Dagala Trek

On day 2 we will be hiking towards Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) Monastery; this monastery is Bhutan’s well-known Monastery that is at a height of 10,433 ft. The monastery is on a cliff, about 2,952 ft above Paro Valley. After we have explored Taktsang Monastery, we will be hiking to Paro. From Paro, we will be driving to Thimphu. After reaching Thimphu, we will have dinner after which we will retire for the night to our hotel rooms to take our beauty sleep.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our scenic drive from Thimphu towards the starting point of the Dagala Trek, covering approximately 45 km through Bhutan’s peaceful mountain landscapes. The trail starts from the charming village of Genekha, situated at an altitude of 9,186 ft, and gradually winds through terraced farmlands, conifer forests, and serene river streams. As the trek progresses, the route ascends steadily towards a vast rocky plateau at around 10,990 ft, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Himalayan terrain. The picturesque landscapes along the way make the journey truly memorable for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Continuing through beautiful yak-grazing meadows and open alpine terrain, we finally arrive at Gur, located at an altitude of 10,793 ft. Surrounded by peaceful Himalayan wilderness, Gur serves as our campsite for the night, where we relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Today’s trek takes us through vibrant alpine landscapes filled with seasonal wildflowers, lush green meadows, and, during spring, patches of wild asparagus growing naturally along the trail. Walking beside gentle mountain streams and passing clusters of dwarf birch trees, we gradually ascend towards Pagalabtsa Pass at an altitude of 13,943 ft. From the pass, trekkers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga along with several prominent Bhutanese peaks. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we stop for lunch near a traditional herder’s camp, offering a glimpse into the simple mountain lifestyle of Bhutan’s highlands. Following lunch, the trail descends into the beautiful Labatama Valley before gradually climbing past remote herders’ huts towards the serene Lake Utsho, located at an altitude of 14,107 ft. Surrounded by peaceful Himalayan wilderness and crystal-clear waters, the campsite beside the lake offers a magical overnight stay beneath a sky full of stars.

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Labatama Valley. We begin with a scenic hike towards the beautiful Sertsho Lake, surrounded by pristine alpine terrain and peaceful Himalayan wilderness. The trail is relatively comfortable, allowing trekkers to fully enjoy the mesmerizing views of rolling hills, high-altitude lakes, and untouched natural beauty that make trekking in Bhutan such a unique experience. As we continue, the route follows a narrow ridge offering spectacular panoramic views before gradually descending towards the serene Jagetsho Lake. The calm surroundings and crystal-clear waters create the perfect setting to relax and soak in the tranquillity of the mountains. After spending some peaceful moments near the lake, we return to our campsite at Labatama for an overnight stay beneath Bhutan’s star-filled Himalayan skies.

Today’s trek takes us towards the scenic campsite of Pankha, located at an altitude of 13,123 ft. Along the journey, trekkers can take an optional climb beside the beautiful Dala Tsho Lake to reach a high mountain saddle at approximately 14,820 ft, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. From the saddle, the trail rewards us with breathtaking views of prominent peaks including Mount Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Tshering Gang, Masang Gang, and several other snow-capped Bhutanese mountains. On clear days, distant Himalayan vistas create an unforgettable high-altitude trekking experience. The route then descends gradually past traditional yak-herders’ huts and alpine meadows towards Docha Chu, following the mountain stream while traversing the higher side of the valley slopes. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and dramatic mountain scenery, we finally arrive at Pankha, where we set up camp for an overnight stay amidst the peaceful Himalayan landscape.

We begin the day early, setting out across a series of scenic mountain passes, each unveiling even more spectacular Himalayan landscapes than the last. The trail gradually leads us to the final and highest crossing of the day — Tala La Pass, situated at an altitude of 13,713 ft — where breathtaking panoramic views of Bhutan’s rugged mountain terrain await. From the pass, the route descends steadily towards the historic Talakha Monastery, passing through picturesque valleys filled with apple orchards, dense forests, and vibrant mixed vegetation. The changing landscapes along the descent provide a refreshing contrast to the high-altitude alpine scenery experienced throughout the trek. Upon reaching Chamgang at an altitude of 8,661 ft, our vehicle awaits to transfer us back to Paro. After arriving in the beautiful Himalayan town, we enjoy a relaxing dinner before retiring to our hotel for the final overnight stay of the journey, bringing an unforgettable Bhutan trekking adventure to a memorable close.