Along the western frontiers- The Sagala Trek (6 Nights 7 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Sagala Trek, along Bhutan's western frontiers, is an awe-inspiring adventure that unfolds against the backdrop of pristine landscapes and cultural gems. This trek takes intrepid explorers through verdant forests, charming villages, and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. As the trail winds through remote regions, trekkers may encounter ancient monasteries like Sagala Lhakhang, steeped in spiritual history. The journey provides a unique perspective on Bhutan's western terrain, blending the natural beauty of alpine meadows with the cultural richness of remote settlements. The Sagala Trek stands as a testament to Bhutan's untouched wilderness and enduring cultural heritage.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrival at Paro Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Drive towards Haa Valley from Paro Camping [B/L/D] Day 03 Haa Valley – Sagala Camping [B/L/D] Day 04 Sagala – Ningula Camping [B/L/D] Day 05 Ningula – Kung Karpo – Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 06 Drive from Thimpu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 07 Final Departure [B/-/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. After completing the arrival formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paro. Take this time to relax and unwind from your journey and get settled into your accommodation. Paro is a charming town located in a beautiful valley and is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the town in the evening, maybe take a stroll, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Overnight at the hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: Drive towards Haa Valley from Paro — The drive from Paro to Haa Valley in Bhutan is a scenic and picturesque journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayan kingdom. Leaving Paro, you'll navigate through winding mountain roads, surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields. The route includes the Chele La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass, you'll approach Haa Valley, characterized by its serene beauty and traditional Bhutanese architecture. The journey showcases the unique blend of natural splendor and cultural richness that defines Bhutan. Haa Valley is known for its pristine environment, ancient monasteries, and the cultural treasures of its inhabitants. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Haa Valley – Sagala — Embarking on the trek, the initial leg follows an unpaved motor road for less than an hour. Subsequently, a footpath on the right side of the village becomes your guide, leading you through a gradual ascent past a yak herder's camp. As the trail unfolds, you'll encounter a pivotal point where two paths diverge. Choosing the right-side trail, your journey advances with a final climb toward the camp situated just below Saga La pass, nestled at an elevation of 3,550 meters. This segment of the trek not only offers physical challenges but also treats trekkers to the pristine beauty of the Bhutanese wilderness, enhancing the overall adventure. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Sagala – Ningula — Continuing the trek, 30 minutes from the starting point brings you to the breathtaking Sagala Pass at an altitude of 3,550 meters. Weather permitting, the panorama reveals the majestic Mt. Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake, providing a stunning backdrop to your journey. Upon crossing the pass, the trail leads along the right side, guiding you through a series of ascents and descents. Navigating through enchanting landscapes of rhododendron trees and meadows, the trek culminates at the ridge's summit, standing at 4,100 meters. This vantage point unveils the entirety of Haa Valley, a spectacular sight. The remaining trek involves occasional ascents and descents, meandering through Hemlock and Juniper forests, ultimately leading to the campsite at an elevation of 3,850 meters. This leg of the journey showcases the diverse beauty of Bhutan's wilderness. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Ningula – Kung Karpo – Thimphu — Embarking on the post-breakfast trek, the initial descent is followed by traversing a ridge cutting through picturesque meadows of yak herder's camps. Beyond the meadows, the ascent towards Kung Karpo begins, navigating through dense rhododendron trees and meadows marked by stone cairns—a roughly 2-hour climb. The reward comes as you ascend through the stone cairns, offering a breathtaking view of Haa Valley before reaching Kung Karpo at 4,350 meters. Here, the unique opportunity to witness a Sky Burial presents itself, and those daring can scale the mountain for a panoramic perspective. The subsequent trail involves a series of ascents and descents, treating trekkers to views of Paro Valley on the left and Haa Valley on the right. Kila Goenpa Nunnery adds to the scenic splendor. Upon reaching the final ridge, a downhill trek leads to Chelela Pass at 3,980 meters, taking approximately 90 minutes. From here, the journey transitions to a drive that will take you to Thimphu, concluding this exhilarating trek through Bhutan's enchanting landscapes and cultural landmarks. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty. Starting from Thimphu, the capital city, you'll likely head westward on the winding mountain roads. The route takes you through picturesque valleys, traditional villages, and lush greenery. Along the way, you might catch sight of the Paro River and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The road conditions are generally good, but weather conditions can affect travel times, especially during monsoon or winter seasons. Always check for the latest information on road conditions and weather before embarking on the journey. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.+