Dagala Thousand-Lake Trek Itinerary

After early breakfast drive up to the Ramthangka (base camp) of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery Taktsang, the Tiger’s nest. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff of 3,000 above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru meditated here in the 8th century. The disciples of Guru built the temple, which was later enlarged by Zhabdrung in the 17th century. After lunch walks back down. Further, drive towards the north to visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646   by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. From there one can see Mt. Jumolhari (mountain of goddesses) overnight at hotel.

Morning, drive for the sightseeing of the Thimphu valley with the Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Nunnery, and then drive back for lunch. After lunch takes leisure for the preparation of the trek to Dagala. Overnight at the hotel.

From Talekha the trek continues and gradually climbs up through thick forests of blue pine trees and evergreen oak trees at the beginning and then into soft pine and spruce for about 2 ½ hours till one reaches a yak camp where one might halt for lunch. Here the tree line ends for another half an hour climb up through the high altitude plants like Khems and other scrubs. You cross a pass called Jelezela at 4,000 m. From here one can have a breathtaking view of Thimphu town and the surrounding places like Phajoding, Yuesepang etc. Further towards the north the wonderful view of snow peaks of Jichu Drake Gang, Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, Jom Gang, Gangchen Ta, Masagang, Tseda Gang, Table Mountain, and GangkharPunsum. Looking beyond, the view of the whole of Dagala range can be seen. After the pass, the trek is downhill for an hour and then after going over two ridges, you reach a Yak camp called Japhuna, alt. 3,800 m. overnight stay in the camp.

From Jadula there are two trails, one going on the left of Aum Jomo over Hogue Pass to Hetso-Hentso lakes and the other on to the right of Aum Jomo over Jomigue pass to Setso Yumtso lakes. From Jadula you follow the trail that goes on the right of Jomo. In an hour and a half’s climb, you reach the pass of Jomigue at 4,460 m. Before the pass, you come across DungkaTso. From the pass, the same mountains of northern Bhutan can be seen. Then descend for about 2 hours when you reach Yumtso Gewa, Laba Tama yak camp by the side of Yumtso where you camp for the night.

Excursion to Setso and nearby lakes. Hike to Setso is a very easy day. It takes 15 minutes. later you can go over a small ridge and then down to Jagetso, Pemitso etc. Whole day fishing and exploring and return to the camp. Or start quite early with pack lunch and follow the same trail up passing Jagetso, and Dagetso up to Jomigue pass. From the pass, you start the real climb to Jomo. After 2 hours of walk you reach the summit of Aum Jomo, alt. 5,050 m. from where one can have the spectacular view of far and wide. Lunch will be at the summit if it is not too cold for you. Then descend back to camp.

It is about 4 hours trek. The trail leads through the oak and conifer forest downhill till the Genezampa (bridge) and gradual uphill and across the Genekha village and also pass by the school till you reach the old monastery ‘Pchechu Gompa’ of Genekha and Wang Baba village, alt. 2,800 m approx. One can make the camp at Pchechu Monastery or reach the motorable road and continue the journey to Paro by vehicle. Overnight at the hotel.