DAGALA TREK

The flight to Paro offers one of the most spectacular mountain views in the world, showcasing some of the highest peaks on earth. Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our guide following customs formalities. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts, providing insight into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Next, visit the Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzongs are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. The uphill walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours takes you nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (a horse ride can be arranged up to the cafeteria for those who cannot hike). The view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is a breathtaking sight. The Monastery is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought Buddhist teachings to Bhutan in the 8th century. In the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in the Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Drive to the village of Genekha (2800m) to begin the trek. After crossing a bridge over the Wang Chu (Thimphu River), follow a trail steadily upward through oak forest to a rocky platform, a good resting spot. Continue slowly upward through birch and bamboo forest to reach the campsite in a meadow at Gur (3350m). Overnight at campsite.

From Gur, head upwards on a trail that leads to the alpine zone with open views down the valley. Reach a possible campsite at Gibze Kebze (3710m), where we may camp. If everyone is acclimatizing well, continue across hillsides lined with rhododendron to Pagalabsta La Pass (4170m) for fine views of the Dagala range. Continue downwards to a stone yak herders' hut at Wataching (4100m). Overnight at campsite.

From Wataching, cross several ridges gradually entering more rugged terrain, following a broad valley known locally as Labatama. Follow the valley to its end, arriving at a dramatic campsite below cliffs near Utsho Lake (4250m), famous for its golden trout. Explore the area, possibly climbing Jomo if weather and energy allow. Overnight at campsite.

Leave Labatama, crossing Labajong La Pass (4400m). If energy allows, take a 30-minute detour to a viewpoint close to the pass. Choose from several camps depending on water availability, aiming for Panka. Overnight at campsite.

A clear morning reveals breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake, among many other Himalayan peaks. The path continues through a forest of rhododendrons, home to Himalayan pheasants. Reach enormous cairns at Chole La Pass (4100m), then descend to Kiwi Chowa (4030m). Continue to a pass at 3960m, where four tracks converge. Follow the northern route past a ruin said to have once been a dzong monitoring movement between Wangduephodrang and Thimphu districts. A ridge leads to Talakha Peak (4300m), revealing great views of the Thimphu Valley. If weather permits, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake should be visible from here. Descend steadily to a mixed forest of fir, juniper, rhododendron, rose, bamboo, and birch, reaching Talakha Monastery. Overnight at a campsite near the monastery.

It’s only an hour's walk down to the roadhead before driving through apple orchards to reach Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel and enjoying lunch, explore Thimphu, once a rustic village in a broad river valley and now the nation’s capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Continue sightseeing in Thimphu, visiting the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, which houses Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. Visit the nursing pen for the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, and Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion," which houses some ministries, the King's secretariat, and the central monk body. If time permits, hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 minutes), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region, or explore the Thimphu Market if your visit coincides with the weekend. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3,100 meters) for incredible Himalayan views before descending into the balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hours). On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness," built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the "Unifier of Bhutan." This Dzong, located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers), is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate from Thimphu to this warmer location. After lunch, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/Wangduephodrang.

In the morning, drive to Yabesa village and hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty the Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. After a picnic lunch on the riverside, enjoy a pleasant walk along the riverbank back to Punakha Dzong. Drive back to Thimphu, where you can visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

The day is at leisure to relax in Thimphu before departing for Paro, or return to Paro early to explore the beautiful Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight.