Dagala Treak starts from Gynekha (2800m) in Thimphu and ends at Chamgang with the highest point of the trail at 4300 meters above the sea level.As this teak takes you through a large number of beautiful high altitude lakes, it is often called the Thousand Lake Trek. This trek offers stunning views of some of the world’s highest Himalayan ranges including the Mount Everest in Nepal and Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Massanggang and Tiger Mountain in Bhutan and many more.
The trails will also take you through bird rich areas, beautiful meadows, alpine forests, monasteries, Yak herder’s camps and several traditional Bhutanese villages. If you are fond of flowers spring will be the best time of the year to do this trek, as at the height of spring; towards the end of March, the whole valley comes to life with flaming red, white and pink rhododendron blossoms.
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Paro Day
Once you arrive at the airport, your tour manager will drive you to your hotel. Once you are ready move to Ta Dzong, which was built as a watch tower and now is the National Museum. The walk down to the Paro Rinpung Dzong, the fortress is located in a commanding location overlooking the Paro valley. During the evening you can explore Paro town.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m) -
Day 2 : Paro Day Tour
In the morning hike to the Tiger’s Nest, which is one of the most famous and sacred sites in the county. It is built on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley. In the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, this was built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m) -
Day 3 : Paro – Gur
In the morning drive to the beautiful Gynekha (2800m) valley to start the trek. The trek will take you through terraced fields and coniferous forests rich in alpine flora with plenty of birds. You will then descend till a river and the trail will steadily move uphill. On the way you will reach a huge rock platform (3350m), which offers scenic view of the valley. After two more hours of trekking you will arrive at your campsite Gur (3300m).
Overnight camp at Gur (Altitude 3,300m) -
Day 4 : GUR – Lambatama
6 HOURS | 1010M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4300M
Today’s trek will take you across the high ridges amidst flowers, large meadows and wild asparagus (during spring). The First mountain pass is marked by a huge cairn and offers a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga (India) and some peaks of the Himalayas. While you are descending you will see the entire Dagala mountain range. Once you have arrived at Labatama valley continue walking through the valley passing yak herder’s huts till you reach Uthso Tsho lake.
Overnight camp, next to lake (Altitude 4,300m) -
Day 5 : Labatama - Panka
5-6 HOURS | 220M ASCENT | 520M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4000M
Walking further from Lambatama the trail will take you to the western side of Dala Tshou up to a saddle at 4500m. From here you will have a majestic view of the prominent Himalayan peaks such as Everest. Then descend to Panka.
Overnight camp (Altitude 4000m). -
Day 6 : Panka – Thimphu
Todaythe trail will take you through several passes, each more impressive than the other and on way you will come across many varieties of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. The last pass you will climb will be Tale La (4200m) and then you will descent to Chamgang. Once you have arrived drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m). -
Day 7 : Thimphu Day Tour
Today you will visit the Buddha Point, where you will find one of the biggest statues of the Buddha in the world. Then visit Simply Bhutan Museum, National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum and the Textile Museum. In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, this is one of the most important landmarks in the city. Later visit the Tashichho Dzong, the fortress which houses the office of the King.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m). -
Day 8 : Thimphu - Gangtey
In the morning drive to Dochula pass (3088m), which offers the view of the highest peak in country Gangkarpuensum (7494m). You will also find 108 stupas and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang at Dochula. Then drive to Gangtey, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. In the afternoon visit Gangtey Monastery and explore the fascinating Phobjikha valley. Also visit the Black Necked Crane Information Center, which offers high spotting scopes to view the cranes.
Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m). -
Day 9 : Gangtey - Punakha
Post breakfast drive to Punakha Dzong, the fortress where the Royal Wedding of the Fifth King was held. In the afternoon go for a short hike through the local farms to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple it is believed to bless people with children. In the evening explore the local market.
Overnight at Punakha (Altitude 1,300m). -
Day 10 : Punakha - Paro
After breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and then hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten which overlooks the entire valley. In the afternoon drive to Paro and on the way visit Simthokha Dozng, this is one of the oldest dzongs in the country.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m). -
Day 11 : Departure
In the morning your tour manager will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell.
Tour Ends!
FAQ
- Stunning views of Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest and Jumolhari
- Walking through meadows, forests, and alpine landscapes
- Camp beside pristine high-altitude lakes, including Uthso Tsho
- Explore traditional villages and yak herder camps
- Rare wildlife and seasonal flowers, especially blue poppy.
- Trekking boots and layered clothing.
- A water-resistant backpack and trekking poles.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Personal medications and a first aid kit.