Tour Overview
- Duration: 3 Days
- Best Season: Mar - May & Sep - Nov
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Sagala Trek, also known as the Haa Planters’ Trail, follows an age-old route once taken by rice growers from Haa to assist farmers in Paro. This short yet rewarding three-day journey traces the mountain ridges dividing the two valleys, leading adventurers through flourishing meadows, pristine forests, and habitats rich in biodiversity. Along the way, trekkers encounter secluded hamlets of just a handful of households and have the chance to engage with yak herders in their seasonal camps.
The trek’s greatest highlight lies at the pass, where sweeping views open up—revealing Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jitchu Drake, Drageygang, the majestic Drugyal Dzong, and the famed Taktsang Monastery, all contrasted by the tranquil beauty of Haa Valley on the opposite side. Blending cultural heritage with striking wilderness, this trail offers a perfect balance of history, scenery, and authenticity.
Key Highlights:
-
Duration: 2 nights / 3 days
-
Highest Point: 4,350 m above sea level
-
Major Views: Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jitchu Drake, Chele-La Pass, Haa Valley
-
Experience: Traditional villages, yak herder camps, alpine meadows & forests
-
Best Season: Year-round (ideal: Mar–May & Sep–Nov)
Tentative Itinerary
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 880 meters (from Hall Valley at 2670m to Sagala at 3550m)
- Highest Point: Sagala at 3550 meters
-
Commence your trek from the picturesque Haa Valley, beginning at an elevation of 2670 meters. Follow an unpaved motor road, passing to the left of the villages for less than an hour. As you progress, veer towards the right side of the village, gradually ascending past a yak herders' camp until you reach a point where two paths converge. It's essential to avoid the left path, which leads to the summer yak herding camp and the China border. Instead, opt for the right path, guiding you towards the final ascent to your campsite nestled at Sagala, situated at an elevation of 3,550 meters. Embark on this journey to relish the natural splendor and tranquility of the Haa Valley.
- Distance: 12 km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 550 meters (from Sagala at 3550m to ridge peak at 4100m)
- Highest Point: Ridge peak at 4100 meters
-
Embark on a 30-minute climb to reach the breathtaking Sagala pass, positioned at an elevation of 3550 meters. On clear days, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the majestic Mount Jumolhari (7,314 meters) and Jitchu Drake (6,989 meters). Upon reaching the pass, continue along the right side of the trail. As you advance, you'll traverse various inclines and declines, meandering through enchanting paths adorned with rhododendrons and serene meadows. Eventually, you'll ascend to the peak of the ridge, standing at 4100 meters, offering magnificent panoramas of the Haa Valley below. Carry on your trek with intermittent inclines and declines through hemlock and juniper forests, eventually arriving at your campsite positioned at 3850 meters. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and captivating landscapes of this extraordinary journey.
- Distance: 13 km
- Time: 7-8 hours
- Elevation Loss: 110 meters (from Sagala at 4100m to ridge peak at 3990m)
- Highest Point: Ridge peak at 4100 meters
-
After a short descent, your journey along the ridge unfolds, guiding you through captivating meadows and past a yak herder's camp. Following this, the trail ascends through a dense forest of majestic rhododendrons towards the Kung Karpo Sky Burial site, situated at an impressive elevation of 4350 meters. As you traverse the stone cairns marking the path, the panoramic view of the Haa Valley is truly breathtaking.
Continuing from the sky burial site, your path involves a series of ascents and descents, offering sweeping vistas of Paro Valley to your left and Haa Valley to your right. The sight of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below adds to the mesmerizing scenery. Descend further until you reach the Chelela pass, positioned at 3990 meters, renowned as one of Bhutan's highest drivable passes.
Upon arrival at Chelela pass, your awaiting vehicle will seamlessly transport you back to Paro, marking the conclusion of your trekking adventure. Take the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this region, creating memories that will last a lifetime.










