Dagala Trek Tour - 10 days/9 nights, 20-29 OCT 24

Page updated: 02 January 2024

Tour Introduction:

After the awesome flight into Paro be amazed by the beauty of Bhutan in late spring. In addition to the 6 day/5 night trekking component this small group tour, catering to a maximum of 6 persons (plus crew), also features essential sightseeing in the lively capital Thimphu; a pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) and the Rinpung Dzong in Paro.

PRICE: FROM US$3720.00 pp twin share 

PREMIUM TREK EQUIPMENT:
Enjoy the added comforts of our premium trek equipment inclusions.

The Bhutanese rate this trek ‘moderate’ in difficulty. This translates to being challenging in places and a high degree of fitness is required, especially due to the impact of altitude, although previous alpine experience is NOT essential.

This trek passes through various picturesque high altitude lakes and the trek route is particularly rich in bird species; alpine flowers and attractive meadows. It boasts fascinating views of prominent eastern Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang and Gangchhenta.

OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669

Why book with Bhutan & Beyond

  • We only take a maximum of 6 persons on our trek tours.
  • 20 years experience, service & knowledge.
  • Experts at combining Bhutan with India & Nepal.
  • Competitive pricing & well constructed itineraries.
  • Professional trekking guide and crew.
  • PREMIUM trek equipment guarantee.
  • Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION.
  • Our comprehensive Bhutan Visitor & Trekking guide.
  • ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.

Bhutan Land Package Inclusions:

  • Professional Bhutanese guide, driver & minibus or coach
  • All touring & transfers throughout your journey
  • Bhutanese 3* hotels w/private bathrooms for 4 nts
  • Dagala 1000 Lakes Trek – 6 days/5 nights
  • PREMIUM trekking equipment included
  • All meals & bottled water (exc on trek – boiled water)
  • All entrance fees, hiking and sightseeing
  • Bhutan visa fees & processing.
  • Sustainable development fee (SDF) & local taxes
  • Bhutan & Beyond bank transfers for payments to Bhutan suppliers.
  • When trekking accommodation is in tented campsites
  • When trekking additional support crew are included
  • A comprehensive pre-departure trip planning kit
  • Professionally op by Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd (BTCL)

Land Tour Exclusions:

  • Airfares to/from Paro are additional
  • Personal bank charges incurred making payments to Bhutan & Beyond.
  • Items of a personal nature; tel calls, laundry, drinks, snacks between meals etc
  • Tipping – please refer to our pre-departure information guide
  • Travel Insurance – is mandatory to be granted a visa to visit Bhutan and MUST cover high altitude trekking!
  • Any COVID-19 PCR or RAT tests required.

Available On Request:

  • Ex-Australia flight arrangements on selected airlines
  • Bangkok stopovers & additional Asian arrangements
  • Combinable with India & Nepal.

Cancellation Conditions:

  • Deposit date until 45 days prior arrival in Bhutan – Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
  • 45 days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.

Please note: – These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.

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Sunday 20 October 24

Paro Airport to Thimphu Valley (1 hr 30 mins)

After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. Travelling through the spectacular countryside, en-route make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang (iron bridge). All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. On arrival in Thimphu visit the colourful weekend markets, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. 

Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot, including visits to the colourful weekend markets; the National Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. 

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Monday 21 October:

Activities in the Thimphu Valley today.

This morning visit the awesome Buddha Dordenma statue located at Kuenselphodrang. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is considered the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. There is also an excellent 3 km hike option through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park which offers sensational valley views.

View the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong (visits are only possible after business hours on weekdays or at the weekend) and visit the nearby beautiful Tara Lhaden Zhingkham lhakang (temple).

Visit the ‘Simply Bhutan’ display village, where  you can experience traditional Bhutanese village life; ara tasting (local spirit); suja tasting (butter tea); try your hand at archery and more. 

This afternoon visit the celebrated Royal Textiles Academy, a must see & enjoy some free time to wander Thimphu’s main street Norzin Lam and visit the Craft Bazaar.

Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel

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Tuesday 22 October:

Day 1: Dagala Trek.

Thimphu – Geynekha – Gur, distance – 7 kms, time 3+ hours.

Transfer to the trek start point and meet up with your trek crew. The trek starts from the beautiful Geynekha village. The villages of this region produce famous masutake and chantarelle mushrooms.

Commence your trek through terraced fields and coniferous vegetation. After that the true communion with nature starts with alpine flora and plenty of birds. A short descent down to the river crossing is followed by two hours of gradual uphill climb. You reach the huge rock platform which offers a picturesque view of the valley. After another two hours of trekking you will reach Gur (3,290 m), amongst an abundance of flowers, where you camp for the night.

Overnight Tented Campsite

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Wednesday 23 October:

Day 2: Dagala Trek.

Gur – Labatama: distance 12 km, time 5 hours.

Whilst trekking across the ridges enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Your trail winds through flowers and wild asparagus (in spring) and the meadows are refreshing and inspiring. The first pass, symbolized by a huge cairn, gives a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass view the whole Dagala range. Also view meadows and Yak herders camps. Once descended into the Labatama valley ascend gradually through the valley passing some Yak herder huts. Finally you reach Utsho Tsho (lake). The campsite is right next to the lake where plenty of golden trout flourish (4300 m).

Overnight Tented Campsite.

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Thursday 24 October:

Day 3: Dagala Trek

Enjoy a day at leisure relaxing and exploring Labatama valley. For the energetic choose from a range of day excursions to either Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho lakes. Camp at Labatama (4300 m).

Overnight Tented Campsite.

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Friday 25 October:

Day 4: Dagala Trek

Labatama – Panka: distance – 8 km, time – 4 hours.

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4520 m from where you have a majestic view of the prominent Himalayan peaks. On a clear day view Everest, Kanchenjunga, Masang Gang, Gangchhenta, Tsenda Gang and Jichu Drake. If you want an even better view you can climb to a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4720 m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some Yak herder huts, to Doccha Chu (river). The trail follows the river for a while staying higher up on the slope until you reach Panka. Here Himalayan Monal Pheasants are a common sight. Camp at Panka (4,000 m).

Overnight Tented Campsite

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Saturday 26 October:

Day 5: Dagala Trek.

Panka – Tsheregang: distance – 8 kms, time – 4 hours.

This day entails the crossing of several passes. None of them affording a major climb and often with an abundance of mountain birds. After crossing the Chare La and Japhu La (passes) start a long descent to your camp at Tsheregang (3080 m). Furthermore from here you will enjoy a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.

Overnight Tented Campsite.

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Sunday 27 October:

Day 6: Dagala Trek

Tsheregang – Chamgang: distance 6 km, time 3 hours.

From the campsite it is a short hike down to the feeder road. This will lead you to the village of Chamgang near Simtokha town. There is a new road to Chamgang where you will be met by your driver. Farewell your trekking crew!

Chamgang to Paro: (1 hour 40 mins)

On completion of the trek you are collected and transferred to your overnight accommodation in the Paro Valley. Enjoy a restful afternoon to do as much or as little as you like. Consider a traditional hot stone bath at your hotel, or perhaps visit Rinpung Dzong, with it’s cantilever bridge, and the fascinating National Museum nearby. Alternatively a stroll through Paro town is well worthwhile with good shopping for handicrafts and local jewellery. 

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Monday 28 October:

Hiking & Sightseeing in Paro Valley.

This morning take a pilgrimage hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. This is Bhutan’s most revered monastery and all Bhutanese Buddhists strive to make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. Each step along the trail accrues merit points for their future. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself.

Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock 800 m above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.

Take lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint cafe and, returning from your hike, visit nearby Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan. The Lhakang boasts an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit.

Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel

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Tuesday 29 October:

Day of Departure.

Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.