My adventure through Bhutan has been remarkable so far. From the moment we left Paro, I felt the landscape shift around us—rolling hills gave way to dramatic cliffs and dense, pristine forests that seemed almost untouched by time. And so began my journey to the Haa Valley, a small, secluded district in Bhutan that holds a wealth of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Our first stop was the Dzongdrakha Temple, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. I was captivated by its architecture and the way it clung to the rugged rock face, as if held there by centuries of reverence and belief. This temple has a deep history; it’s one of the places where Guru Rinpoche is said to have defeated local demons, and standing there, I could almost feel the echoes of the past around me. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it a sense of peace.

From there, we continued our drive, climbing higher and higher until we reached the Chelela Pass, the highest point of our trip at 3,980 meters. The road wound sharply through thick forests of fir and rhododendron, each twist revealing glimpses of the valleys below. We parked and hiked the last stretch to a stupa at 4,150 meters. The altitude made the air feel crisp and thin, but the views were well worth the climb.

There, in the distance, stood Mt. Jomolhari, Bhutan’s most sacred mountain, its snow-covered peak glowing under the clear sky. It felt as though we were standing on the roof of the world, with Bhutan’s majestic landscapes stretched out all around us.

After taking in the view, we continued our journey along a narrow, winding road until we finally descended into the quiet and timeless Haa Valley. Surrounded by lush greenery and quaint villages, Haa felt like a place where life moves at a gentler pace.

That evening, we gathered around a campfire, the warmth of the flames contrasting with the cool mountain air, sharing stories and reminiscing about the day’s adventures. It was a perfect ending to a memorable day, with the crackling fire adding a cozy touch to our evening under the stars.

-Lyn