Sagala Trek

SAGALA TREK- 7 DAYS

This trek has been programmed to experience and see the beauty of the landscapes, yak herders’ lifestyle, it’s rich alpine flowers and return home feeling rejuvenated. It provides an opportunity for visitors, flower lovers and photographers to learn the unique cultural features and the rich alpine flowers within the shortest duration of three days.

Trek connects between Paro and Haa valley. Saga La pass(3858m), it gives great chance to see both the valley and the Mt. Jomolahari (7315m), Jichu Draki Gang (6981m) Tshering Gang (7100m) and Draki Gang (6040 m) mountain in closer view on clear day from the pass.

DAY 1:  ARRIVAL AT PARO – THIMPHU

Be totally enchanted by the breathtaking landscape and pristine environment of the Paro valley upon arrival at our international airport. You will be warmly received by our friendly, traditionally dressed representative with the offering of a white welcome scarf.

Transfer to hotel in Thimphu which is about 1.5-hour drive from airport.

 Arrival at hotel in Thimphu, relax with welcome tea followed by check-in at hotel.

Rest till lunch in hotel / nearby restaurant.

After lunch, take a 10-min drive to Changangkha Temple (built in the 15th century by famous Lama Nima). Inside the temple is “God of Compassion” made out of platinum. You may witness blessing of a newborn baby in this temple.

Drive to Mini Zoo, Bhutan’s only zoo to see the national animal Takin.

 Drive to Sangay Gang, lookout point of the Thimphu city.

 Visit nunnery founded by 16th Drubthob Tshangthong Gyalpo in 1976. More than 40 nuns study Buddhism in this nunnery.

Visit Zorichusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school today. Students in this school learn traditional arts and crafts skills like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving and embroidery.

 Visit the National Library which is just below the painting school and consists of 2 buildings. On the ground floor of the old building is the largest book in the world and religious books on the upper floor. English books are kept on the ground floor in the new building.

Over night hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 2: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING ( Hike to Tango monastery )

After breakfast you will drive along the Thimphu River for 25km to the Tango monastery. Be prepared for a steep climb from the open car park and 20-minute hike through the blue pine and oak forest to reach the monastery. The Tango Monastery was founded in the 12th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhananpa. Phajo Drukgom Shipo also meditated and saw the vision of God Tandin (God with Horse Head), hence the name “Tango” which means horse head.

Over night hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 3: THIMPHU – HAA

Drive from Thimphu to Haa is 104 km it takes four hour drive. After lunch visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, it is said both the temple where built at the same time by Tibetan King Sonngtshen Gyambo in 7th cuntery.

Over night Hotel in Haa.

DAY 4:  HAA – KHADEY GOM ( Treks starts )

Treks start from near by small village, walk through the buckwheat field and Blue Pine forest, following the small river coming from Saga la. First day it is gradual climb till camp. The camp site is in the open meadow, where lots of yaks come from high pasture land in the winter months.

DAY 5: KHADEY GOM – DONNEY TSHO

Gradual walk one hour walk through the meadow and through coniferous forest. After two hours walk reached to Saga La pass, see great view of surrounding mountains, Mt Jomolhari(7314m), Drakigang(6040m), northern west see border with Sikkim and Tibet. From the pass three hours down hill walk to camp.

DAY 6: DONNEY TSHO – DRUKYEL

 It is two hours walk to road point walking through Blue Pine forest, pass by small village on the left side of the trail. Nearby army camp where the Saga la treks end. You will be served with lovely refreshment.

Visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built in 1649 by Paro Governor Tenzin Drugda to protect the fortress below. The Ta Dzong was almost destroyed in 1965 but was restored by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968.

Visit Paro Dzong which was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Rimpoche. It was built to protect Paro Valley from frequent Tibetan invasions. Today this Dzong serves as the administrative office of Paro district and houses 110 monks.

Visit Kichu Lhakhang which was founded by Tibetan king Songtshen Gyambo in 659 AD. It was built to subjugate the demon occupied lands all over the Himalayas and prevented the spread of Buddhism. The king built 108 temples in a day to overcome the demon.

 Over night hotel in Paro.

DAY 7: DEPART FROM PARO

After breakfast, our tour guide will escort you to the airport for departure for your onward destination.