Dagala Trek in Bhutan

Detailed Itinerary for Dagala Trek in Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival at Paro and Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, built in 1656, which now serves as the national museum of Bhutan.

Next, visit Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, explore a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery In the morning, take a short drive to Satsam Chorten and hike for about two hours to reach the Paro Taktsang Monastery.

• The primary temple was established around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. Legend says Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic, flew here on the back of a flying tigress named Dorji Drolo. This trail is also part of the scenic Bumdra trek.

In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then, visit Kichu Lhakhang, constructed in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Paro – Geynekha – Gur (Start of Dagala Trek) In the morning, drive to Geynekha (1.5 hours). En route, view the Tamchog Monastery, built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

Continue driving through the villages of Bama and Chizhi until you reach Gyenekha. Begin your hike past Tsochekha village.

After lunch, hike to Gur, crossing a suspension bridge through an oak forest known for its mushrooms.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Distance: 7 km, walking time: 4 hours, campsite altitude: 3290 m.

Day 04: Gur – Labatamba Cross a pass at 4240 m for a stunning view of Dagala village.

Pass by several herders’ camps en route to the broad Labatamba valley at 4300 m, near Utso Lake, which is surrounded by many other lakes.

Camp near the lake at 4300 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance: 12 km, time: 5 hours, ascent: 1040 m, descent: 110 m.

Day 05: Labatamba – Panka The trail climbs along the western side of the lake to 4500 m, offering excellent mountain views. From the pass, descend steeply to another lake at 4350 m.

Continue to Panka at 4000 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance: 8 km, time: 6-7 hours, ascent: 260 m, descent: 520 m.

Day 06: Panka – Talakha Head north, crossing a pass at 4000 m, then climb along the ridge to a crest at 4270 m. Enjoy views of the Dagala range and Thimphu in the distance.

Descend through forests to Talakha Goemba and village at 3080 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance: 8 km, time: 6-7 hours, ascent: 180 m, descent: 1100 m.

Day 07: Talakha – Chamgang – Thimphu (End of Dagala Trek) Walk downhill on a steep trail to Chamgang (2640 m) where a vehicle will pick you up.

The Dagala trek concludes here, and you will be driven to Thimphu.

Walking distance: 6 km, time: 3 hours, descent: 440 m.

After lunch, relax at the hotel.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• See the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
• Explore Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in Thimphu, built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
• Visit the Takin Preserve Center, a mini zoo housing the national animal of Bhutan, believed to be a mix of a cow and a goat.
• Enjoy the view from Sangaygang viewpoint, overlooking Thimphu valley.
• Tour Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum.

In the afternoon, visit the painting school (School of 13 Arts and Crafts).

In the evening, watch an archery match at Changlimithang.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu (76 km, 3-hour drive) In the morning, drive to the picturesque Punakha valley, Bhutan’s ancient capital until the reign of the second king.

On the way, stop at Dochula Pass (3140 m) to see the 108 well-arranged stupas.

• Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as “The Divine Madman.” He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet, using songs and humor to teach his belief in salvation through sex.

In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha remains the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan.

In the evening, return to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu – Paro (End of Dagala Trek Tour) After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for your departure, concluding your Dagala trek tour in Bhutan.