Bhutan Saga La Trek with Cultural Tour - 7 Days

Upon arrival at Paro airport, a Bhutan based representative of Himalayan trekkers will greet you and tranfer you at the hotel in the capital, Thimpu. 

After a brief rest, you will have a sightseeing tour of some popular landmarks like Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point,  and Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, you can explore the local markets, check out some restaurants, and bars.

Overnight.

After a warm breakfast, we will drive to Lobesa, the starting point for your hiking.

We will have a short hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the country. It was built back in the 15th century by Lam Ngawang Chogyal at the place where his cousin, the famous Lam Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman) fought and subdued a powerful demon.

Then we will come to Punakha where we will explore the Punakha Dzong, and the famous suspension bridge.  You will also explore the farmhouse in the evening, where you get to witness the local culture and lifestyle and also overwhelming hospitality. The Bhutanese culture will have a great impact on you. 

Overnight. 

Soon after breakfast, you will have a scenic drive to Haa valley following the same way of Thimpu. Haa valley is the most picturesque site in the kingdom where tradition and culture with its natural beauty attract everyone.  

En route to Haa, you will stop by the Lamperi Botanical Garden and explore it for an ample of time. 

Once you are in the valley, you will explore the top attractions like Lhakhang Karpo (white temple), and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple). You can stroll around the streets of Haa town in the evening where cultural shows are performed on a daily basis.

Overnight.

This trek goes through the Saga La and takes you to the Dongney Tsho (3200m). The journey begins on a gradual hike through the meadows and coniferous forests for an hour followed by a strenuous two hours climb which will finally lead you to the Saga Pass.

Saga Pass is blessed with serene remoteness and bewildering views in all directions, on the side of the Paro Valley one can see the grandeur and glamour of the majestic Jomolahri Peak and also sights of the famed shining Taktsang Monastery as well as Drugyel Dzong. On the western side, the Tibetan Border can be seen at a distance. The descending walk from here traverses through beautiful coniferous forests till you reach the open campsite of Dongney Tsho where you will be staying the night.

The steep downhill to Genchu Zam makes the first part of the walk that lasts for around 1.5 hours. This hike makes your way through nutcrackers laughing thrushes, pheasants, magpies, and other thick vegetation. As you get down, you will see a small and pretty village known as Chodeypu, comprising of not more than eight houses and a temple. At the base of the Laump Bjara mountain, this is a really pretty village filled with mountain goats. Another one hour of walking finally takes you to the Balakha Chhu marking the end of the ancient Haa Planters Trail.

From here, you will drive to Paro and explore some landmarks like National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (monastery), and Kyichu Lhakhang. 

Overnight.

The Taktsang Monastery also is known as the Tiger’s Nest and is an iconic destination in the country resting at the edge of a cliff at 3000 m above the Paro Valley. It has a lot of historical importance as it is believed that divine Guru Rimpoche meditated in the monastery for over three months.

Built back in the 17th century, the majestic monastery caught fire in the year of 1998 but was rebuilt to its whole glamour again in 2003. The Taktsang Hike is a pure adrenaline rush and heart-pounding experience as the trail is quite adventurous and challenging. Filled with strenuous climbs, unpaved trail and a steep slope make the 4 hours climb a memorable experience. There is a total of three viewpoints along the way that shows the supremacy of the monastery from different distances.

The Taktsang Monastery is known as the 10th holiest site in the Buddhist World and is a structure that seems impossible to build. There are a total of three temples inside the Takstang Complex, each reflecting upon the valour of the construction. Though it is a must-visit for tourists, the hike up to the Taktsang is quite challenging yet enthralling. We also provide our valued tourists with riding ponies for making your journey easier and fun.

For the rest of the day, you can explore the neighboring village. 

Overnight. 

The day of departure has come.

After your last breakfast at Bhutan, you will leave the country on the flight from the Paro Airport finally bidding farewell to your Bhutanese guide, and this small, and beautiful country.