and fauna. Whichever season you choose, Haa rewards the traveller who slows down — and at Risum Resort we are glad to help you plan the right time to come.