Trashigang Dzong

Trekking

Dangling Tsho Trek (Eastern Bhutan)

Overview

Journey style
Trekking
Route
Bumthang · Gangtey · Wangdue Phodrang · Lhuentse · Mongar · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Trashigang · Trongsa
Flexibility
Private and fully customisable

Embarking on a trip to Eastern Bhutan can provide a rejuvenating experience that distances you from the commotion of city life and allows you to immerse in nature. The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to refresh your mind and body with a four-day trek from Bikhar to Dangling Tsho (lake). Once the trek is complete, you can explore the stunning regions of Lhuntse, Mongar, and Phobjikha, where you can observe the traditional way of life and develop a deeper appreciation for Bhutan’s GNH philosophy. Throughout your visit, you will have ample opportunities to learn about the ancient culture and religion of the Bhutanese people. The trip ends with a hike to the Tiger’s nest in Paro, an astonishing place that holds an extraordinary significance.

During the tour, you can anticipate to witness the following:

  • The view of towering mountains and valleys from your flight
  • Explore the forest and beautiful meadows with refreshing views
  • Interact with the nomadic peoples (Brokpas) from Merak
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

While on trek the following are included

Highlights

  • Seasons: Spring, Autumn & Winter
  • Camp site Fees
  • Two person tents
  • All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
  • Dining & toilet tents
  • Foam mattresses
  • Eating utensils
  • Pack Ponies to transport equipment

Price includes

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
  • All meals / Tea & snacks
  • All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees
  • An experienced English speaking tour leader
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee

Price excludes

  • Flights
  • Travel & Health Insurance
  • Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.

The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.

Day by day

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Paro

Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft

Paro sightseeing

Attractions:

- Paro Dzong

- Paro Museum

- Kyichu Temple

- Explore in Paro Town

Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Day 02 Paro- Yonphula Flight (Trashigang)

Flight duration: 35mins
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft

Fly from Paro airport to Yongphula (2743m / 9000ft) via domestic flight

Attractions:
- View of valleys and rugged mountains below

- Kanglung Monastery

- Trashigang Dzong

- Explore at Trashigang Town

Overnight at Hotel in Trashigang

Day 03 Trashigang- Trek starts: Bikhar- Serpang

Driving Duration: (20km/1hrs) from Trashigang to Bikhar
Walking Distance: (10km, 5 hours)900m Ascent
Elevation: 2900m/ 9514ft

Attractions:

- Bikhar Middle secondary School

- Khapti Gongpa

- Ugyen Choling Lhakhang

- Village of Bikhar Gongpa

- Yaks & Sheep herders

- Rhododendron ( Spring season- March - April)

Overnight camp at Serpang

Day 04 Serpang – Lambrog (5hrs)

Walking Distance: (12km, 5 hours) 600m Ascent
Elevation: 3400m/ 11482ft

Attractions:

- Your trek starts with gradual climbing through Juniper and Rhododendron Forest and Bamboo plants

- You may see Red Panda if you are lucky

- you will reached Brangzungla Pass (3500m approx.)

Overnight camp at Lambrog (trial junctions)

Day 05 Lambrog- Dangling Tsho

Walking Distance: 15km/5-6hrs
Elevation: 3514 m/ 11532ft

Attractions:

- your trail starts gently descending and climbing on the top of mountains where you will enjoy a good view towards Khaling and Bikhar Valley

- Along the way, there are many stories about Ap Dangling (Local deity)

- Visit the Holy Lake called Dangling Tsho

Overnight camp near Dangling Lake

Day 06 Dangling Tsho- Khaling (Trek End)

Walking Distance: (13km, 5 hours) 1214m Descent
Elevation: 2300m/ 7546ft

Attractions:
- Nomads of Merak- Sakten village with their Yaks

- Khaling Valley

- Visit Blind School & explore in Khaling village

Overnight camp at Khaling Valley

Day 07 Khaling - Mongar

Driving Distance: (143km, 5-6 hours) .
Elevation: 1600 meters (5200ft)

Attractions:

- Korila pass

- Mongar Dzong

- Explore at Mongar Town

Overnight hotel at Mongar

Day 08 Mongar- Day excursion to Lhuntse

Driving Distance: (64 km, 2hrs)
Elevation: 4130 meters (13550ft)

Attractions:
- Visit Takila : The Guru statue is surrounded by eight big and 108 small stupas (chortens)

- Lhuntse Dzong

- Khoma Village ( Popular for Kishuthara Weaving called Kira -Dress of Girl)

Overnight at Hotel in Mongar

Day 09 Mongar- Bumthang

Driving Distance: (192 km, 6-7 hours)
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft

Attractions:
- Namling Waterfall

- Sengor village

- Thrimshingla pass

- Catch a glimpse of Gangkar Puensum (7541m)

- Ura Village

Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang

Day 10 Bumthang Sightseeing

Elevation: 2800m / 9185ft

Attractions:

- Jambay Lhakhang

- Kurjey Lhakhang/temple

- Jakar Dzong

- Lunch at Farm house

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang

Day 11 Bumthang – Phobjikha

Driving Distance: 142km/4hrs
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft

Attractions:
- Chumme weaving Centre in Bumthang

- Yontongla Pass

- Trongsa Museum

- Trongsa Dzong

- Gangtey Gompa

- Black Necked Crane Information Center

Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Day 12 Phobjikha – Punakha

Driving Duration: 221 Km/ 6hrs
Elevation: 1,242 m (4,075ft)

Attractions

- View of wangdue Dzong & Richengang village

- Chimmi Lhakhang ( Fertility Temple)

- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten

- White Water Rafting at Mo Chu River (Extra Cost $250) if you are interested.

- Punakha Dzong

- Suspension Bridge

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha

Day 13 Punakha- Thimphu

Driving duration: 77km/ 2 hrs
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft

Attractions:
- Dochula Pass ( 108 Stupa)

- Buddha point

- Tashichhodzong

- Takin Preserve ( National Animals)

- Explore at Thimphu town

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 14 Thimphu - Paro

Driving Duration: 65km/1.5 hrs
Elevation: 2,350m / 7,710ft

Attractions

- Wangditse Hike (1.5hrs) view of Thimphu town

- 13 Traditional Arts and crafts

- Takin Preserve (National Animal)

- Explore Paro town

Overnight at the Hotel in Paro

Day 15 Paro - Tiger's nest Hike

Duration: 5-6hrs/ 6.5km
Elevation: 2280m/ 7480ft

After breakfast, drive for a short distance and hike to the Tiger's Nest, Paro sightseeing

Attractions:
- Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

- Drukgyel Dzong

- Visit Traditional farmhouse for hot stone bath if you interested (extra cost $ 30)

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 16 Departure

Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Paro Airport for your departure.

Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.

Enquire about this tour

Where you'll go

Bumthang Chukha Dagana Gasa Haa Lhuntse Mongar Paro Pemagatshel Punakha Samdrup Jongkhar Samtse Sarpang Thimpu Trashigang Trashiyangtse Trongsa Tsirang Wangdue Phodrang Zhemgang
Districts on this tour: Bumthang · Gangtey · Wangdue Phodrang · Lhuentse · Mongar · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Trashigang · Trongsa

In pictures

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Dangling Tsho Trek?

It is a 16-day, 15-night trek, available from January to December, with spring, autumn and winter listed as the seasons.

Which places does this trek visit?

From Paro you fly to Yonphula in Trashigang, then trek from Bikhar via Serpang, Lambrog and Dangling Tsho to Khaling, where the trek ends. The return route covers Mongar with a day excursion to Lhuentse, Bumthang, Phobjikha, Punakha and Thimphu, finishing in Paro with the Tiger's Nest hike.

How difficult is the Dangling Tsho Trek?

The route runs between 1200 m and 3550 m over 16 days, four of them on the trail.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 and 5 star can be upgraded at an additional fee), all meals with tea and snacks, all internal transport (excluding domestic flights), sightseeing with entrance fees, an experienced English-speaking tour leader, bottled water in the vehicle, and the Sustainable Development Fee, government fees and visa fee.

Is camping equipment provided on the trek?

Yes. The trek includes two-person tents, foam mattresses, dining and toilet tents, all meals (vegetarian or non-vegetarian as you prefer), eating utensils, camp-site fees and pack ponies to transport equipment.

What is not included?

Flights, travel and health insurance, and additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips and gratuities for the tour leader and staff are not included.

Enquiry

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  • Visa, permits & SDF handled for you
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