Grade: moderate–demanding
Time: 6–7 days (including a rest day)
Distance: not available
Altitude gain: 8443ft/2574m
Altitude loss: 8567ft/2612m
Haa Valley, situated in western Bhutan at an altitude of 9000ft/2740m, is gradually opening to trekkers, offering various routes. Trekkers traverse seven passes, reaching Nub Tshona Patta Tsho lake for a recommended rest. Steeped in history, the valley was once part of Sikkim and is the ancestral home of the Dorji family. It’s rich in legend, with tales of Terton Sherab Mebar and lake deities. Haa Valley features villages, monasteries, and military facilities, and produces apples, potatoes, and cardamom. Notable attractions include Wangchulo Dzong and Kargye Nang Monastery. The valley celebrates New Year on a different date, aligning with Sikkim.
Day 1: Haa valley/Kajenang village to Tsokam
Day 2: Tsokam to Wanjithang via Chozu La, Yulo meadow and Tsabjo La
Day 3: Wanjithang to Nob Tshona Patta via Gongche La, Chhosho Lumpa and Tsejey La
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Nob Tshona Patta to camp near Rigona Tsho via Dong Kacheydo La
Day 6: Camp near Rigona Tsho to Yulo meadow via Bjara La and Tsabjo La-north
Day 7: Yulo meadow to Lukha/Haa village/town
Day 1: Haa valley/Kajenang village to Tsokam
From Haa town/valley drive/walk to the starting point near the village of Kajenang and start climbing to Dragnag Dhingkha lhakhang or Bjanadingkha. Continue climbing to Tsokam, where tonight’s camp is located.
Day 2: Tsokam to Wanjithang via Chozu La, Yulo meadow and Tsabjo La
A gradual ascent on a well-maintained trail leads to Chozu La and Tsabjo La passes. Along the route, travelers encounter Yulo meadow, the final camp on the return journey to Haa. At Yulo meadow, multiple trails converge: one from the north descends from Tsabjo La-north pass, while to the west lies today’s pass, Tsabjo La-west, leading to Wanjithang camp in a vast pasture area.
Day 3: Wanjithang to Nob Tshona Patta via Gongche La, Chhosho Lumpa and Tsejey La
Cross high pasturelands to reach Gongche La pass, then descend to Chhosho Lumpa meadow. Ascending again to Tsejey La pass, they enjoy views of Kanchenjunga, Gankar Punsum, Jitchu Drake, and Mount Chundu Gang. Descending to Tshew swampy area, they ascend once more to Dangka Bjido ridge before reaching Lura camp above Nob Tshona Patta Tsho lake.
Day 4: Rest
A rest/exploring day at Lura camp above Nob Tshona Patta Tsho.
Day 5: Nob Tshona Patta to camp near Rigona Tsho via Dong Kacheydo La
Heading north on a nice trail crossing Dong Kacheydo La pass, with views of Kanchenjunga, before descending to a campsite near Rigona Tsho.
Day 6: Camp near Rigona Tsho to Yulo meadow via Bjara La and Tsabjo La-north
The route turns eastward with a challenging start, involving a rocky climb to the highest pass of the trek, Bjara La (1–1½hr), followed by a rocky descent (½hr). Afterward, the trail improves. From the pass, views of Jhomolhari (23,995ft/7315m) and Jitchu Drake (approximately 22,470ft/6850m) to the north may be visible. After several hours, travelers reach the day’s second pass, Tsabjo La-north (13,500ft/4115m), revisiting Yulo meadow encountered on day 2 of the trek.
Day 7: Yulo meadow to Lukha/Haa village/town
After a long day of descent through silver fir and pine forests, finally will reach the village of Lukha, near Haa town.
What should I bring with me?
· Good walking shoes
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen (highest possible)
· Woolen cap
· Prescription medications/ first aid (only basic first aid is/ can be provided)
· Sturdy and ‘broken-in’ trekking boots
· Rain gear
· Torch (flashlight)
· Insect Repellent
· Gaiters
· Gloves
· T-shirts
· Comfortable walking pants
· Down jacket
· Day bag (to carry your requirements while walking)
· Energy chocolate bars
· Water bottle
· Memory card and batteries for camera and flashlight
· Toiletries
Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25kgs (55 lbs), or 1/5th of body weight.
What will be the weather like in Bhutan?
Days are normally warm, nights can be quite chilly. In winter, the temperature is below freezing point. Monsoon shower in summer can be expected with heavy rains in July and August.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
· Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or other narcotics, they may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse.
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Avoid heavy exercise at high altitudes. Mild exercise is okay.
· Diamox (acetazolamide) 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S.
· Home oxygen will relieve symptoms. Home oxygen is safe, cheap and easy to use. It can be used at night when symptoms are worse and off and on during the day as symptoms dictate.
· If nothing else works, you can return to lower altitude. Going down to lower altitudes will always help relieve the symptoms of AMS, it is also one of the best ways to overcome the sickness.
Acute mountain sickness is caused by lack of Oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude of over 7000 ft (2100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. Mountaineers, trekkers, skiers and mountain travelers are at the greatest risk. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear within several hours, with those in weaker physical conditions being more susceptible. Headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and poor appetite are the initial symptoms. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases, thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs can also occur in rare cases.
The symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be prevented or minimized by gradually ascending (less than 500 meters/day) over several days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the higher altitude. Taking the prescription medication Diamox (acetazolamide) 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speed up the acclimatization process and can be taken shortly before and during the ascent. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. This medication is a mild diuretic and may work by changing the body’s acid-base balance and stimulating breathing. Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day has also been shown to be effective. However, this steroid medication may have more adverse effects. Once symptoms occur, they usually improve over several days without treatment. However, if they become severe, they can be relieved with the administration of oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.
Packing
A soft but strong duffel bag luggage is best suited on treks as it will be loaded on horse backs. A small back pack (day bag) to carry your essential things on the way like rain gear, wind stopper, camera, batteries, water bottle, candies etc.