Trekking

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Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Maximum Elevation: 4,720 m

Preferred Season: April-May, October-November

Day 1: Geynekha – Gur

Distance: 7 kms

Time: 4-5 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,290 m

The trek starts from the beautiful Geynekha village. The villages of this region produce famous matsutake and chantarelle mushrooms. Wander through terraced fields and coniferous vegetation before the true communion with nature starts with alpine flora and plenty of birds. Begin the short descent down to the river crossing followed by two hours of gradual uphill climb until you reach a huge rock platform, which offers a picturesque view of the valley. Another two hours of trekking leads to the village of Gur (3,290m) where the campsite is situated.

Day 2: Gur – Labatama

Distance: 12 kms

Time: 5 hours

Camp Altitude: 4,300 m

Whilst trekking across the ridges one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. The path winds through flowers and wild asparagus (in spring) and the meadows are refreshing and inspiring. The first pass symbolised by a huge cairn gives a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass one will view the whole Dagala range, meadows and Yak herders camp. Once descended into the Labatama valley you ascend gradually through the valley passing some Yak herder huts till you reach Utsho Tsho. The campsite (4300m) is right next to the lake, where plenty of golden trout flourish.

Day 3: Labatama halt

Camp Altitude: 4,300 m

Enjoy a day at leisure relaxing and exploring Labatama valley. For the energetic choose from a range of day excursions to either Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho Lake. Camp at Labatama (4300m)

Day 4: Labatama – Panka

Distance: 8 kms

Time: 4-5 hours

Camp Altitude: 4,000 m

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520 m offering yet another majestic view of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Masang Gang, Gangchhenta, Tsenda Gang and Jichu Drake. A nearby peak at 4,720m is an option for an even better view of the landscape. From the saddle the path descends, passing some Yak herder huts to Doccha Chu. The path continues along the river for a while, staying higher up on the slope until the destination of Panka. On this route Himalayan Monal Pheasants are a common sight. Camp at Panka (4,000m).

Day 5: Panka – Tsheregang

Distance: 8 km

Time: 4-5 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,080 m

This day entails the crossing of several passes, none of them affording a major climb, and often with an abundance of mountain birds. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) a long descent begins towards Talikha Goempa. The campsite is at Tsheregang (3,080m). One also has a great view of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu from here.   

Day 6: Tsheregang – Chamgang

Distance: 6 kms

Time: 3 hours

From the monastery, a short hike down to the feeder road will lead to the village of Chamgang. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.