Legion of trekkers have been drawn by the irresistible mystical charms of Bhutan’s mountains and its surreal exquisite landscapes. Dagala Trek Bhutan is one such trek, where in addition to its many small beautiful lakes (therefore also called thousand lakes trek) and its beautiful vistas, it is a one with fewer trekkers. Dagala trek follows a trail along the ridge-line of Dagala range, that separates Thimphu valley from the lower hills to the south with uninterrupted views in almost all direction. On a clear day, you can see not only the peaks of Bhutan, but could also see afar off peaks of Sikkim and Nepal as well. With exposed ridge line, the weather can also change dramatically within a short period.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Begin trek Gyenkha to Gur.
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.
Day 2: Gur- Lambatama.
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.
Day 3: In Lambatama.
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)
Day 4: Labatama- Panka.
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.
Day 5: Pankha- Talakha-Chamgang- Paro.
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 Rimpung Dzong and others as per available time.
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