As a visitor to Bhutan, trek ‘over and under’ the mountains and valleys of a thousand lakes and you will come face-to-face with one of the highest mountains in the Dagala range, as well as some of the largest lakes. This remote and unpopulated path is by far the best way to see the authentic face of Bhutan.

The Labatamba Area

This is one of the lesser explored areas of Bhutan. Trek through the Pagalapthsa Pass and you will reach a wide valley. Within the valley you will not only find one of the biggest grazing areas for yaks in the Dagala mountain range, but also some of the most impressive bodies of water. At an altitude of just over 4,000 meters, the Labatamba area is home to numerous picturesque lakes. With so much to see, it may be difficult to decide between the slight climb to the Lake Relitsho, which can be found at the base of the mountain ridge of Cerigang, or a brief walk and day’s fishing at Lake Setso. If you fancy a little more of a challenge, you might wish to traverse a little further afield. One option is to climb the Theula Pass, which lies at an altitude of 4,280 meters, to reach Jama Tso; or perhaps even take a day to travel over the Homigue Pass to Hetso Hentso where you will find a number of lakes with fish just waiting to be caught.

Um Jomo

On a Bhutan trek in Dagala you will see many impressive mountains. In fact, from some vantage points you will be able to pick out some of the greatest Himalayan peaks, including Everest itself; Kangchenjunga (which boasts the third highest summit in the world); and one of Bhutan’s most sacred peaks, Mount Chomolhari. However, a highlight of this area of Bhutan is Mount Um Jomo – the highest mountain in the Dagala range. Standing proudly at 4,716 meters, the summit of Um Jomo can be reached via a trail which passes through both Jagetso and Dagetso. The summit itself is rocky but the view from the top is well worth the climb.

Thimphu

The capital city of Thimphu lies in the valley beneath the Dagala range and is a slightly more visited part of Bhutan. Trek down from the mountains and you will reach a valley which fans out from the bottom of the Dagala range and the Thimphu Chuu River. With some of the most spectacular markets in Bhutan, shopping for souvenirs is made even more fun by the friendly and helpful nature of stall keepers. For a break following your Bhutan trek, in the somewhat more remote and less explored areas of the country, some sightseeing might be just the answer. With local sights such as the Tashishoddzong Fortress built originally in 1641, and the Tangu Cherry Monastery dating back several centuries, there is as much to be explored in the valley below the Dagala range, as there is amidst it.

The Dagala Mountain Range is undeniably one of the most unspoiled areas for a Bhutan trek. From the lakes to the valleys to the mountains themselves, there is plenty to be explored.

Author Bio: Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Trek holidays. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Bhutan Trek