DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN PARO

Your journey begins with your arrival at Paro International Airport, where the dramatic Himalayan landscape makes the journey into Bhutan an experience in itself. On a clear day, the flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range, with some of the world’s highest peaks rising beyond the southern foothills. As the aircraft descends towards Paro, the mountains close in around the narrow valley before suddenly opening to reveal traditional villages, rice fields, forests and the Paro River.

After completing immigration formalities, meet your Bhutanese guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Paro. Take the remainder of the day to settle into your surroundings and gently begin adjusting to the altitude and rhythm of Bhutan. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a visit to Mandala Center to experience colored sand mandala creation under the expert’s guidance. This first day provides a comfortable beginning before tomorrow’s hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred places. 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 02: TAKTSANG TIGER’S NEST

Acclimatisation Hike | Approximately 4–5 hours

After breakfast, begin your first Himalayan experience with a hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs gradually through pine forests, passing prayer flags, small shrines and forested viewpoints before the legendary monastery gradually appears high above the valley. Perched dramatically on a cliff face, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most revered spiritual sites and is traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is believed to have meditated here after arriving on the back of a tigress.

Take time to explore the monastery and its sacred surroundings before beginning the descent back to the valley. Beyond being one of Bhutan’s most iconic cultural experiences, today’s hike provides a valuable opportunity to begin acclimatising to Bhutan’s altitude before heading into the higher mountains. On return, experience photography session on Bhutanese outfit. Evening, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley and prepare for the trek ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Hike: Approximately 4–5 hours

DAY 03: PARO TO GENEKHA (DRIVE), KEPCHEN YAK HERDER’S SHED (TREK)

Entering the Dagala Wilderness | 8 km | 5–6 hours

After breakfast, drive from Paro towards Genekha, the starting point of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Leaving the valley roads behind, the trail gradually takes you into a remote mountain landscape where forests, alpine meadows and traditional yak-herding communities become the defining features of the journey.

The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure through Bhutan’s highlands, where shimmering alpine lakes, rugged ridges and expansive mountain views create an extraordinary sense of wilderness. From the trail, weather permitting, you may see distant Himalayan peaks including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masagang and other prominent mountains, with exceptionally clear conditions sometimes revealing much farther Himalayan ranges.

From Genekha, the trail climbs gradually for around two hours before reaching a large rock platform with beautiful views across the valley below. Continuing through the alpine landscape, you eventually arrive at Kepchen Yak Herder’s Shed, where you will spend your first night in the mountains. The campsite lies beside a traditional yak herder’s shelter, and depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to meet a semi-nomadic yak-herding family and learn about their seasonal movement between the high grazing grounds and lower valleys.

Start elevation: Approximately 2,800m
Campsite elevation: Approximately 3,800m
Overnight: Campsite

DAY 04: KEPCHEN TO LABATAMA

Across Alpine Ridges and Meadows | 12 km | Approximately 5 hours

Wake to the quiet atmosphere of the highlands and continue your journey deeper into the Dagala range. The trail crosses rugged ridges and open alpine meadows where the vegetation changes with elevation. During the flowering season, the meadows can be transformed into colourful carpets of wildflowers, creating one of the most beautiful sections of the trek.

Cross the first mountain pass, marked by a large cairn, where expansive views open across the Dagala range and surrounding alpine valleys. Along the way, traditional yak-herding camps appear across the landscape, offering glimpses into a way of life closely connected to the rhythm of the mountains.

Continue towards Yutsho Lake, known for its golden trout, before reaching the Labatama area. Surrounded by mountains and open highland terrain, the campsite offers a peaceful setting for your second night in the wilderness.

Start elevation: Approximately 3,800m
Campsite elevation: Approximately 4,300m
Overnight: Campsite at Labatama

DAY 05: LABATAMA – EXPLORE THE THOUSAND LAKES

Alpine Lakes, Mountain Wilderness & Sunset

Today is dedicated to experiencing the beautiful high-altitude landscape surrounding Labatama at a more relaxed pace. After breakfast, set out on a light hike to explore some of the pristine alpine lakes scattered across the Dagala range.

Depending on weather, trail conditions and the energy, explore nearby lakes and viewpoints while enjoying the tranquillity of this remote Himalayan wilderness. Take time for photography, quiet walks along the lakeshores and simply appreciating the surrounding mountains without the need to move camp. Return to Labatama in the afternoon for some well-earned time to relax at the campsite. As evening approaches, walk to a nearby vantage point and, weather permitting, enjoy the sunset over the surrounding mountains and alpine landscape. 

This additional day provides a slower and more immersive experience of the Dagala Thousand Lakes, allowing you to explore, unwind and appreciate one of the most beautiful sections of the trek.

Overnight: Campsite at Labatama
Elevation: Approximately 4,300m

DAY 06: LABATAMA TO PANKHA

Himalayan Views and High Mountain Passes | 8 km | 5–6 hours

Today’s trail takes you further across the high ridges of the Dagala range. After a short ascent, the route begins to descend through open mountain terrain, revealing increasingly expansive views of the Himalayas.

As you travel along the ridges, your trekking leader will help identify the mountains appearing across the horizon. Depending on visibility, you may see Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masagang, Tserimgang, Khangbum, Tsendagang and Gangchenta, while exceptionally clear weather can reveal distant Himalayan peaks beyond Bhutan.

The surrounding landscape also provides habitat for mountain birds, and keen observers may encounter the colourful Himalayan monal moving through the alpine vegetation. Continue through the open meadows towards Pankha, where you will spend the night on a peaceful grassy meadow surrounded by the mountains.

High pass: Approximately 4,500m
Campsite elevation: Approximately 4,000m
Overnight: Campsite at Pankha

DAY 07: PANKHA TO TALAKHA (TREK), THIMPHU

Completing the Dagala Trek | 14 km | 8–9 hours

Your final trekking day brings the journey towards its conclusion. The trail crosses a succession of impressive passes and ridges, with the surrounding landscape changing continuously as you move towards the lower valleys.

During the blue-poppy flowering season, the trail may reveal different varieties of this celebrated Himalayan flower, while mountain birds accompany you through the highland landscape. After continuing along the ridge, arrive at the point where the trail divides towards Talakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Following lunch, a gradual climb takes you towards the final ridge of the Dagala range, where a spectacular panorama of Thimphu Valley unfolds below.

From here, the landscape begins to transition from remote alpine wilderness towards the valleys surrounding Bhutan’s capital. Continue towards Talakha Monastery, where your vehicle will meet you. Continue towards Thimphu, bringing the trekking chapter of your journey to an end. Arrive in the capital and settle into your hotel, enjoying the comfort of the city after several days in the mountains.

Trek: Approximately 14 km
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 08: THIMPHU & DOCHULA PASS

From the Mountains to the Cultural Heart of Bhutan

After breakfast, begin your final full day by exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and the country’s centre of government, religion and contemporary Bhutanese life. Begin at Buddha Dordenma, the magnificent golden statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley. From the hilltop, the capital unfolds below, surrounded by forested mountains. Continue to the Memorial Chorten, where the steady rhythm of prayer and circumambulation offers an intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s living Buddhist traditions.

From here, continue to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery that remains an important centre of Bhutan’s religious and governmental life. Its whitewashed walls, intricate woodwork and traditional architecture provide a fitting introduction to the artistic and spiritual character of the kingdom.

Later in the day, leave the capital behind and travel towards Dochula Pass, rising to more than 3,000 metres above sea level. As the road climbs through the mountain forests, the landscape opens towards the celebrated 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, standing peacefully against the Himalayan backdrop. On a clear day, the pass offers magnificent views towards the snow-covered mountains of northern Bhutan. After the high-altitude landscapes of the Dagala trek, Dochula provides a beautiful final encounter with Bhutan’s Himalayan environment, this time from a place of contemplation rather than a trekking trail.

Return to Thimphu in the afternoon and enjoy your final evening at leisure. Reflect on the journey that has taken you from the valleys of Paro and the sacred cliffs of Tiger’s Nest into remote yak-herding communities, alpine meadows, high mountain passes and finally back to the cultural heart of Bhutan.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 09: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, your Bhutan journey comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer from Thimphu to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you leave Bhutan, carry with you the memories of a journey that began beneath the cliffs of Tiger’s Nest, crossed the highlands of the Dagala range and its sacred lakes, and ended among the cultural and spiritual landscapes of Thimphu and Dochula.

Package Inclusions

• Airport transfers and standard transportation throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
• An experienced English-speaking (trekking specialist) guide throughout the journey.
• Bhutan visa and visa processing fees.
• Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and applicable government taxes.
• Park/trek permits
• Sightseeing and entrance fees for monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.

Trekking Inclusions

• Trekking Tents: Sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents.
• Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags (if required and clean), sleeping mats, rugs and pillows.
• Comfort Essentials: Inner blankets and hot water bags.
• Lighting: Solar lamps in the dining and kitchen tents.
• Drinking Water: Mineral or boiled drinking water throughout the trek.
• Refreshments: Bottled/packaged fruit juice during the trek and breakfast, along with tea and snacks during the day and at campsites.
• All Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trek.
• Trekking Staff: Experienced trekking cooks and assistants.
• Pack Animals: Porters and ponies for carrying equipment and luggage.
• Duffle Bags: Duffle bags provided where required.
• Camp Furniture: Chairs and tables provided at the campsites.

Package Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares.
• Accommodation upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels.
• Vehicle upgrades.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Sleeping Bag
• Beverages and bottled water consumed at hotels or outside the included meals.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and other service providers. These are entirely at the guest’s discretion and may be given based on the quality of service received.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
• Bank/wire transfer fees and credit card transaction or processing fees.
• Anything that not mentioned in the inclusions.

Cancellation Policy

To confirm your Bhutan tour booking with Rustic Frontiers, a minimum of 50% of the total tour cost must be paid upon confirmation and prior to your arrival in Bhutan.

In the event of cancellation, refunds will be processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges outlined below. Bhutan Airlines, Drukair and luxury hotels may have separate reservation, cancellation and refund policies, which will apply in addition to the tour cancellation policy. Any bank or wire transfer charges associated with a refund will be deducted from the refundable amount.

Cancellation Charges

Cancellation Notice	Cancellation Charges
More than 60 days before arrival	No cancellation fee on the land cost. Airline and hotel cancellation charges, where applicable, will be deducted according to their respective policies.
45–60 days before arrival	25% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
30–44 days before arrival	50% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
14–29 days before arrival	75% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
Within 7 days of arrival or No-Show	100% of the total tour cost will be deducted.

Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted to Rustic Frontiers in writing by email and are subject to confirmation and approval by Rustic Frontiers. The applicable cancellation period will be determined by the date the cancellation request is received and approved.

Airline tickets, luxury hotel reservations and other services with separate cancellation policies will be subject to the respective supplier’s terms and conditions.

Packing list for the trek

Technical Clothing:

• Down parka.
• Warm fleece jacket.
• Comfortable trekking boot.
• Lightweight shoes, flip flop (or similar shoes).
• Rain gears.
• 4 pair trekking socks.
• 2 long sleeve capilene shirts, capilene bottoms (mid and heavy weight).
• 2 trekking shirts (non-cotton is best).
• Trekking pants (zip off shorts are better).
• 1 pair shorts.
• Warm gloves.
• Warm hat.
• Sun hat.
• 2 pair sunglasses.

Equipment:

• Small daypack.
• Waterproof duffel for gear.
• Warm sleeping bag (-30°C).
• Mud guard.
• Headlamp and a normal torch.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Earplugs.
• 2-liter water bottles (if camelback, bring nalgene as well).
• Small towel.
• Various size plastic bags to keep gear dry and separate.