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Haa Valley
Haa Valley is a steep valley with a narrow floor, situated at an altitude of 2,863 metres. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque districts and the second smallest district of Bhutan.
Before the 8th century, the locals living in this Haa Valley practiced animist tradition. After Guru Padmasambhava visited the valley in the 8th century, the practice was transformed from blood sacrificing animist beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions. However, some elements of the animist traditions still exist in today’s festivals and rituals of Haa Valley.
Wangchulo Dzong was constructed by Gongzim Ugyen Dorji, the Grandfather of the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. The structure of this Dzong resembles the Wangdicholing Palace in Bumthang, which was the seat of the first and second Kings.
Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) are two great temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan saint and King, Songtsen Gampo. According to a legend, a black and a white pigeon were released to select the sacred sites to build the temples. Both temples represent the guardian sentinels that guard the south entrance of Haa Valley. They are located at the foot hills of three towering identical mountains venerated as Rigsum Gonpo [Jampelyang (Manjushri), Chana Dorji (Vajrapani) and Chenrizig (Avaloketeshvara)]. Both the temples and the mountains represent the essence of wisdom, knowledge and subjugation.