Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Trip 

Duration: 9 Days 

Level of Trek: Moderate - Hard 

Season: February to June and October to December 

Day 1: Arrival at Paro 

On your flight to Paro, the journey affords spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you fly via Delhi or Kathmandu, you can have a view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. On your arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will be there to receive you. If you arrive before noon, you can start your trip after lunch. Visit the 8th-century-old Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom, built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, you can explore the town and plunge into Bhutan’s urban life. Spend overnight at Paro. 

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery 

Morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest is a refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge at an altitude of 3, 000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by the great Buddhist saint, Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that Guru came to this site on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region to meditate and later would convert the Paro valley to Buddhism. The hike to reach the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. From there, one can view the beautiful Paro valley. Descend from the Monastery and rest at the Taktshang cafeteria for lunch. Return to the Hotel and have a free stroll in the town and nearby village settlements. Overnight will be in the hotel in Paro. 

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

Drive downstream alongside the Pa Chhu River to its confluence with Wang Chhu (Thimphu River), then upstream to Thimphu, the capital of the country. Before entering Thimphu town, visit Simtokha Dzong, the Kingdom’s oldest Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, visit to Buddha point, the biggest bronze Buddha of its kind in the world. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most impressive building, situated at the banks of Wang Chhu, which is the Throne Room of the King, and also the summer residence of Jekhenpo, the Chief Abbot. Take a leisurely walk through Thimphu market in the evening. Overnight will be in the Hotel in Thimphu. 

Day 4: Drive from Paro/Thimphu to Gynekha and Trek to Kepchen (3,390m) 

From Paro/Thimphu, we drive for 1-1.5 hours to the starting point of the trek. Today's trail winds through terraced fields and conifer forests. The trek begins in the beautiful Genekha village (2,800m) with a short descent to the river. From there, you’ll start climbing until you reach a vast rock platform at 3,350m, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. After another two hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kepchen, nestled amidst yak pastures at approximately 3,390m. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking and Driving Duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~8 Kms Ascent: 590 masl Descent: 210 masl Accommodation: Camp 

Day 5: Trek Kepchen to Watachen/Labatama (4,300m) 

Today's trek takes you through blooming wildflowers, wild asparagus (in spring), and vast meadows. As you weave past tiny streams, the trail gently ascends through scattered birch and rhododendron trees, leading to Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250m), marked by towering cairns. From the pass, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and several Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend, the breathtaking panorama of the entire Dagala range unfolds, dotted with meadows and yak herder camps. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking Duration: ~6 hours Distance: ~13 Kms Ascent: 1010 masl Descent: 110 masl Accommodation: Camp 

Day 6: Labatama Halt and Rest Day (4,300m) 

Spend a leisurely day relaxing and exploring the picturesque Labatama Valley. For those feeling adventurous, a range of day excursions is available to Relitsho, Hentsho, or Jametsho Lake. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Rest Day / Optional Hikes Accommodation: Camp 

Day 7: Trek Labatama to Pankha (4,000m) 

Today's trail ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho Lake, leading to a saddle at 4,520m, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang, and Gangche Ta. For an even more spectacular vantage point, you can climb a nearby peak at 4,720m. From the saddle, the trail descends past yak herder huts to Docha Chu, then follows the river for a while before reaching your campsite for the evening at Pankha. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking Duration: ~7 hours Distance: ~9 Kms, Ascent: 260 masl Descent: 520 masl 

Day 8: Trek Pankha to Tso zhaw Chamgang/ trek end / Paro 

Today is the last day of the Dagala Thousand Lakes trek in Bhutan, but your climb doesn't end sooner, you will ascend to an impressive mountain pass, gradually climbing to its peak at 4,300m. The ascent is steady rather than steep, allowing for a manageable yet rewarding trek to the top. From there, the trail undulates with several ups and downs before descending on a steep trail to Chamgang (2640 m), from where the vehicle will pick you up and drive to paro. In the evening, you are free to stroll around the town. Overnight at paro. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking and driving. Duration: ~6-7 hours Distance: ~17 Kms, Ascent: 50 masl, Descent: 1460 masl 

Day 9: Paro – Depart 

After early breakfast, we drive you to the airport. You board to the flight and bid goodbye to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Drukpath Trek

Druk Path Trek Trip length: 12 Days 

Level: Moderate/Hard Maximum 

altitude: 4200m 

Suitable month: March to June & September to November 

Day 1: Paro Arrival

Onboard to Paro in Druk Air or Tashi Air, one will have a glimpse of the world’s highest Mountain, Mount Everest, and other Himalayan peaks. Once you arrive at Paro International Airport, representatives will receive you and escort you to the Hotel for an overnight stay. On your way, you will come across a typical Bhutanese settlement pattern – modern town planning at the centre and traditional village settlement at the periphery. 

Day 2: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery 

Spend one whole day hiking the trails to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery hangs from a vertical granite cliff 3000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here from Khengpajong in Lhuentse on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. The tigress was actually his favorite consort and a disciple, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hours. From the Monastery and the adjacent area, one will have a beautiful view of the Paro valley. After descending from the Monastery, Taktsang Cafeteria is a perfect place for rest and lunch. Then you return for the Hotel at sun set. 

Day 3: Paro - Jela Dzong (Trek starts) 

This is a short trekking day with approximately 7 km at the elevation of 3576 m. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp. Scenic Paro valley with snowcapped mountains standing behind the valley floor is the characteristic feature. 

Day 4: Jela Dzong - Jangchulakha 

Stretching for about 10 km at the elevation of 3879 m, the trek begins with about an hour and half climb and then gradually ascend up the gentle slopes. The trek passes through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders along the way and around your campsite. 

Day 5: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso 

Covering 11km at the height of 4140 m, the trail follows the ridge. On a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilangtso Lake, known for existence of giant trout. 

 

Day 6: Jimilangtso – Simkota/ labana. 

At the altitude of 3, 485 m, the trek extends to 11km. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s campgrounds where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake, popular for trout fishing. If we go to Labana, we have to go another an hour to reach at Labana for the camp. 

Day 7: Simkota/ Labana – Phajodhing-Phajodhing – Thimphu 

Requiring a gradual climb through the ridges, the trek is about 10 km at an altitude of 2, 879 m. Under a clear sky, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed in the world. Conquering Dochula Pass, one can also have a view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing. About 8km downhill will take you to the base of the Phajoding, where you will meet with the car to pick you up and go to the hotel for overnight. In the evening, you may walk freely in the town. 

Day 8: Thimpu Sightseeing 

Having spent almost a week in the forest, urban Bhutan is next to be explored. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Office of the King, Throne Room, the main secretariat building housing the offices of the government ministries, the office and living quarters of the monk body, and its Chief Abbot. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and available in a variety for purchase. Explore the painting and woodcraft schools for traditional arts, and paintings are kept alive there. Have a view of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial Chorten (stupa) built by Lt. Her Majesty, Azhi Phuntsho Choden in memory of his son, the Third King, His Majesty, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan, who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. A visit to the National Library will present you with an opportunity to have a look at ancient manuscripts. Driving east for about 6 km from the town will take you to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 AD by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. You ride back from the Dzong drive towards Paro for an overnight in the hotel. 

Day 9: Departure 

After having breakfast, you will be taken to the airport, and we will see you off. Bid Farewell to Bhutan, the Land of Thunder Dragon!

Beautiful Laya Lingzhi Trek

Beautiful Laya-Gasa Trek 

Trip length: 17 Days 

Level: Moderate / Difficult 

Maximum altitude: 5030m 

Suitable months: April to June & September to mid-November 

Day 1: Paro arrival 

Aboard the flight to Paro, the sight of Mt. Everest, Mt. Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake is a welcoming note for you. Upon landing, you will be received and transferred to the Hotel by a representative. After lunch, visit the Paro Dzong, built in 1646, which houses the monastic body and administrative machinery. Later, you visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest lhakhangs in the country, built in the 7th century. Proceed further to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of victorious Bhutan, built after the victory over the Tibetan invasion in the year 1649. Under a clear sky, you can see Mt. Jomolhari at 7, 329m from here. In the evening, walk freely in the town! An overnight hotel will be in Paro. 

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang. 

After breakfast, start the day’s excursion to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical granite rock, 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche came to the site of the Monastery on the back of a Tigress to meditate. Have the spectacular view of Paro Valley from the temple. Descend for lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Overnight at paro. 

Day 3: Shana- Thongdho Zam (9-10km)-5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Shana, which is about 2 hours drive from Paro town. After reaching Shana, meet with the crews, and start slowly your first day of the trek. Today's trek is not very long, it's only about 9 kms, but the path/ trail is very rocky and slippery, so it will take longer than we think. The campsite will be at 3300 masl. Overnight at camp.

 Day 4: Thongdho zam to Sio Thangkha (10 – 11 km, 5-6 hours)

After early breakfast, almost the entire day or entire trek day, we will be following the Paro main stream, but also there will be a lot of up and down till camp. After crossing the bridge, the team stops for hot lunch. After lunch, we climb along the bank of the river through the rhododendron forest. We cross the river again, and that will take us to the campsite at 3,650m. 

Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang. 

Continue the trail along the Pachhu and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords a view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. Trekking 15km of trek within 5 to 6 hours will find us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4040m. Camp here for the night! 

Day 6: Jangothang and excursion to Tshophu lake. 

We will have a good chance to relax in the sun just in front of the Jomolhari. But after breakfast, you may go further from the base camp and climb to Tsho Phu 4300m. night at camp. 

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi 

Climb gradually toward the pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you are trekking, you will find some yak herders in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the Valley, Tserim Kang (Mountain), and its glaciers. At 4150 m, camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent! By then, we will have covered 19km of trail within 5 to 6 hours of trek. 

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa. 

Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3, 850 m, having trekked for 3 to 4 hours covering 12km of trail, camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and feel the Bhutanese rural life experiences. 

Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang. 

Trekking through a wide pastureland will lead to Gugu La Pass. Along the way, you find some Yak herders. Conquering Gugu La Pass at 4444 masl, descend to the valley. The campsite will be above a riverbank, a tributary of the Mochhu River at an elevation of 4, 260m. By then, we will have trekked 13km in 5 to 6 hours of time. 

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang . 

We start early for the trek is little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jerela Pass at 4, 600m, descend to Tsharijathang Valley, where you can see the herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Camp at Tsharijathang at 4, 390m after having trekked from 15km for 5 to 6 hours! 

Day 11: Robluthang – Lingmithang. 

Cross the Shingela Pass at 4, 900m, you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya County, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats on their heads. Camp at Lingmithang at an elevation of 4200 masl after a day-long trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 19 km of the trail! A day halt exploring the valley and meeting the people of unique costumes and habits will be of unique experience. 

Day 12: Lingmithang – Laya. 

The trek for the day is a downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya Village. At an elevation of 3, 850m, the campsite is on a high flat bench above the village. The trek stretches for about 10 km, requiring 3 to 4 hours of normal trekking. 

Day 13: Laya Halt. 

Explore laya village and its nearby. 

Day 14: Laya –Gasa (Hot Spring). 

After breakfast, Decent down till the army checkpoint and possibilities, our car will pick us up and drive to Gasa hot spring. In the evening, after the trek, we deserve a very good and relaxing of our muscles, so we soak in the Hot Spring. Overnight at camp. 

Day 15: Gasa – Thimphu via Punakha. 

The drive from Gasa to Thimphu will take about 5 to 6 hours. We will stop on the way for lunch and other stops. Overnight at Thimphu in a Hotel. 

Day 16: Thimphu – Paro 

In the morning, hike from Buddha point to Chang gangkha Lhakhang about 2 hours. Vist few temples and monuments, in the afternoon, drive to Paro. Overnight hotel at Paro!

Day17: Paro (Departure) 

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to the Airport and bid goodbye to you from Bhutan!

Dagala Trek

Dagala trek is a high altitude trek that requires quite a strength and great intrest for mountain and nature. The highest point where we can go will be at 4530masl. for the beginers trekkers, you should consider some acclimitization before you start the trek. overall, the trek is very beautiful with great views of eastern himalayas.