DAGALA TREK

Altitude: 2320m (Thimphu), Drive Time: 1 hour (58km)

Welcome to Bhutan! Our driver will be waiting for you when you arrive with a Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels signboard and will drive you to Thimphu (1 hour drive), Bhutan’s Capital. After lunch we will take in the local sites which include the Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude 1310m (Punakha). Drive Time: 3 hours (77km)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the “Temple of Fertility” which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as “The Divine Mad Man”, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Altitude 2320m (Thimphu). Drive Time: 3 hours (77km).

After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten a classic example of gorgeous traditions and architecture. In the afternoon we will drive back to Thimphu and in the evening visit Changlimithang ground to see an archery match followed by a visit to the weekend market. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude 4300m (Utso Lake). Hiking Time 5 hours (12km / 7.2 miles)

After a relaxed breakfast we will drive about 2 hours to Gur from where we will start the trek. The trekking is beautiful and will take you over Pagalabtsa pass (4,250m) enroute to the foot of the broad Labatamba valley at 4300 meters near Utso Lake, where plenty of Golden Trout flourish. We will camp near the lake for the night.

Altitude 4000m (Panka). Hiking Time 7 hours (8 km / 5 miles)

After breakfast at camp we will follow the trail along the western side of the lake to a saddle at 4500 meters, where there are good mountain views. From the pass there is a steep descent to another lake at 4350 meters. A short distance beyond the lake leads to the valley and then to Panka at 4000 meters where we will camp for the night.

Altitude 3080m (Talakha). Hiking Time 6 hours (8km / 5 miles)

Today is a good day of hiking and the route leads north crossing a pass at 4000 meters before climbing along the side of the ridge to a crest at 4270 meters offering fantastic views of the Dagala range and Thimphu, far to the North. It is then a long descent through forests to the Goemba and village of Talakha (3080 meters) where we will camp for the night.

Altitude 2640m (Chamgang). Hiking Time 3 hours (6km / 3.6 miles)

Today is the final day of trekking and we hike down the steep trail to Chamgang (2640 meters) from where the vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to Thimphu. We will take lunch in Thimphu and in the afternoon you are free to explore. Dinner and over night in Thimphu.

Altitude 2280m. Drive Time: 1 hour (58km)

After breakfast we will drive back to Paro where will visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. After lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). In the evening, free to stroll Paro town for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Altitude 2280m. Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours – 4 miles/6.5 km

After an early breakfast we will visit Kichu Lhakang one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of Bhutan. We then drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan’s most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It’s a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.

The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger’s Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.