Dagala Trek

Starting From $.00 per person

This is basically a botanical trek and Spring is arguably the best time of the year to do it. At the height of Spring which is end of March, the whole valley comes to life with flaming red, pink and white rhododendron blossoms.

In the monsoon different varieties of mushroom can be found including the Sangay (mushtakhay) mushroom which is highly prized by the Japanese. The route takes you through Yak herders camps, villages, monasteries and countless lakes. The snowcapped peaks can be best viewed in winter.

Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing Thimphu
We start off with Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office, School of Arts and Crafts and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must.

Day 3 Thimphu – Geynikha
The next morning we continue sightseeing. After lunch you will drive to the starting point of your trek.

Day 4 Geynikha – Gur
Trek Day 1 – Start of Trek : Distance 5 km and walking distance 4 hours.
Starting at Geynikha 2950m, you trek through alpine flora and fauna for two hours until a gradual uphill walk reveals the beauty of valley below.

Day 5 Gur – Labatamba
Trek Day 2 : Distance 12 km and walking time 5 hours.
Starting at Gur, the trek today will go across the ridges. You will see flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). You will see a spectacular view of the Dagala Range, meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch will be served at a nearby a yak herders camp. After lunch we trek for about two cutting accross hills and meadows. In the evening we set camp near Utsho lake that contains plenty of golden trout.

Day 6 Labatamba halt
On popular demand and because this is truly a beautiful and peaceful place, we have introduced a one-day halt.

Day 7 Labatamba – Panka
Trek Day 4 : Distance 8km and walking time 4 hours.
Starting at Labatamba we trek for 20 to 30 minutes uphill before descending down the valley offering fantastic views of the Western Himalayan range inside Bhutan. The trek will take you through meadows, lakes and shrubs. We camp at Panka.

Day 8 Panka – Talakha
Trek Day 5 : Distance 8 km and walking time 4 hours
Starting at Panka, today we will be passing through several passes each reveling its own beauty. Lunch will be at a junction which leads to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, a one hour gradual climb brings you to the last of the Dagala range offering a spectacular view of Thimphu. We camp near Talakha monastery and village.

Day 9 Talakha – Thimphu
Trek Day 6 – End of Trek : Distance 3 km and walking time 3 hours
Today\’s trek will be through alpine forest, mixed vegetation and apple orchards. The trek ends at the roadhead above Simtokha Dzong. From here the drive to Thimphu takes about 20 minutes.

Day 10 Thimphu – Paro
Morning at leisure or if today is a Saturday or Sunday then visit the Weekend Market. Early lunch and then drive to Paro for sightseeing. We visit the National Museum , drive to Drukgyel Dzong and in the evening explore Paro.

DAY 11 Farewell and Departure

Includes

  • Bhutan permit, entrance fees.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Daily guided sightseeing tours.
  • Privately guided tours & transfers as per given itinerary.
  • Twin sharing accommodation.
  • All meals.
  • Complete camping, cooking gears & camping staffs.
  • Pony/porters for transporting luggages during camping.

Exclude

  • Anything not mentioned under Services Included.

Visa/Entry Permit

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC).

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.  Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Online Regional Permit System

In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.

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What our guest are saying

Clients Experience

#In December 2011, my husband and I did a 3 trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal followed by 3 days at Chitwan National Park with Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd. (Kuman Gurung).  We’re in our mid-sixties and began to question our decision when various friends and family members said that it’d be way too cold and difficult at that time of the year.  Actually November and December are excellent months to trek in Nepal as it is normally dry and sunny.  Kuman is an excellent choice as he did all the planning, gaining of licenses, arranging for lodging and planning of the length of our trekking days.  We liked that he not only planned, but accompanied our group of 6, along with two other wonderful assistants (porter and guide).  One needs to understand that Nepal is a third world country, and electricity and warm water become an issue all over the country.  Our days were very warm---how I wished I’d brought a short sleeved shirt---and the nights are cold.  We hadn’t anticipated that we’d spend much of our time climbing up or down----but Nepal translates to the Himalayas so that’s what you do. (much is rock steps which can be difficult for some)  The vistas make stopping often to rest a treasure,----it is beautiful---so beautiful.  You are remote and everything is packed into the area---your meals come mainly from the gardens and are delicious!  Kuman is willing to tailor the trip’s destination and length to your ability and time frame.  He provides one with a most memorable experience, and you come away with a true appreciation of the country and people.  He also arranged our stays in Katmandu and 3 days in the Chitwan National Park.  You begin and end your trek in Pokhara and we recommend the Temple Tree Resort and the Moon Dance restaurant as a great way to end your trek.  Thank you Kuman for making our adventure in Nepal so perfect!

Charlie and Patty SeeUSA

#Namaste to Kuman and Lokenra, I write as the expedition leader of a team of 6 (3 Canadians and 3 Americans) who recently traveled for 1 month in Nepal and Bhutan using the guiding and coordinating services of Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd., in particular Kuman and Lokendra.  This was the second expedition which these gentlemen looked after us, the first being in 2010, another month long expedition which featured trekking through the Everest region, a jungle adventure in Chitwan and an extended whitewater rafting trip on the reverred Sun Kosiriver. Our October- November2013 trip featured trekking the Annapurna region, trekking for a week in Bhutan and whitewater rafting 2 rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the BhotoKosi rivers. Needless to say, the care and expert attention provided by Kuman and Lokendra was exceptional.  Every aspect of our trip was handled flawlessly and with good humor and insight of the Nepalese culture and traditions.  Over the last 15 years, I have lead many trekking and rafting expeditions around the world and without any qualification I give the highest marks to both Kuman and Lokendra. Not only did we get full value for our money, but it was done with genuine TLC by both these wonderful gentlemen.  Even when things went off track ( which in the 3rd world - in truly remote environments -  can happen in technicolor - in this case a National Strike of workers) alternate arrangements were undertaken with ease and care - maintaining our schedule and achieving our expedition objectives. I obviously think highly of Kuman and Lokendra and strongly recommend Happy Holidays as 'the go to' trekking/expedition/rafting company in Nepal. In this regard, if you require further amplification of my comments I would be pleased to endorse this recommendation via email or telephone. Clearly, if Nepal offers a Tourism Award for best guides/guiding companies,  Happy Holidays would be a first prize winner!

Temple W. HarrisToronto, Canada

#Dear Kuman, Happy New Year and Namaste.  It has been more than a month since the Team Tim returned home from the experience of a lifetime—organized by you and your company.  It was such an amazing trip with so many different aspects to it.   We started our adventure in Nepal where you and I first met, then quickly off to Bhutan, and eventually back to Nepal and home.  The trip you organized for us contained so many different elements--- hiking, rafting and learning about the cultural aspects of the two countries.  It was an organizational nightmare, but everything ran so smoothly under your direction.  Tim, Viv and I commented about how smooth the transition was between each activity and country.  It really was one of our best adventures. I was so impressed with the way in which the guides took such very good care of us. They were all so happy to teach us about Buddhism, their country and their politics.  I thought it very special how you joined us on the trekking part of the trip. You also went that extra mile when we rafted in Nepal.  You followed our route and met us at each stop along the way to feed us, take pictures, carry our “stuff”, or whatever else our team of 6 needed.  We all became family ----Lakendra, you, and the 3 Canadian and 3 American travellers. I know that you and Tim had thousands of emails between you as you planned this extensive trip.  Tim you knew from his last trip.  He was thrilled that you had opened your own office and that he was able to have you and Lakenda organize and guide the trip respectively. I would be privileged to serve as a reference for you if a potential client requests it. You receive a five start rating from me. Thanks again,

Marlene FogeToronto, Canada