Located in the area of Thimphu and Paro, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is one of the iconic trekking trails in Bhutan, and a unique chance to see some of the most stunning high mountains of the Bhutanese Himalayas in a short trek. Bhutan is the last remaining Himalayan kingdom, and with its pristine environment and policy of eco-friendly tourism, this is one trek that you will not want to miss in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. “Even if a yak herder dies of old age, he would not have fully discovered Dagala” an old saying, such is the vastness of Dagala range which host the Dagala thousand lake trek.
Trip Facts
INSURANCE
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Paro Elevation: 2360m
Fly into Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. The flight provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu with Ta Dzong above it. Your guide will receive you at Paro Airport and escort you to hotel. Later in the evening, you can visit Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Distance: 6.5 km (Round trip)
Time:4 to 5 hours
Altitude: 3100m
After breakfast,embark on an acclimatization hike to Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Start by driving to the base for 20 minutes and then hike up to the monastery at 3100m. The trail leads through forests of pine, Mountain oak, fir and hemlock with the amazing views of Paro valley below. About the half way you will reach a flat portion marked witha prayer wheel. Little further there is a Cafeteria with wonderful view of Tiger Nest. Continue further up till the look-out point from where you can see the whole monastery – it’s a good opportunity for a photography. The walk from the look-out point is down through the stony steps to the small water fall and then finally to the monastery. After paying visit, you will return to the cafeteria for a lunch. Then walk to the base where your car will be waiting for you. Take a finale look back to the monastery and enjoy a sense of jubilation and satisfaction. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Distance:7km
Time:5-6 hours
Ascent: 230m
Descend:60m
Camp Alt:3290m
You will begin the day by driving for about 45 min to the beautiful Genekha Village from where your trek starts. The villages is famous for producing matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. You will walk over mule path, through terraced fields and coniferous forests rich with alpine flora and plenty of birds. You will then descend down to the river and after two hours of gradual uphill climb you reach the huge rock platform at 3350m, which offers a picturesque view of the valley. After another two hours of trekking you will reach your campsite at Gur (3290m), amidst abundance of wild flowers.
Distance:12km
Time: 6 hours
Ascend:1010m
Camp Alt:4300m
While trekking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Today’s trek is amidst flowers, wild asparagus (in spring) and large meadows, which freshens your mind. Weaving through tiny streams, you will climb gently through scattered birches and rhododendrons to arrive at Pagalabtsa pass (4250m) marked by huge cairns. From the pass, you will have spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim)and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks.Descending from the pass one will view whole Dagala range meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. You will descend into the Labatama valley and then ascend gradually through the valley passing some yak herder huts till you reach Utsho Lake (4300m) where golden trouts are in abundance. Our campsite is right next to the lake.
You will spend the day exploring the nearby lakes such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho and Jagetsho Lakes etc. These lake are full of trouts and your trekking leader will tell you mystic stories about these lakes. Lunch by the lakeside with spectacular view around can be a memorable experience. After lunch, you can also attempt to climb some nearby peak. Am Jomo peak which stands at an altitude of 5,050m is not allowed to climb as it is sacred. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.
Distance:8km
Time:5-6 hours
Ascent:220m
Descent: 520m
Camp Alt: 4000m
You will walk along the western side of Dalatsho up to a saddle at (4520m) from where you have a majestic view of the prominent Himalayan peaks such as Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chuu River. You will follow the river for a while, staying higher up on the slope until you reach Panka. Here the Himalayan monal peasants are common sight, besides yaks and horses. We will camp at Panka (4000m).
Distance:14km
Time:8 hours
Ascent:180m
Descent:1540m
Today, you will be crossing several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Different varieties of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds can be found on the trail. Lunch at the point, where one trail leads to Talakha and other to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb brings you to the last pass, Tale La (4180m) from where the views of Dagala range and Thimphu is superb. Start a long descent through forest of spruce, birch, juniper and rhododendrons to Talakha Goempa (3080m). From the Talakha Goempa, you will hike down through mixed vegetation, apple orchards and feeder road to the Village of Chamgang. Your car will be waiting here to transfer you to Thimphu.
Thimphu: 2360m, Punakha: 1500m
In the morning, we will explore Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu through Takin Sanctuary, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Arts and Crafts, Biggest Buddha statute and Trashichho Dzong. After sightseeing in Thimphu (2360m), we will drive to Punakha (74km, about 2.5h) via Dochula Pass. Later at Lobesa walk through rice fields and pass through clusters of farm house to reach the fertility Temple founded by Divine Mad man.
Paro Elevation: 2360m
In the morning hike to KhamsumYueley Namgyal Chorten and visit Punakha Dzong. Cool breeze walking on the country’s longest suspension bridge over Phochu about few minutes away from the Dzong is not to be missed. Later stroll in Kuruthang town for some time and have lunch there.
In the afternoon drive back to Paro. (115km, about 4hrs).
Drive to Haa valley about 2.5 hours across Chelela (3899M) the country’s highest motor road pass which is indeed very scenic taking one along various level of vegetation finally going above the tree line. On clear days the captivating view of Jomolhari and the panoramic view of Paro valley and Haa valley on either side can keep one’s memory fluttering endlessly. Descend further down to Haa valley and meet Haaps, the people of Haa. The place is quite and calm, suddenly you will feel Haa is indeed more remote and has less people. Visit lhakang Karpo and Nagpo, drive through the valley till Damthang and later back to Haa town for lunch. After lunch drive back to Paro.
Option: Once on Chelela pass there is an option of further continuing to Haa valley or taking up the scenic hike along Chelela ridge to Chela Gungkarpo, a sky burial site and then finally dropping down to a Nunnery perched on the cliff side. In the evening drive back to Paro.
Today your Bhutan tour comes to end and you will depart from Paro airport. Our guide and driver will bid fare well.
Tashi Delay.
