Dagala Lakes Trek

Today you further explore sights of Thimphu. Drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma is near completion. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there while taking a short scenic hike through the Park. You can optionally choose to walk through the Nature Park here for sometime if you feel like and we can do some prayer flags hoisting to send out some prayers in the world. Visit some of the treasures of the capital - the Zorig Chusum school of 13 traditional arts/crafts, Visit to the Folk Heritage-a three stored,19 century traditional Bhutanese farm house which provides glimpse of Bhutanese life style, and artifacts from the rural house holds. One can come across typical households objects, religious tools and equipment. the Royal Textile Museum and Academy and you may also browse through Handicraft Empourim which might have object for your shopping interest. Visit the Bhutan Post Office to see our famous stamps and send postcards to your loved ones at home. Drive to the entrance gate of the radio tower (BBS) area and enjoy good views of the Dzong and the underlying Thimphu valley. Visit the Takin Reserve Center to see the national animal of Bhutan and followed by visit to Changangkha temple. . From the Temple once can get a fascinating view of the Thimphu Valley. In the evening visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa. Countiue visit to Tashichhodzong – the fortress that is now the government’s central administration headquarters, and also the offices of the King and the Prime Minister. Dinner at the Babesa village restaurant to enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines. Overnight in select hotel.

After breakbast day excursion to the nortn of Thimphu through the valley of Begana village village from where you’ll be hiking up to the popular Tango and Cheri monasteries through Rhododendron forests. Tango Monastery is one of the biggest and oldest Buddhist Universities. Tango University site has a religious significance sine 12th century when it was home to great Buddhist masters who brought the Drukpa Kagyue, school of Buddhism. You will experience complete serenity at this place and then in the late afternoon drive back to Thimphu. In the evening visit the colourful Centenial Farmer’s market where proud villagers behind pyramids of their agricultural produce greet you with stone weights in their hands and smiles on their faces. Visit the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan.

After breakfast drive to Genekha village from Thimphu, which is 45 minutes drive. Today you will see a variety of alpine flora and fauna as the route ascents to the top of a hill with beautiful views of the valley below. The trek starts at beautiful Genekha village and bigins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail. Your trekking crew will be at the campsite fully prepared for the evening. (Distance 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m)

The trail takes you across the ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adoroned with wild flowers in spring. The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Mt. Kancenjunga and a number of the Bhutanese Himalaya peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho (Lake). The campsite is right next to the lake. (Distance 12km, 5 hours, 1220m ascent, 110m descent, camping altitude 4300m)

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is ideal to take an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. The lakes are inhabited by some migratory herders during some parts of the year and it is also interesting to interact with the nomads and understand their way of life.

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4500m. From here onwards you will have a beautiful view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. You will also enjoy the views of Mt.Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jomolhari, Mt.Jichu Darke. Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. For better view, you can also climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4700m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herders huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher uo on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way. (Distance 8km, 6-7 hours, 260m ascent, 520m descent, camp altitude 4000m)

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. (Distanc 8km, 5-6 hours, 180m ascent, 110m descent, camp altitude 3080m)

From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang where your car will be waiting for you to drive you to Paro. Stoll around the town and proceed for your dinner. Drive 1 hour

We've saved the best for the last. Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery –translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 08th century and then continue to the Paro Dzong fortress and the National Museum to see some of the most treasured collections of arts, artefacts, textiles, stamps, statues, etc. From here you can take a lovely hike to Zuri Dzong and hike back to your hotel through town. Explore the town in the evening on foot. You might want to check out some art shops to take some souvenirs back home. Farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants and overnight in your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.