6-Day 360 Degree Sagala Trek

Paro valley is the aerial gateway to Bhutan and being one of the widest valleys is the lucky location to the only international airport in the middle of paddy fields and traditional Bhutanese houses. Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom with majority of it's inhabitants dependent on agriculture and tourism industry. Paro valley also contributes a large amount of fresh produce including, vegetables, rice and dairy to the Bhutanese palette. Hundreds of temples and monasteries can be found dotting the hills and vales, one of them being the remarkably iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical cliff at 10,000ft high above the valley.

The majestic Rinpung Dzong or the Fortress of Heaped Jewels is located along the Paro river gathering attention and admiration from every corner of the valley. Like all the Dzongs in the country, the Rinpung Dzong houses the administrative offices along side the district monastic body, i.e. the monks, their living quarters and learning centers. The beautiful view of the wide Paro valley with its paddy fields and Pa Chhu (Paro river) from the Dzong is spectacular and a good vantage point to take panoramic pictures of the valley. However, the Dzong along with the traditional cantilever bridge and the Museum (above the Dzong) illuminated by floodlights make for impressive night photography. The Rinpung Dzong is featured in Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1993 Hollywood movie ‘Little Buddha’ starring Keanu Reeves as a young Buddha; and one of Hongkong’s leading entertainment couple, actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau who got married in Bhutan

The National Museum located above the Rinpung Dzong was previously a watch tower (Ta Dzong) built in 1649 to guard the valley from numerous Tibetan invasions. Built in the shape of a conch shell the tower was converted to a Museum in 1968, was severely damaged by three major earthquakes, the recent being in 2011 and renovated and reopened in all its former architectural glory in June 2020 as the National Museum. The Museum has on display numerous unique sets of religious and historical artifacts that narrate the traditional heritage and culture of Bhutan. The artifacts include festival masks, fine arts, paintings, textiles from all over Bhutan, collection of stamps, preserved specimens of exotic animals and many antique collections. A visit to the Museum will familiarize a visitor to the ancient culture and traditions of Bhutan and discover the beauty, mystery, myths and legends that makes Bhutan a hidden gem of a country.

Have a sumptuous breakfast for your hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. Riding ponies are also available till halfway if you think the hike is a bit daunting. Located around 900 meters above the Paro valley on a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, Taktsang Monastery is truly a wonderful and spectacular sight in terms of its location, setting and history. In the 8th Century this was one of the major sites where Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery. It is one of the holiest site in the Buddhist arena and the most important cultural icon in Bhutan. You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.

The Kyichu Lhakhang/temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan and has been visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town and though the structure is simple but abounds in many tantric and mythical wonderful stories that will take you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles. The temple was built in the early 6th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo credited for introducing Buddhism to Tibet and he is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara) of whom the Dalai Lamas are similarly believed to be a manifestation of.

Distance: 20 minutes drive; 8 Kms, Duration: 4 – 5 hours hike, Camp Altitude: 3,235 meters From your hotel, drive for a few minutes till you reach the road-end at Talung village from where you start your trek. Today the walking distance is only about 3 hours however you can explore the villages enroute and acclimatize to the altitude. The hike is through the remote villages, farmlands, meadows and bridges till you reach your campsite. Your campsite is at Khadey Gom a beautiful meadow located below the Sagala Pass

Distance: 12 Kms, Duration: 5 – 6 hours, Camp Altitude: 4,191 meters The highlight of this day will be the spectacular sunrise and 360 degree views of the snow capped mountains, Drugyl Dzong and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery from the top of the Sagala Pass. The walking hours is about 5-6 hours till you reach your campsite at Ningula Pass.

Distance: 13 Kms, Duration: 6 – 7 hours Today you will be walking along the mountain ridges and through the forests of Rhododendron, fir and pine tress till you reach the Chelela Pass which is above the tree line. You can view the Haa valley on one side and the Paro valley on the other with the snow capped Himalayan Ranges in the distance. If you are up for it you can also visit the sky burial ground. Your driver and vehicle will be waiting for you at the roadpoint below the Chelela Pass, and another 2 hours drive will bring you to your hotel in Paro.

will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.