This trek is off the beaten; you will probably encounter no other trekkers along the way. It’s not particularly demanding (despite a few steep climbs), and most trekking days are short. The route is best walked in April and late September through October. However, snow in the high country can often block out the route, compelling you to return.
It’s a 29km drive from thimphu to the junction of an upward road which crawls up 8km to a basic health unit(BHU) at Khoma, high above the Geynitsang chhu at 2850m. The trail head lies another 3km ahead at the suspension bridge in Geynizampa.
DAY1: GEYNIZAMPA TO GUR
5KM/4 HOURS/550M ASCENT, 60M DESCENT
Summary A short trek near Thimphu , to a number of lovely, high-altitude lakes(far fewer, however, than the name suggests)
DAY 2: GUR TO LABATAMBA
12KM/5 HOURS/1040M ASCENT, 110M DESCENT
The trail traverses into a side valley, crosses a stream at 3870m and begins a long gentle climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons, weaving in and out of side valleys and crossing several tiny streams. At Pangalabtsa, a pass marked by cairns at 4250m, there is a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. Descend from the pass to the first herders’ hut at 4170m and traverse around the head of a small valley to the main valley floor. Climb beside a stream at Labtamba, a camp at 4300m near Utsho Lake, a beautiful high-altitude tsho(lake) with a thriving population of golden trout. The area near the lakes bursts with alpine wildflowers in September.
DAY 3: LABATAMBA TO PANKA
8KM/ 6-7 HOURS/ 260M ASCENT, 520M DESCENT
The climbs along the western side of the Dajatsho lake to a saddle at 4520m, with good mountain views you could scramble to the top of a 4720m peak to the east. From the past the trail descent passed several herders’ camps before dropping to Doccha chhu, rejoining the lower trail at about 4200m. Subsequently, it climbs over three ridges and descents to Pankha at 4000m. Water is scarce here during spring and it may thus be necessary to descent to an alternative camp 20 minutes below.
DAY4: PANKHA TO TALAKHA
8KM/6-7HOURS/180M ASCENT, 1100M DESCENT
The route leads north to a crest at 4100m, where several trails lead off in different directions. The trail to Talakha climbs steeply climbs up a slate slope to the ruins of a house. From here, it is a long traverse to Tale La at 4180m, which offers a view of the Dagala range and Thimphu, far away to the north. Finally, it’s a ling descent- first thorough a mixed forest through spruce, birch, juniper and rhododendron, and then through bamboo- to the goemba at Talakha(3080m).
DAY5: TALAKHA TO CHAMGANG
6KM/3HOURS/440M DESCENT
There is road passing just below the goemba, and you can choose to end your trek here by requesting a 4WD pick-up. However, it’s a rough and bumpy ride to Simtokha, so it’s better to walk three house down the read, taking a few shortcut to avoid switchbacks, and reach Chamgang at 2640m, where you can meet your vehicle.