Sagala Trek

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air.

After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our accompanying guide and transfer to Haa for check-in. Haa Valley – Adjoining the districts of Paro, Chhukha and Samtse, Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km. During pre-Buddhist era, Haa valley was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants then were enthused in offering animal blood to their local deities.Such animist belief however was transformed into peaceful Buddhist tradition in 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava.

The tantric master, Guru Padmasambhava, subdued the local deities like Ap Chundu and made the guardians of the Buddhist tradition. However, the traces of this belief system are still noticed in the form of festivals and rituals. The drive to Haa valley crosses Chele-la pass (3988M), from where one can have a superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. It is also an ideal place to take short walk, enjoying panoramic vistas. Further, visit to Kila Gnunnery or Chele la Gompa, which is located on the cliffs below Chele pass at about 3,500m above sea level.

There are seven small temples and several retreat huts built into a dizzying Cliffside, a day walk from anywhere, where some 30 to 70 nuns live in self-imposed isolation. They rarely get visitors as the hike up from the main road takes almost an hour each way, through forest and steep slopes. The drive till the pass takes around one and half hour from Paro and less than an hour, if you are coming from Haa.

There are great views from here of Paro valley below, Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north, are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.  Kila in Sanskrit means a subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys the negativities. Continue drive to Haa & check in to the hotel; upon arrival. Overnight at the hotel in Haa.

Your trek begins in the Haa Valley (2670m) through an unpaved motor road for less than hour keeping yourself on the left side of the villages. Taking the trail on the right side of the village, you will climb up gradually through yak herders camp util you will be met by two different trails. (The trail towards the left that goes to the summer yak herding camp and to the border of China is to be avoided). We take the right trail to make your final climb towards your camp at Sagala (3,150m). Overnight at the Camp

Begin climbing up for 30 minutes to Sagala pass (3550m), which on clear weather, you will have superb views of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989m). From the pass, walk on the right side of the trail. After making several ascents and descents, walking through the trails of rhododendrons and meadows, you will finally be on the top of the ridge at 4100m, which offers great views of Haa Valley below. Making occasional ascents and descents through forests of hemlock and juniper, you will reach at your camp at 3850m. Overnight at the Camp

Descending for few minutes and following the ridge through meadows and yak herder’s camp, we climb uphill through the forest of tall rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial at 4350m. The view of Haa valley is spectacular as you climb up through these stone cairns to Kung Karpo. From the sky burial, you will be walking up and down with panoramic view of Paro valley on left and Haa Valley on right.

The view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below is also spectacular. Walk further downhill until you reach Chelela pass (3990m), which is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Your vehicle will be waiting here to transfer you to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. 

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.