In a landmark move to promote eco-tourism and celebrate Bhutan’s cultural heritage, Haa Valley has officially been declared a high-end recreational fly-fishing destination. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during the vibrant opening of the annual Haa Spring Festival, marking a significant expansion of tourism offerings in the scenic Himalayan region.
Set against the majestic backdrop of Bhutan’s western mountains, the Haa Spring Festival is an annual celebration of the region’s nomadic traditions, authentic local cuisine, and age-old sports. This year’s festival features 30 colorfully decorated stalls, showcasing the district’s rich cultural tapestry and unique products crafted by the local community.
Among the new highlights is the 27-kilometre catch-and-release fly-fishing zone, stretching from Bji Gewog to Samar Gewog. Home to snow trout and brown trout, the zone is designed with sustainability at its core—featuring eco-friendly equipment, trained local guides, and riverside infrastructure in the works. The initiative, proposed by the district’s livestock sector and endorsed by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu last month, is set to position Haa as a sought-after destination for nature-conscious anglers.
Local residents and entrepreneurs are already feeling the ripple effects of the festival’s growing popularity and the attention brought by the new tourism product. For many, the three-day event serves as a rare platform to connect directly with tourists and market their handmade goods.
Lhab Dorji, a local producer of beetroot wine, flour, and honey, shared, “During events like this, tourists and visitors from Paro and Thimphu come to take part. They buy our products, helping us with promotion. We can’t produce on a large scale yet due to limited market access and lack of advertising, but the festival gives us visibility.”
Similarly, Gaki, a craftswoman from Yangthang village in Bji Gewog, said the festival helps bridge logistical hurdles. “We are unable to travel around selling due to manpower shortages. Here, we can sell our cheese and yak-fur crafts directly, which brings in extra income.”
Beyond boosting livelihoods, the festival is also helping preserve Bhutan’s culinary heritage. “We get to showcase our local cuisines to visitors, which might otherwise fade away,” said Sonam Dema from Norbugang village in Samar Gewog.
Local leaders see the festival as a catalyst for broader agricultural and economic development. Tenpa Rinchen, the Mangmi of Gakiling Gewog, noted, “People here can grow buckwheat, millet, and maize, but limited market access discourages production. Events like this encourage farming for commercial purposes.”
International visitors are equally captivated. Ute, a tourist from Germany, described the festival as a cultural immersion. “We came with a great guide who told us about this celebration. It’s beautiful, and I’m definitely going to tell my friends about it. I’ll persuade them to visit Haa too.”
Last year, over 40 tourists attended the festival. This year, on its very first day, more than 20 foreign visitors joined the festivities—a promising sign for local stakeholders and Bhutan’s broader tourism ambitions.
As Haa carves a niche in eco-tourism and continues to celebrate its roots, the fusion of culture, community, and conservation promises to make this hidden valley a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure.
