The time has come for Haa Valley to make the most of its gifted pristine environment and serene lakes, and perhaps even market Bhutan to international travellers. The valley that boasts of rich and often untouched wilderness is listed among BBC Travel’s best 25 places to travel in 2025. The district administration is already working on developing tourism products to attract at least five thousand tourists this year.
Haa Valley, at an elevation of over 2,600 metres above sea level, has more to offer its visitors than what meets the eye.
Visitors entering the valley via Paro are greeted by the revered Meri Puensum which represents Jambayang, Chhana Dorji, and Chenri Zig upon climbing the Chelela pass.
Beyond lies several lakes and sites with stunning views which are considered sacred and often remain unexplored.
Highlighting that the district was the last to open to foreigners in 2022, BBC Travel describes Haa as one of the best places to travel in 2025 as it promotes sustainable tourism with locally run homestays and hotels that offer insight into rural life.
Erin Levi who contributes to BBC Travel also talks about the 400-kilometre Trans Bhutan Trail, the 11-kilometre Haa Panorama Trail, and the two-day Jou Bay Tsho Trek.
Likewise, visitors can experience local culture, including Bon rituals, and take part in activities like breakfast in Bhutan’s only strict nature reserve, home to species like the red panda and snow leopard.
Reacting to the news, Haa Dzongrab Dorji Gyeltshen says the district administration is working on improving homestay services, tourist sites, and trekking routes to attract more visitors.
“The district administration is working to promote tourism. We have trained many homestay owners. We are improving the Panorama trail and the Nub Tshona Pata Trek. Being picked as one of the best destinations, I think this will have a lot of impact on the number of tourists that will visit in the near future.”
The Department of Tourism expressed optimism that Haa Valley’s recognition as one of the top 25 travel destinations for 2025 will significantly boost Bhutan’s tourism industry, making it easier to market and promote the country.
“We are very happy that Haa has been chosen and rightly referred to as ‘the best kept secret’ by BBC Travel and Haa dzongkhag especially has shown incredible progress and commitment in tourism especially in the areas of sustainable tourism and community-based tourism,” said Kezang Choden, a tourism officer at the Marketing and Promotion Division, Dept. of Tourism.
The department’s Director, Damcho Rinzin, said, “This will make it easier for international travellers to choose Bhutan from many destinations across the globe. He says the valley remains unexplored as it is outside the normal tourist route, adding that this recognition by BBC Travel will help Haa generate more tourism numbers. The director added that the department and the tourism industry of Bhutan will make the best use of this invaluable recognition.”
Despite being just a few hours’ drive from Paro International Airport fewer than two per cent of international tourists visit the valley today.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Phub Gyem
