Haa Dzong


Haa's small dzong, known formally as Wangchuck Lo Dzong, is one of Bhutan's newest, built in 1915 to replace a smaller structure. It is inside the Indian army compound (an impressive two-legged khonying chorten marks the camp entrance) and so houses several Indian army offices and a rations shop. There's not a great deal to see.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Lhakhang Kharpo

0.62 MILES

Haa's 100-strong monk body is housed not in Haa's dzong (fort monastery) but in the recently renovated Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel) complex, just south…

2. Lhakhang Nagpo

0.75 MILES

A 10-minute walk or short drive behind the Lhakhang Kharpo is the grey-walled Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Chapel), one of the oldest temples in the Haa valley…

3. Shelkar Drak

0.84 MILES

A short excursion up the valley behind the Lhakhang Kharpo is Shelkar Drak (Crystal Cliff), a tiny, charming retreat centre perched on the limestone cliff…

4. Juneydrak Hermitage

1.77 MILES

About 1km north of Haa, just before the main bridge, a paved road branches east 1km to Katsho village, from where you can take a lovely 40-minute hike to…

5. Kila Nunnery

3.48 MILES

Established as a meditation site in the 9th century and reputedly the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, Kila Nunnery is reached via a dirt road and short walk…

6. Yangthong Goemba

3.85 MILES

This monastery in the upper Haa valley is worth visiting, especially if you are heading on the Saga La trek. The charming upper chapels feature murals…

7. Chhundu Lhakhang

4.7 MILES

Eleven kilometres north of Haa is this recently rebuilt local temple, one of several shrines dedicated to the valley's protective deity. Blue-faced App…

8. Tsitu Goemba

6.48 MILES

This seldom-visited hilltop monastery could be the object of a short but steep hike if you want to get off the beaten track in the Paro valley. You may…