Cultural & Festivals

Sagala Trek 6days

🕐 5N 6D📍 Haa, Paro

Overview

The Sagala Trek: Haa Planters’ Trail Known locally as the ‘Haa Planters’ Trail,’ the Sagala Trek traces a path steeped in history. Centuries ago, this very route carried the rice planters of Haa across the mountains into Paro, where they lent their labour to the planting and harvesting seasons of their neighbouring valley. Today, that same trail invites travellers into one of Bhutan’s least-explored corners — the Haa Valley remains largely untouched by tourism, and the Sagala Trek, a three-day journey along the ridge dividing Haa from Paro, offers a rare and intimate encounter with the region. The trek unfolds through a landscape of remarkable diversity: wildflower-strewn meadows give way to ancient, untouched forests teeming with flora and fauna, while the wilderness reveals itself in every shade and season. Sweeping panoramas of the Haa Valley open up along the way, crowned by views of Haa’s three sacred hills. The path winds through tranquil, unspoiled villages — some no larger than eight households — and pauses at a yak herder’s camp, offering travellers a rare chance to connect with a way of life little changed by time. The trek unfolds through a landscape of remarkable diversity: wildflower-strewn meadows give way to ancient, untouched forests teeming with flora and fauna, while the wilderness reveals itself in every shade and season. Sweeping panoramas of the Haa Valley open up along the way, crowned by views of Haa’s three sacred hills. The path winds through tranquil, unspoiled villages — some no larger than eight households — and pauses at a yak herder’s camp, offering travellers a rare chance to connect with a way of life little changed by time. Perhaps the trek’s most breathtaking moment arrives at the pass, where the landscape unveils itself in its entirety: to one side, the snow-capped grandeur of Mount Jhomolhari and Mount Drageygang stand sentinel over Drugyal Dzong and the cliff-perched Taktsang Monastery; to the other, the Haa Valley stretches out in quiet splendor — a single vista capturing the very soul of Bhutan.

Experience Highlights

✓Sagala Pass views of Jomolhari & Jitchu Drake
✓Kung Karpo Sky Burial Site
✓Remote Vallages & Yak Herders Camp
✓Panaromic views of Haa & Paro

Typically included

✓Licensed Bhutanese cultural guide (trek guide on trek days)
✓Private vehicle and driver for the published itinerary
✓DoT-certified hotels or registered village homestays (twin share unless stated)
✓Daily meals as specified in your confirmed itinerary
✓Monument and festival tickets listed in the itinerary
✓Bottled water in the vehicle and airport arrival assistance
✓Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for every night in Bhutan
✓Bhutan visa fee (US$40) or entry-permit processing

Not included

–International and Paro flights
–Travel insurance (required for treks)
–Drinks, laundry, tips, and personal expenses
–Optional activities and hotel upgrades

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests will be received by our representative and driven to Haa. Overnight in Haa

Day 2: Haa to Sagala

5 km | 3 hours of hiking | 480 m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,150 m Your journey begins in the Haa Valley (2,670m), where an unpaved motor road eases you into the trek for the first stretch of less than an hour, the village unfolding gently to your left. From here, the trail shifts to the right of the village, climbing steadily past a yak herders’ camp as the landscape grows wilder with every step. Soon, the path forks in two: one trail veering left toward a summer yak herding camp and onward to the Chinese border — a route best left untaken — and the other continuing right, guiding you upward on the final ascent to your camp at Sagala (3,150m), where the day’s journey comes to a rewarding close.

Day 3: Sagala to Nyingungla

Day 4: Nyingungla to Chelela Pass

13 km | 6–7 hours of hiking | 500 m ascent | 360 m descent The day opens with a brief descent, following the ridge through open meadows and past a yak herder’s camp before the trail climbs once more through a forest of towering rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial site (4,350m). As you ascend past the scattering of stone cairns, the views of the Haa Valley grow ever more spectacular, culminating in a breathtaking panorama at Kung Karpo itself. From the sky burial site, the trail continues in a rhythm of gentle ascents and descents, with the Paro Valley unfolding to your left and the Haa Valley to your right — while below, the Kila Goenpa Nunnery offers a striking sight of its own. The trail then descends steadily until you reach Chelela Pass (3,990m), one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you onward to Paro.

Day 5: Tiger's Nest Taktsang Hike

Following the Sagala Trek, the journey concludes with a hike to Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger’s Nest — Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site. Perched on a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, the monastery is reached via a scenic trail through pine forest, taking approximately four to five hours round trip. Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in its caves for three months, making this a fitting spiritual and physical climax to the trek.

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for their onward departure

Touring cost

Price includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and the US$40 Bhutan visa fee. Trekking programmes require travel insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation before the trek starts. Visa & SDF