Dagala Trek (12 Nights 13 Days)
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Read the full journey overview
The Dagala Trek unfolds as a captivating high-altitude adventure in Bhutan, immersing trekkers in the pristine wilderness of the Dagala range. Beginning at the picturesque Geynikha Chhorten, the trail winds through alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers, revealing breathtaking views of serene lakes and snow-capped peaks. The trek spans diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open yak pastures, providing encounters with nomadic yak herders and their traditional way of life. Crossing several mountain passes, including the highest at nearly 4,500 meters, the Dagala Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding journey, allowing explorers to appreciate Bhutan's untouched natural beauty and unique cultural tapestry.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrival in Paro Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Paro Tiger’s Nest (Monastery) Hike Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Paro – Genekha – Gur (Trek Start) Camping [B/L/D] Day 04 Gur – Labatama Camping [B/L/D] Day 05 Halt At Labatama Camping [B/L/D] Day 06 Labatama – Panakha Camping [B/L/D] Day 07 Panakha – Chamgang – Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 08 Thimphu – Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 09 Punakha – Phobjikha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 10 Phobjikha – Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 11 Drive From Thimphu To Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 12 Final Departure [B/-/-]
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.
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Day 2: Paro Tigers Nest (Monastery) Hike — Immediately after breakfast, drive towards the road point Totaktshang. Bhutan's most famous monastery, Taktsang Monastery, is perched on a cliff at an altitude of 900 meters in the Paro Valley. Taktsang means "tiger's nest" and is so named because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the monastery grounds on the back of a flying tiger at the end of the first millennium.
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Day 3: Paro – Genekha – Gur — Drive 45 km from Thimphu to the starting point of the trek. Today's path takes us through terraced fields and coniferous forests.
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Day 4: Gur – Labatama — Hiking along the mountain ridge allows you to enjoy the beauty of rugged mountain flora. The path winds through flowers and wild asparagus (spring). The grassland is refreshing and moving. The first pass, symbolized by a huge stone mountain, offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and all of Bhutan's Himalayas. Descending into the Ramatama Valley, we gradually climb up the valley, passing several yak herders' huts, and arrive at Lake Utso, which is rich in golden trout. The campground is located directly above the lake at 4100 block.
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Day 5: Halt at Labatama — Today we will go on a day trip to Lake Sertso and Lake Jagetso. The uphill hike to Lake Selzo is easy and interesting. From there, you will cross a small ridge and descend to Lake Jagetsu. Or, when there's no snow on Mount Jumo, try climbing the 5,000-meter peak Aum Jomo. If the weather is good, you can get a great view of the Dagara Mountains from the top. At night, we return to camp and prepare for the next day.
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Day 6: Labatama – Panakha — The trail follows the western side of Dharaso to a saddle at 4520 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas as you descend. This point is approximately 4460 m above sea level, and the peaks include Mount Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jumolari, Jitchu His Drake, Tseringan,
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Day 7: Panakha – Chamgang – Thimphu — They are scheduled to start early this morning. We have to cross several passes on this day, each more impressive than the last. Look for different species of blue poppies (June-July) and mountain birds. After crossing the last small ridge, we gradually descend towards the main junction pass, which intersects the roads to Chamgan, Tareja, Ganeka, and Gasero. So we make a very short descent to the right and then a horizontal turn for a few minutes towards the Chamgan trail. You will have to climb up and down three to four small ridges before starting the steep descent until you reach Chamgan Village. Eventually, we reach the motorway, and transport to Thimphu is waiting.
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Day 8: Thimphu – Punakha — Head to Punakha via the beautiful Dochula Pass (3100 meters). Weather permitting, the pass offers spectacular views of Bhutan's Himalayas. Upon arrival in Punakha, first check in to your hotel. After lunch in Punakha town, we will visit:
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Day 9: Punakha – Phobjikha — After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, and upon arrival, check into your hotel and go on a short hike. Next, visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center, located on the edge of the forest and wetlands along the Phobjikha Valley main road. The Black-necked Crane Information Center has an observation room equipped with a high-performance telescope and spotting scope, so you can see the cranes up close. The center also provides exhibit information about the natural and cultural history of the area.
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Day 10: Phobjikha – Thimphu — After breakfast, visit Gangati Goenpa and begin your journey from Phobjikha to Thimphu. Along the way, you can stop for photos and enjoy the picturesque scenery and nature.
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Day 11: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty.
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Day 12: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer.
- All necessary surface transfer by private vehicles.
- 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Paro – in a twin sharing room on a Full board basis
- 2 Night hotel accommodation in Thimphu – in a twin sharing room on a full board basis
- 1 Night hotel accommodation in Punakha – in a twin sharing room on a full board basis
- 1 Night hotel accommodation in Phobjikha – in a twin sharing room on a full board basis
- 4 Nights’ Camping trek on a full board basis (Sleeping Tent, dining tent, and toilet tent)
- All the sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking guide by private vehicle.
- Bhutan E-Permit
- Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)
- Bhutan Visa Fee
- Entrance Fee
- All the trekking Equipment
- Horses to carry trekking equipment
Not included
- International Airfare (Quoted separately - subject to change if revised)
- International airport taxes
- Entrance fee in Bhutan (Directly payable at location)
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities such as tips to guide, porters, drivers, etc.
- Personal insurance policy - suggested comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents, and hospitalization
- Excess baggage
- Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots, and other disturbances
- Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Any meals that are not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Sleeping bag.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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