Dagala Trek

Trek Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
Difficulty Level:Moderate.
Good Season:March, April, May, June, September, October and November

Brief about Dagala Trek

This five day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more.

During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.

While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April-June or September –October.

Along with the Dagala Trek, if you hvce more time can include more cultural tour. As of now in this program have added cultural tour program for only in Paro and Thimphu.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Paro Arrival, Transfer to Thimphu (1 hour plus Drive)

You will be received by our people at the airport. Then will drive to Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) which was converted to National Museum in 1969 by the third king. Then will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture which serves as Paro district head office as well as a monastic community. If you feel energetic then will walk down to Paa chu, cross over the cantilever bridge and get to other side where our driver will be waiting.

After that will stroll aroud in Paro and prepare for the trek.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang, Tigers Nest

Today after breakfast will drive to Taktshang Base and then will hike to Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) which is one of the most popular tourist sites. Its the place blessed by Guru Padmasambhava i n the 8th century, though the monastery was only constructed in 1692 by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

The hike will take on average 5 to 6 hours up and down. And this also helps you to aclimatize. In the evening will relax.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 3: Paro to Genekha to Gur (Start of Trek)

Distance 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m.

Today after breakfast will drive to Gynekha where you will meet with the trekking Crews.

The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

Night Halt: Camp site Gur

Day 4: Gur to Labatama

Distance 12 km, 5 hours, 1,220 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 4,300 m.

On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

Night Halt: Campsite, Labatama

Day 5: Labatama Halt

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to take an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

Night Halt: Campsite Labatama

Day 6: Labatama to Panka

Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m.

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Night Halt: Camp site.

Day 7: Panka to Chamgang to Thimphu(End of Trek)

Distance 14 km, 6-7 hours, 620 m ascent, 550 m descent.

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.

Then will continue to walk towards Chamgang where will meet our driver waiting there. Will say good bye to the crew and drive to Thimphu and have relaxing night in Hotel.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast will visit National Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Then will drive to Kuenselphodrang to see Buddha Statue which is one of the biggest sitting Buddha in the world measuring 169 feet tall. After that will do a short Chang-Sel hike which starts from buddha point and ends in Changankha. Its an easy hike and will take 2 hours plus. Then will visit Takin Preserve where you will find Takin, the National animal of Bhutan and it is native to only Himalayas and also the endangered species. Followed by Royal Textile Academy, Textile Museum. Followed by Bhutan Post if you want to make some personalize stamps. Then will visit Tashicho Dzongthe beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Central Monastic Bsody and Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of monastic body. Evening we can stroll around in Thimphu town.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 9: Paro INternational Airport

Depending on the flight time will reach you to airport and seeoff.