At a Glance
Duration: 9 days
Group Size: Maximum up to 15 persons, minimum 2 person
Tour Grading: Moderate Trek
Activity: Trek, Cultural, Arts, and Heritage
Sights: Tiger’s Nest monastery, Paro Dzong, Thimphu Centenary Market, Kuenselphordang, Painting School of Arts and Crafts, Textile Museum, National Museum
Best Season: March through November
Trip Route: Paro – Thimphu – Gynekha – Gur – Labatama – Panka – Talakha – Paro
Explore the valleys of Paro and Thimphu with visits to famous cultural and religious sites. Take a stroll around the tiny yet fascinating town. The highlight of the trip is the Dagala Trek. This six-day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal-clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangcheta, and many more. During the trek, an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing, and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.
Trip Highlights
• The only capital in the world without traffic lights
• Bhutan Postal Museum, Evolution of Communication Systems in Bhutan
• Tiger’s Nest – an exhilarating task of 2 hrs climbing and another 1.5 hrs retrieving steps
• Trek on highland Yak grazing pastures
• The thousand lakes
Day 1: Arrive at Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Upon arrival, venture to Paro town, strolling to Paro Dzong, an emblem of Bhutanese heritage. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, and check-in. Later, explore Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong, icons of national pride. Rest at the hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
In Thimphu, explore the Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and Centenary Farmers’ Market. Visit the Post Office Museum and Jungzhi Paper Factory. Enjoy an evening drive to Kuensel Phodrang – Buddha Point for mesmerizing views. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3: Gur (Trek starts)
7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m
Embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Gynekha's trailhead. Start the trek at Gynekha village, descending briefly to the river before climbing. Cross the river and ascend to a scenic rock platform. After two hours, reach Gur, yak pastures below the main trail.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 4: Trek to Labatama
12 km, 5 hours, 1,220 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 4,300 m
On the second day, traverse high ridges for breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and mountain vegetation. Wind through meadows adorned with wildflowers. Cross the first pass for vistas of Kangchenjunga and Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descend into the Dagala range, passing yak herder camps. Gradually climb through the Labatama valley to Uthso Tsho campsite by the lake.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 5: Labatama (Halt)
Today is reserved for relaxation and recuperation at Labatama. Explore nearby lakes like Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, and Jama Tsho, ideal for trout fishing. Permit arrangements required in advance.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 6: Trek to Panka
8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m
The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards 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. Tsendegang and Mt. Gangcheta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle, the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.
Depending on your ability, you can trek another hr. to camp at Zurina.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 7: Paro (Trek ends)
8 km, 6-7 hours, 180 m ascent, 1330 m descent, camp altitude 3,080m
This day involves crossing several passes without significant climbs. Look out for blue poppies (June-July) and mountain birds. After the last pass, Jefu-la (3900m), descend to Chamgang. Meet your car and drive to Paro, visiting the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong if time allows.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 8: Paro, Hike to Taktshang (The Tiger’s Nest)
By now, we may have acclimatized to prepare for the famous Tiger’s Nest hike, perched 900 meters above Paro Valley. It's Bhutan's holiest monastery, reached via a rewarding 4-hour climb.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 9: Departure
After an early morning breakfast, depending on the flight schedule, drive to Paro International Airport for departure to the onward destination. Farewell!
