Tour Overview
Grade: easy
Time: 2–3 days
Distance: 14.3 miles/23km
Altitude gain: 3306ft/1008m
Altitude loss: 3739ft/1140m
The Haa Planters’ Trail, also known as a 2- to 3-day trek, historically served rice planters from Haa assisting in Paro’s planting season. It offers an easy route through Haa Valley villages and dense Paro forest. The ascent involves well-marked trails through forest and meadows, while the descent is steeper with loose boulders. The trek ends near Drugyel Dzong, starting from Paro, crossing Jilay La, and descending into Haa Valley, possible to begin the trek on the same day.
Day 1: Haa valley
Day 2 Khadey Gom to Dongney Tsho via Saga La
Day 3 Dongney Tsho (10,496ft/3200m) to Drugyel Dzong (8460ft/2580m)
Day 1: Haa valley
Embark on a captivating three-night trek starting at Yangtong campsite beside Haa Chhu river, adorned with a chorten honoring ‘the Powerful Chhundu’. Climb to Yangtong Gompa village, home to a 300-year-old temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Traverse pine forests to Saga La valley, passing Talung’s charming villages. Wander through farmlands, cross the Chagdo Zam iron bridge, and reach Nyela Demon Rock. Rest at Khadey Gom meadow, surrounded by Bhutan’s serene beauty.
Day 2 Khadey Gom to Dongney Tsho via Saga La
Today’s agenda includes the ascent to Saga La. Begin with a gentle hour-long hike through meadows and coniferous forests, followed by a two-hour climb to the pass. Tradition dictates leaving a gift at the pass, such as a rock or twig, on the mini stupa built by past travelers. Upon reaching the summit, shout ‘Lhagyelo’ for blessings and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Jhomolhari and Chaterake towards Paro, and the peaks of Haa towards Tibet.
The descent from the pass is marked by loose gravel and boulders, so proceed with caution. After a two-hour downhill hike through mixed conifer forests and rhododendrons, you’ll arrive at Dongney Tsho campsite, nestled in an open meadow surrounded by tall firs, with the sacred Choshola mountain to the left.
Day 3 Dongney Tsho (10,496ft/3200m) to Drugyel Dzong (8460ft/2580m)
Today’s hike starts with a steep 1.5-hour descent to Genchu Zam bridge, passing through dense vegetation with sightings of wildlife. You’ll come across the quaint village of Chodeyphu, nestled at the base of the majestic Laump Bjara mountain. Continuing for another hour brings you to Balakha Chhu, where the ancient Haa Planters’ Trail concludes.
What should I bring with me?
· Good walking shoes
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen (highest possible)
· Woolen cap
· Prescription medications/ first aid (only basic first aid is/ can be provided)
· Sturdy and ‘broken-in’ trekking boots
· Rain gear
· Torch (flashlight)
· Insect Repellent
· Gaiters
· Gloves
· T-shirts
· Comfortable walking pants
· Down jacket
· Day bag (to carry your requirements while walking)
· Energy chocolate bars
· Water bottle
· Memory card and batteries for camera and flashlight
· Toiletries
Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25kgs (55 lbs), or 1/5th of body weight.
What will be the weather like in Bhutan?
Days are normally warm, nights can be quite chilly. In winter, the temperature is below freezing point. Monsoon shower in summer can be expected with heavy rains in July and August.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
· Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or other narcotics, they may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse.
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Avoid heavy exercise at high altitudes. Mild exercise is okay.
· Diamox (acetazolamide) 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S.
· Home oxygen will relieve symptoms. Home oxygen is safe, cheap and easy to use. It can be used at night when symptoms are worse and off and on during the day as symptoms dictate.
· If nothing else works, you can return to lower altitude. Going down to lower altitudes will always help relieve the symptoms of AMS, it is also one of the best ways to overcome the sickness.
Acute mountain sickness is caused by lack of Oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude of over 7000 ft (2100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. Mountaineers, trekkers, skiers and mountain travelers are at the greatest risk. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear within several hours, with those in weaker physical conditions being more susceptible. Headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and poor appetite are the initial symptoms. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases, thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs can also occur in rare cases.
The symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be prevented or minimized by gradually ascending (less than 500 meters/day) over several days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the higher altitude. Taking the prescription medication Diamox (acetazolamide) 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speed up the acclimatization process and can be taken shortly before and during the ascent. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. This medication is a mild diuretic and may work by changing the body’s acid-base balance and stimulating breathing. Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day has also been shown to be effective. However, this steroid medication may have more adverse effects. Once symptoms occur, they usually improve over several days without treatment. However, if they become severe, they can be relieved with the administration of oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.
Packing
A soft but strong duffel bag luggage is best suited on treks as it will be loaded on horse backs. A small back pack (day bag) to carry your essential things on the way like rain gear, wind stopper, camera, batteries, water bottle, candies etc.