9Nights 10Days Dagala Trek
Dagala mountain range divides two prominent valleys of Thimphu and wangdi. The altitude of the plateau is around 4000 meters. It has many lakes of different sizes and in most lakes' one can find trout fish. Alpine flowers, rhododendrons, different species of pheasants, musk deer are found in abidance. The plateau is also a grazing ground for yaks in summer.
Season: May-June September-October
- Day 1:
- Arrive Paro Arrival at Paro.
Airport and you will be welcome by a tour guide from Discover Happiness tours (Bhutan travel agent/ tour operator). The transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit National Museum and Paro Dzong. Overnight in hotel.
- Day 2:
- Paro – Thimphu.
After breakfast drive toThimphu. Lunch at hotel. After lunch visit Memorial Chorten, Nunnery, Handicraft Emporium and evening at leisure. Overnight in hotel.
- Day 3:
- Thimphu-Genekha.
Drive till Genekha Village, which is 40kms from Thimphu where you will start your trek. Overnight in Camp at Genekha beside the river bank. During the Matsutake season (August -September), you might be provided with fresh Matsu take bought from the villagers. Overnight in camp. Altitude: 8500 ft. Distance: 15 km, 4-5 hrs.
- Day 4:
- Genekha - Labatama
Today's trek is all the way up till you reach the highest point for the day, Pagalaptsa alt.4,170m. From here you can see view of whole Himalayan ranges. From the pass you hike down for two hours besides the Yak herder's camp, to your camp. Overnight in the camp. Altitude: 3800 ft. Distance :15 km, 6-7 hrs.
- Day 5:
- Labatama
A day’s halt at this place will give a chance to visit many lakes around the place. Setso is the closest lake which takes only fifteen minutes’ walk. The rest of the lakes are further away which can be easily covered in a day’s excursion. A day’s excursion will discover many lakes on the top of this mountain. Once you get on the top of the pass you can have the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains around during the clear weather. A visit to the island peak of Amo Jomo is recommended.
Overnight in camp.
- Day 6:
- Labatam - Jadula
Today you have a gradual climb of 2-3hours to reach the Jomigue pass alt. 4,460m. From the pass some of the mountain of northern Bhutan can also be viewed. Then descend for about two hours to Jadula. Overnight in camp. Altitude: 12000 ft. Distance :17 km, 6-7 hrs.
- Day 7:
- Jadula – Japhuna.
The trail from Japhuna takes 1-2 hours through Rhododendrons up till the valley and Another 1-2hours to the lunch place. After another hour you will reach to the camp site Japhuna, which means a Rock Cave at an altitude of 3,800m. Overnight in camp. Distance: 15 km, 5-6 hrs.
- Day 8:
- Japhuna – Talakha.
From Japhuna continue the gradual climb till you cross Jeleze La Pass at alt 4,000m. On a clear day you can get a good view of Jou Dake Gang, Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Tak, Masangang. After 2-3 hours gradual descend through the thick forest of blue pine and evergreen oak tree will reach you at Talekha monastery at the altitude of 2925m. Overnight in camp. Distance: 17 km, 5-6 hrs.
- Day 9:
- Talakha – Thimphu.
From Talekha hike all the way down through the blue pine and evergreen oak trees till Semtokha Dzong where the vehicle awaits your arrival and drive to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.
- Day 10:
- Thimphu- Paro.
Airport for Departure Discover Happiness Tours and Travel- tour guide will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward departure flight.
Note: This trek is of medium difficulty range. It consists of a lot of ups and downs and it may take you above the tree line. The trek may involve 6-7 hours a day of walking and the elevation may go up to as much as 4000 mts. above sea level. You have to be a good walker to be able to enjoy this trek. A physical fitness checkup is necessary.