Generations of trekkers have been drawn by Bhutan's mystical landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to fresh lakes to alpine meadows. The Dagala Trek takes you right through the heart of the country's beautiful scenery, offering exquisite views of the Himalayas, the opportunity to sleep under the stars, and the chance to interact with nomadic yak herders. This five-day trip, perfect for outdoor adventurers, makes the most of a short stay in Bhutan.

Highlights

  • See snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest, from the trail
  • Trek through valleys filled with blue poppies and shaggy yaks
  • Visit pristine mountain lakes during a one-day break on the trek
  • Camp under the stars by the banks of a river

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Begin the Dagala Trek  Gur
Day 2 Hike from Gur to Lambatama Lambatama
Day 3 Rest for the Day in the Mountains Lambatama
Day 4 Trek from Lambatama to Panka Panka
Day 5 Continue from Panka to Chamgang & Depart Bhutan  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Begin the Dagala Trek 

Dramatic scenery in the Thimphu Valley

Welcome to Bhutan! Arrive in Thimphu and travel immediately to the village of Gyenekha, where the trek starts. Begin with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river, climb until you reach a huge rock platform offering picturesque views. After another couple of hours, you'll reach Gur, an area full of yak pastures that's just below the main trail. You'll camp here in a tent tonight at an altitude of 10,793 feet (3,290 m).

Day 2: Hike from Gur to Lambatama

Sunrise at a campsite along the trail
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Today, the trail takes you across high ridges to appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings, rich with mountain vegetation. The path winds through meadows adorned with wildflowers (in summer) and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross provides a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (on the border of Nepal and India) and several Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass, you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala Mountains range, as well as meadows and yak herder camps.

Once you have descended into the Labatama Valley, you'll begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing yak herder huts before arriving at Uthso Tsho. Your campsite for this evening is right next to the lake. 

Day 3: Rest for the Day in the Mountains

A beautiful lake near Labatama

You'll spend today acclimatizing, relaxing, and recuperating in the Labatama Valley. You can take an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, and Jama Tsho. If you like, you could also try trout fishing. Permits are required for this, so let your local specialist know in advance if you're interested in a fishing excursion.

Day 4: Trek from Lambatama to Panka

Snow-capped Himalayan peaks

The trail this morning climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a summit at 14,829 feet (4,520 m). From here, you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsende Gang, and Gangche Ta. From here, the path descends, passing some yak herder huts, to Doccha Chhu. Follow the river for a while—higher up on the slope—to reach Panka, with ascents and descents along the way. You'll camp overnight in a tent at an altitude of 13,123 feet (4,000 m).

Day 5: Continue from Pankha to Chamgang & Depart Bhutan

A quiet mountain trail

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 (4,180 m), you start a long descent to Chamgang. Then return to Paro by car to catch your flight out. Safe travels!

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