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Uncover the magic and mystery of beautiful Bhutan.
Bhutan’s High Ridge Wander: The Sagala Trek & Haa Valley Discovery
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Paro (3N - final nights), Thimphu (2N - initial nights), Haa Valley (1N - initial night before trek), Trekking Route (2N camping)
Journey across ancient pathways on the Sagala Trek, also known as the ‘Haa Planters’ Trail’, a captivating adventure that connects the secluded Haa Valley with the iconic Paro Valley. This trek offers a unique blend of moderate challenge, stunning panoramic vistas, and an intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s pristine wilderness and traditional village life. You’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from lush blue pine and rhododendron forests to vast alpine meadows, encountering yak herders and soaking in the serene solitude of the mountains. A key highlight is the breathtaking 360-degree view from Sagala Pass, revealing majestic peaks like Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and even the distant Tiger’s Nest. This tour provides a perfect balance of active exploration and cultural immersion, starting with the vibrant capital of Thimphu and concluding with the spiritual wonders of Paro.
Highlights
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Ancient Planters' Trail: Follow a historic route connecting the Haa and Paro valleys, rich in local history.
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Sagala Pass Views: Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
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Untouched Haa Valley: Explore one of Bhutan's least-visited and most pristine valleys before the trek.
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Moderate Challenge: A well-paced trek suitable for those with reasonable fitness, offering a rewarding wilderness experience.
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Diverse Landscapes: Trek through dense forests, alpine meadows, and open ridges with abundant flora and fauna.
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Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to interact with yak herders and experience traditional village life.
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Tiger's Nest Hike: Conclude your adventure with the iconic pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang Monastery.
What to Expect
Tour Type
Trekking (Moderate), Nature, Scenic, Cultural, Wilderness, Historical
Activities
Multi-day Trekking, Camping, Panoramic Viewpoints, Village Visits, Cultural Sightseeing in Thimphu & Paro, Iconic Tiger's Nest Hike, Hot Stone Bath (optional).
Altitude
4,350m
Places
Paro (3N - final nights), Thimphu (2N - initial nights), Haa Valley (1N - initial night before trek), Trekking Route (2N camping)
Best Time to Go
March to May (for rhododendron blooms and clear skies); September to November (for crisp air and excellent mountain views).
Departure/Return Location
Paro International Airport
Accomodation
3-star Hotel
Transportation
We use comfortable vehicle for the tour
Free Cancellation
Refer our cancellation policy for details
Guide
Licensed Tour Guide
1
Day 1 - Arrive Paro – Transfer to Thimphu & Acclimatization
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), you will be warmly greeted by your local guide and private driver. The flight into Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. After immigration formalities, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m / 7,710 ft), the capital city, a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours. The rest of the day is for gentle acclimatization and settling into your hotel. You can take a leisurely stroll around the city center or visit the National Memorial Chorten, a significant stupa where locals circumambulate and offer prayers.
- Overnight: Thimphu (Hotel).
2
Day 2 - Thimphu – Cultural Exploration & Drive to Haa Valley
After breakfast, continue your cultural exploration of Thimphu. You might visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue for panoramic views, or Tashichho Dzong, the fortress housing the government and monastic body. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to the tranquil Haa Valley (2,670m / 8,760 ft), passing over the stunning Chele La Pass (3,988m / 13,084 ft), which offers incredible views of Jomolhari and the surrounding peaks on clear days. Haa is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and least-visited valleys, offering a glimpse into untouched traditional life.
- Overnight: Haa Valley (Hotel).
3
Day 3 - Trek Day 1: Haa (Drive) – Talung Village (Trek Start) – Khadey Gom
Your Sagala Trek adventure begins! After an early breakfast, you’ll have a short drive from Haa to Talung Village (approx. 2,900m), the starting point of your trek. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful blue pine forests and traditional farmlands. You’ll pass by Yangtong Goemba, a monastery dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, offering a serene spiritual moment. The path continues uphill, occasionally passing yak herders’ camps, leading to your first campsite at Khadey Gom (3,235m / 10,614 ft), a peaceful meadow below Sagala Pass.
- Overnight: Campsite at Khadey Gom.
4
Day 4 - Trek Day 2: Khadey Gom – Dongney Tsho (via Sagala Pass)
Today is a highlight of the trek! After a morning climb, you’ll reach Sagala Pass (3,550m / 11,647 ft), offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. On clear days, you can see towering Himalayan peaks like Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, as well as the entire Paro and Haa valleys, and even a distant glimpse of the iconic Tiger’s Nest. After soaking in the views, the trail continues along a ridge, with gentle ascents and descents through forests of rhododendron, fir, and juniper. You’ll eventually descend to your campsite at Dongney Tsho (3,200m / 10,500 ft), a beautiful high-altitude lake.
- Overnight: Campsite at Dongney Tsho.
5
Day 5 - Trek Day 3: Dongney Tsho – Drugyel Dzong (End Trek) – Transfer to Paro & Sightseeing
The final day of your trek involves a descent through lush forests. You’ll pass through quaint villages and serene hamlets, observing local life. The trail eventually leads you to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong (2,580m / 8,465 ft) in Paro, marking the end of your Sagala Trek. Your vehicle will be waiting here. After freshening up, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paro (2,250m / 7,380 ft). In the afternoon, you can visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, “the fortress of the heap of jewels,” a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, and then cross the beautiful traditional cantilever bridge. You may also visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong).
- Overnight: Paro (Hotel).
6
Day 6 - Paro – Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang)
Today is dedicated to the iconic pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Perched precariously on a cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural symbols. The hike to the monastery takes approximately 2-3 hours uphill, rewarding you with incredible views and a profound spiritual experience. After exploring the monastery, you’ll descend back to the valley floor. In the evening, you might opt for a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath to relax your muscles after the hike, or enjoy a farewell dinner.
- Overnight: Paro (Hotel).
7
Day 7 - Paro – Departure
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport (PBH) for your departure. You will leave Bhutan with cherished memories of the beautiful Sagala Trek, the serene Haa and Paro valleys, and the unique culture of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
