Days on trek: 6
Grading: Moderate
Highest altitude: 4,300m / 14.107ft
Dagala Trek passes through various shimmering high altitude lakes, so it is often called as the Thousand Lakes Trek. Trekking amidst the picturesque lakes, one will be treated with stunning views of some of the world’s highest Himalayan ranges including Mt Everest, Jumolhari, Masanggang, Jichu Drake and Tiger Mountain. The trail also takes you through bird rich areas, alpine flowers, attractive meadows and several villages. While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Paro by Druk Air. You will be received by your personal guide to take you to the hotel. In the evening stroll in the town.
Night halt in Paro
Day 2: After breakfast visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum which seats in an ancient watchtower. In the afternoon, visit Kyichhu Lhakhang en route to see the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. In the evening drive to Thimphu.
Night halt: Thimphu
Day 3: (Gynekha – Gur) Distance: 7 kkm, Time: 5 hrs, Altitude: 3,290m. The Trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village. After a short descent to the river, you start climbing until you reach a rock platform where you have a picturesque view of the valley below.
Day 4: (Gur – Labatama) Distance: 12 km, Time, 5 hrs, Altitude: 4,300m. On the second day of the trek, 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 first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim). As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range. The campsite is right next to the Uthso Tsho (lake).
Day 5: (Labatam) Day excursion to any of the three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho.
Day 6: (Labatama – Panka) Distance: 8 km, Time 6 to 7 hrs, Altitude: 4,000m. The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho at 4,520m. From here 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. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.
Day 7: (Panka – Talakha) Distance: 8 km, Time: 5-6 hrs, Altitude: 3,080 m. This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.
Day 8: (Talakha – Chamgang) Distance: 6 km, Time: 3 hrs. From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang.
Night halt: Paro
Day 9: Your guide will see you off at the Paro International Airport.