The Sagala Trek, also known as the ‘Haa Planters’ Trail,’ is a remarkable 3-day hike that connects the Haa and Paro valleys. This scenic route was once used by rice planters traveling between Haa and Paro for agricultural work. Today, it offers trekkers the chance to experience untouched wilderness, explore quiet villages, and enjoy panoramic views of Bhutan’s natural beauty. The trek is an ideal way to experience Bhutan’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage while enjoying the tranquility of less-visited areas.
Highlights of the Trek:
This trek provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes while walking in the footsteps of ancient rice planters.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & sightseeing’s
Arrive at Paro International airport and transfer to your hotel on arrival check into your hotel and later in the day proceed to visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songten Gampo.
Evening time at leisure…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 2: Paro to Haa Valley vai Chelela pass (75Km, approx 4 hrs)
After Breakfast Drive to Haa Valley, the valley of Guardian Spirit. En route, you will be crossing the Chele La Pass, the highest motorable high pass of Bhutan. The pass is situated at 3,988 meters or 13,083 feet between Paro and Haa valleys. On a clear day, you can enjoy the astounding views of snow-capped mountains, including Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The pass, which is filled with colorful Buddhist Prayer flags, also offers an unparalleled view of the verdant valleys.
Further, you will be driving downhill from the pass and driving through a dense forest filled with fir, pine, and oak trees. In the afternoon, you will be exploring the local villages. Moreover, you will be visiting the local families and interacting with them. A stay at the remote Haa Valley will give insight into the daily lifestyle in rural Bhutan and experience warm local hospitality.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Haa valley. (Altitude 2,670m)
Day 3: Haa to Sagala
Your journey begins from Haa Valley (2,670 m) on an unpaved motor road for the first portion of the hike, passing by local villages. After about an hour, take the right trail and gradually ascend towards the yak herder’s camp. As you approach two different trails, take the right one that leads to Sagala Camp (3,150 m), avoiding the trail leading to the summer yak herding camp towards the Chinese border. The evening camp will offer a quiet atmosphere, nestled in nature.
Day 4: Sagala to Nyingungla
Start with a 30-minute climb to Sagala Pass (3,550 m), where, on clear days, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989 m). From the pass, continue along a trail lined with rhododendrons and meadows. After various ascents and descents, reach the top of the ridge at 4,100 m, offering sweeping views of Haa Valley. Continue through hemlock and juniper forests, finally arriving at your camp at Nyingungla (3,850 m).
Day 5: Nyingungla to Chele La Pass
Descend for a few minutes before following a ridge that takes you through meadows and yak herder camps. As you climb, you will pass the Kung Karpo Sky Burial site (4,350 m), a sacred place, where the views of Haa Valley are breathtaking. Continue climbing and descending, with panoramic views of both the Paro and Haa valleys, passing through stone cairns. Your final descent takes you to the Chele La Pass (3,990 m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes. From here, a vehicle will transfer you to Paro.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 06 : Paro to Thimphu (Approx 1.1/2 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and the visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Afterwards visit to Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese living traditions.
Post lunch, visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Then, drive to Takin Preserve. The Takin is national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and goat.
Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 07: Thimphu to Paro Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)
After breakfast take 1.1/2 hrs drive to Paro and then go for a hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area…
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 08: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure
After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 2: Haa – Overnight stay at Hotel Lhayul
Day 3: Trekking – Overnight stay at Sagala Campsite – Approx. 3150 m
Day 4: Trekking – Overnight stay at Nyingungla Campsite – Approx. 3850 m
Day 5: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 6: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 7: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Trekking Inclusion
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group before and after the trek including pick from trekking starting and ending point.
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Booking policy:
Payment Policy:
8Days/7 Nights
Bhutan