The Dagala mountain range, near our capital and largest city, Thimphu, divides the two famous valleys of Thimphu and Wangdue. This is a short, moderate hike but it has some long steep climbs, and the highest pass is 4500 meters / 14760ft. The highlight and main reason for the trek is that it goes to a large numbers of really beautiful high altitude lakes. These trout filled lakes are a paradise for people who love fishing. Typically trekkers get to see alpine flowers, rhododendron, different species of pheasants and even musk deer.

Day 1: Arrive at Paro, clear immigration and customs, our team from Four Gateways Tours and Travel will meet as you exit the airport, and take you to the hotel. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Paro valley sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Walk/hike to Tiger’s Nest, Taktshang Monastery. Lunch at Taktshang tea house with view of the famous monastery. Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thimphu valley sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Thimphu to Genekha, the trek begins with the longest hike of 14 km at about 2800m altitude.

Day 6: Genekha to Gur, This is a recovery day with only a 5 km hike at about 3350m After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail heads west for a while, then climbs steeply towards the south to a rock platform and a crest at 3,200m/10,656ft. A further walk of about two hours leads to our camp in a forest clearing at 3350m/11,155ft.

Day 7: Gur to Labatama, This is a 12 km trail at about 4300m After a long, stiff climb leads up the ridge, we cross a meadow to a pass at 4,240m/14,119ft and a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. We are likely to see yaks as we herders’ camps on the way to the foot of the broad 4050m/12,486 ft Labatamba valley. We then climb beside a stream to our camp at near Utsho lake at 4300 m/14319 ft.

Day 8: Labatama to Panka, a slightly shorter 8 km trail, at a slightly lower altitude of 4000m but there are some good mountain views along the way.

Day 9: Panka to Talakha, another 8 km trail but at a lower altitude of 3080m.

Day 10: Talakha to Simtokha. The route leads north crossing a pass at 4,000m/13,320ft, then climbs along the side of a ridge to a crest at 4,270m/14,219 ft. From here there is a view of Thimphu valley, far to the north. Then we have a long descent through forests to the temple and village of Talakha (3,080m 10,256ft.) It’s not very far to Simtokha and the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. We drive the short distance back to Thimphu for lunch. Afternoon shopping and individual sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: In the later afternoon, after visiting the oldest dzong in Bhutan, Simtokha, we drive on to Paro. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Drive to airport in time to check in for your  early morning departure.