Dagala Trek

price from $3345 pp
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
dagala trek
dagala trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek
dagala trek
dagala trek
Dagala Trek
Dagala Trek

Recommended Season: Mid March to early June, Late September to early December
Maximum Elevation: Approximately 4500 meters
Difficulty: Medium

Popularly known as the Dagala thousand lakes trek. The questions on everyone’s tongue is ‘are there really thousand alpine lakes?’. No, but most elders of the area agree to the approximate figure of a 100 back in the day. You will sight around 10 on the trek.

This route is a spinoff of the ancient Daga trail. It was used by the people from the south, mainly Daga Dzongkha (district), to travel to Thimphu and Wangdue, for trade and migration. Those former routes are rarely travelled by locals now. However, there has been a recent interest from the tourism board and locals alike to revive and open the route.

The route mentioned in this itinerary is mainly for trekking and other adventures. Some highlanders still use it to travel between Dzongkhags and therefore the route is well established for the most part. The entire route is about 40 km (without clocking the 2nd day of trek) and the highest point of the trek is about 4500 meters (the high pass on the 3rd day of the trek). Since the gain in elevation on the first day is more than the recommended figure, but can be achieved with the right preparation, we will spend two days before the trek acclimating and sightseeing around Thimphu.

Note: The sighting of flora and fauna is seasonal.


ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Paro airport. Transfer to Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu

Acclimatization hike to Phajodhing.

Day 3: Thimphu

Sightseeing around Thimphu. Prepare for the trek.

Day 4:
Trek Day 1: Genekha to Labatama
Distance: Approximately 18 km about 7-9 hours. Campsite Altitude: Approximately 4250 meters.
Pass: Pagalabtsa (4200 meters)

Early morning drive to the trailhead at Genekha, about an hour and half’s drive from your hotel.
A full day of gradual climbing. The trail starts off by crossing the Genekha river over a suspension bridge and through forest of pine and rhododendron and eventually rising above the tree-line. After crossing Pagalabtsa, the trail gets easier. Our campsite is about an hour’s hike from here.

Day 5:
Trek Day 2: Around the lakes

A fairly easy day around Labatama. We will see close to 10 alpine lakes of various sizes today. If you are feeling adventurous, we could trying scaling a peak around Jagoe Tsh0 (Lake).

Day 6:
Trek Day 3: Labatama to Pangkha
Distance: Approximately 9 km about 4-6 hours. Campsite Altitude: Approximately 4000 meters.
High Pass: Labajong (4500 meters).

Leaving the Labatama valley, head northwest over the hill that surrounds the campsite. Climb further on over Labajong, the highest point of the trek. The trail gradually descends all the way to Pangkha from here on.

Day 7:
Trek Day 4: Pangkha to Chamgang, Thimphu
Distance: Approximately 17 km about 7-9 hours.
Pass: Talela (4200 meters)

Rise early to catch the views of the snowcapped peaks glistening in the morning sun. Some of the notable peaks that are visible, weather permitting, are Kangchenjunga, Jhomolhari, Jitchu Draké and Tserim Kang.
One final climb over Talela pass and then a long descend through the woods finally exiting at Chamgang.

Day 8: Thimphu

Sightseeing around Thimphu.

Day 9: Paro

Transfer to Paro and sightseeing.

Day 10: Hike to Paro Taktshang

Hike to Tiger’s Nest.

Day 11: Departure

Bid Bhutan farewell.

Kindly note that you can always customize your trip. Drop us a message if you are keen to find out more!

In general treks in Bhutan are best enjoyed when done during the shoulder season of spring and fall.
For this trek we recommended the spring months starting April to early June and in the fall from October to Mid December

The price quoted is per person for a minimum group size of two people

  • Sustainable development fees (USD 200 per person per day)
  • Double room on twin sharing basis in tourism council approved 3 star hotels with breakfast
  • 4 season tent with mattress on twin sharing basis
  • Single room/tent supplement is additional USD30 per day per person
  • All meals on the trek (meals are freshly prepared by our support team before being served
  • Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
  • English speaking and knowledgeable trekking guide
  • Trekking team with porter ponies
  • Comfortable transport vehicle with an experienced driver
  • Campsite fees
  • Visa fee and processing charges
  • Government taxes
  • All administrative cost

The price quoted is per person for a minimum group size of two people

  • International airfare to and from Paro (PBH)
  • Lunch and Dinner (all meals on the trek are included)
  • Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
  • Personal trekking equipments and accessories like walking poles, sleeping bags etc.
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Wire transfer/Credit Card fees
  • Laundry
  • Gratuity/Tip for guides, drivers and trekking team
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