Dagala Trek

Upon arrival in Paro, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Spend rest of the day visiting few sights, walking and strolling in Paro. Overnight in hotel.

Drive short distance to Thimphu (1hr), where we spend the morning visiting few sights. Then drive across spectacular Dochula pass to Punakha (3+hrs). Lunch could be planned at Dochula. In the evening, visit Chimi Lhakhang temple. Overnight hotel in Punakha

Punakha-Wangdue valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m above-sea-level. Therefore it enjoys subtropical climate with warm summers and pleasant winters. Visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten by 45min hike uphill. On return visit impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. In the afternoon, we could drive to one of the villages higher up on the top of hills and begin 2-3hr walk. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Return drive to Thimphu re-crossing Dochula pass with one more opportunity to have a great view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Dochula pass you can begin our 2hr. ridge top hike to visit Lungchuzekha Temple. The trail is through rich vegetation of moss laden birch, hemlock and rhododendrons trees. The monastery has been recently repaired and the views from here on a clear day are astounding; with almost all of Bhutan’s great peaks seen from here. Return to Dochula pass or follow the trail that takes us to another ridge top village of Trashigang with monasteries and retreat houses and down to the road head above Hongtsho, from where it is short distance to Thimphu. We may still have some time for local tour and get ready for the trek tomorrow.

Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Distance 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m.
Drive short distance to south of Thimphu for an hour to Gyenekha village. 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 below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail. Overnight in tents.

Distance 12 km, 6 hours, 1,220m ascent, 110m descent, camp altitude 4,300m.
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 in India) and 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. Overnight in tents.

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. There is an opportunity to engage in some trout fishing. Permits are required for fishing so you should let us know to make the necessary arrangements beforehand. Overnight in tents. (For those who are short on time, this day could be removed)

Distance 8 km, 4-5hrs (+1hr for optional climb), 260m ascent, 520m descent, camp altitude 4,000m.
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. Overnight in tents.

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. Watch out for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Chamgang. However the new dirt road has come up quite a bit. If the road condition is good, you may only have to walk till the monastery saving few kilometers on foot. Meet your vehicle and drive to Paro, which takes about 2hrs. This evening we hope to visit Rinphung Dzong and others as per available time. Overnight in hotel at Paro.

Transfer to the trail head and hike to famous Taktsang or Tiger’s nest monastery. It takes around 2 hours to reach 1st viewpoint and further walk of 1 hr or more takes you to 2nd viewpoint. Following the flight of stairs down and across a chasm and with slight mount will arrive at Tiger Nest Monastery. Upon return visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and other sights in Paro. In the evening stroll around Paro town with option for farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Airport on time for your outbound journey. If your flight is in afternoon, in that case , we can make the morning hours useful by visiting sights in Paro valley.