SAGALA TREK
TREKKING TOUR / SAGALA TREK
Sagala Trek
The Sagala Trek is also called the ‘Haa Planters’ Trail’ as in the ancient times, this was the trail that the rice planters of Haa used to travel to Paro to help the people of Paro plant and harvest rice. The Sagala Trek in Bhutan offers an enchanting journey through some of the most breathtaking and secluded landscapes in the kingdom. Situated in the picturesque district of Haa, this trek is renowned for its serene beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance.
Day 1: Paro to Thimphu
Board a Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan, the country’s national airline. If you’re fortunate to secure a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather permits, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—among the highest peaks globally. Additionally, you may catch sight of Bhutanese peaks like Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. Upon arrival at Paro airport, complete visa formalities before being greeted by your guide who will drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, nestled at an elevation of 7,725 feet along the Wang Chhu river. En route, make a stop at Tamchu and enjoy an invigorating stroll to Tachog Lhakhang, situated across the Paro River. Immerse yourself in the medieval ambiance and serenity of the surroundings before continuing your journey to Thimphu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind and rejuvenate. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
Following breakfast, embark on a drive to the northern outskirts of Thimphu, reaching Dodena at an elevation of 8,600 feet. From there, embark on a challenging one-hour hike up a steep hill to reach Cheri Monastery, also known as Cheri Goemba, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal with an initial complement of 30 monks. Today, it serves as the primary meditation center of the nation, with over 70 monks engaged in their rigorous three-year, three-month retreat. Within the monastery resides a silver Chorten containing the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father. Upon your return, continue your exploration with a visit to Tango Goemba, requiring another strenuous one-hour ascent. This monastery, founded in the 12th century and reconstructed in the 15th century, functions as a Buddhist institute for advanced studies. If time permits, you’ll conclude your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the royal government and central monastic body, upon returning from your hike. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 3: Paro to Hike to Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, embark on a 2-hour drive to the trailhead in Paro, where our journey begins with a challenging hike lasting four to six hours to reach Taktsang Monastery, famously perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. The hike entails navigating a steep switchback trail through dense forest. Following lunch at the tea house located beneath the monastery, we make our descent back to the valley floor before returning to Paro by car. In Paro, we visit the ancient Kichu Lhakhang, delving into the legends surrounding its construction in the 7th century. Overnight: Accommodation in Paro.
Day 4: Haa Valley excursion
Embark on a three-hour drive to reach a campsite nestled in the Haa Valley, situated along Bhutan’s western border and previously off-limits to visitors until just five years ago. Upon arrival in the Haa Valley, take a leisurely stroll through a medieval village before ascending to the secluded Jungney Dra. Here, you’ll encounter the footprint of Machig Labdron etched on a rock, followed by a hike to Kathso Gompa. Later, explore Lhakhang Karpo, also known as the “temple of the white dove,” a monastery believed to have been constructed in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that the king was guided by two doves—one black and one white—to discover this sacred site for the monastery’s construction. Today, you have the option of experiencing traditional Bhutanese hospitality by staying in a local homestay with a Bhutanese family. Engage in their daily activities such as cooking Bhutanese dishes, preparing butter tea, or even milking cows. Alternatively, you may opt to stay in a hotel for some relaxation time on your own. Overnight: Accommodation in Haa (Hotel or Homestay)
Day 5: Begin Trek to Camp Below Saga La
The trek commences with a gradual ascent through a serene blue pine forest and verdant farmland. As the trail ascends, the terrain becomes slightly steeper, leading you alongside babbling streams amidst a diverse array of rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Enjoy lunch in a picturesque grassy meadow situated at approximately 11,200 feet, before continuing onward to reach a campsite at 11,800 feet, located approximately 45 minutes below Saga La pass. If weather conditions permit, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an afternoon hike up to Saga La pass, offering stunning vistas of the sacred Jhomolhari peak towering at 24,000 feet, as well as panoramic views of the Haa Valley. (Estimated hiking duration: 4.5-5 hours.). Overnight: Camping
Day 6: Ningula
Begin your day with another ascent to Saga La in the morning, then traverse along the ridge, ascending and descending to an elevation of 13,200 feet. From this vantage point, you may catch a glimpse of the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Continue onward, ascending steeply through dwarf rhododendron to an altitude of 13,700 feet before descending through narrow grazing paths. Set up camp at Ningula amidst a picturesque rhododendron forest, offering magnificent views of the peaks of Jhomolhari and JichuDrakye. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight at Camp
Day 07: Kung Karpo
Ascend steeply back to the ridge and traverse across the Kale La pass at 12,900 feet, offering captivating views of Paro and the Haa Valley. If weather conditions permit, you’ll be treated to a splendid panorama of Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, standing at 28,208 feet. Continue your ascent to Kung Karpo at 13,500 feet, where you’ll once again enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and both valleys (subject to weather conditions). Descend and traverse towards the Chele La pass at 13,080 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass a sacred site where Mahayana Buddhists traditionally offer their newborn children to God—a custom stemming from the Bhutanese belief in reincarnation. Throughout the day, weather permitting, you’ll be treated to clear views of the mountains and the Paro and Haa Valleys.
Day 8: Departure from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure from Bhutan.
Board a Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan, the country’s national airline. If you’re fortunate to secure a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather permits, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—among the highest peaks globally. Additionally, you may catch sight of Bhutanese peaks like Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. Upon arrival at Paro airport, complete visa formalities before being greeted by your guide who will drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, nestled at an elevation of 7,725 feet along the Wang Chhu river. En route, make a stop at Tamchu and enjoy an invigorating stroll to Tachog Lhakhang, situated across the Paro River. Immerse yourself in the medieval ambiance and serenity of the surroundings before continuing your journey to Thimphu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind and rejuvenate. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
Following breakfast, embark on a drive to the northern outskirts of Thimphu, reaching Dodena at an elevation of 8,600 feet. From there, embark on a challenging one-hour hike up a steep hill to reach Cheri Monastery, also known as Cheri Goemba, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal with an initial complement of 30 monks. Today, it serves as the primary meditation center of the nation, with over 70 monks engaged in their rigorous three-year, three-month retreat. Within the monastery resides a silver Chorten containing the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father. Upon your return, continue your exploration with a visit to Tango Goemba, requiring another strenuous one-hour ascent. This monastery, founded in the 12th century and reconstructed in the 15th century, functions as a Buddhist institute for advanced studies. If time permits, you’ll conclude your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the royal government and central monastic body, upon returning from your hike. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 3: Paro to Hike to Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, embark on a 2-hour drive to the trailhead in Paro, where our journey begins with a challenging hike lasting four to six hours to reach Taktsang Monastery, famously perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. The hike entails navigating a steep switchback trail through dense forest. Following lunch at the tea house located beneath the monastery, we make our descent back to the valley floor before returning to Paro by car. In Paro, we visit the ancient Kichu Lhakhang, delving into the legends surrounding its construction in the 7th century. Overnight: Accommodation in Paro.
Day 4: Haa Valley excursion
Embark on a three-hour drive to reach a campsite nestled in the Haa Valley, situated along Bhutan’s western border and previously off-limits to visitors until just five years ago. Upon arrival in the Haa Valley, take a leisurely stroll through a medieval village before ascending to the secluded Jungney Dra. Here, you’ll encounter the footprint of Machig Labdron etched on a rock, followed by a hike to Kathso Gompa. Later, explore Lhakhang Karpo, also known as the “temple of the white dove,” a monastery believed to have been constructed in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that the king was guided by two doves—one black and one white—to discover this sacred site for the monastery’s construction. Today, you have the option of experiencing traditional Bhutanese hospitality by staying in a local homestay with a Bhutanese family. Engage in their daily activities such as cooking Bhutanese dishes, preparing butter tea, or even milking cows. Alternatively, you may opt to stay in a hotel for some relaxation time on your own. Overnight: Accommodation in Haa (Hotel or Homestay)
Day 5: Begin Trek to Camp Below Saga La
The trek commences with a gradual ascent through a serene blue pine forest and verdant farmland. As the trail ascends, the terrain becomes slightly steeper, leading you alongside babbling streams amidst a diverse array of rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Enjoy lunch in a picturesque grassy meadow situated at approximately 11,200 feet, before continuing onward to reach a campsite at 11,800 feet, located approximately 45 minutes below Saga La pass. If weather conditions permit, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an afternoon hike up to Saga La pass, offering stunning vistas of the sacred Jhomolhari peak towering at 24,000 feet, as well as panoramic views of the Haa Valley. (Estimated hiking duration: 4.5-5 hours.). Overnight: Camping
Day 6: Ningula
Begin your day with another ascent to Saga La in the morning, then traverse along the ridge, ascending and descending to an elevation of 13,200 feet. From this vantage point, you may catch a glimpse of the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Continue onward, ascending steeply through dwarf rhododendron to an altitude of 13,700 feet before descending through narrow grazing paths. Set up camp at Ningula amidst a picturesque rhododendron forest, offering magnificent views of the peaks of Jhomolhari and JichuDrakye. Hiking Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight at Camp
Day 07: Kung Karpo
Ascend steeply back to the ridge and traverse across the Kale La pass at 12,900 feet, offering captivating views of Paro and the Haa Valley. If weather conditions permit, you’ll be treated to a splendid panorama of Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, standing at 28,208 feet. Continue your ascent to Kung Karpo at 13,500 feet, where you’ll once again enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and both valleys (subject to weather conditions). Descend and traverse towards the Chele La pass at 13,080 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass a sacred site where Mahayana Buddhists traditionally offer their newborn children to God—a custom stemming from the Bhutanese belief in reincarnation. Throughout the day, weather permitting, you’ll be treated to clear views of the mountains and the Paro and Haa Valleys.
Day 8: Departure from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure from Bhutan.
Price Includes :
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees
Price Excludes :
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
