The Dagala Thousand Lake Trek
This trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more. It is the only trek in Bhutan that offers you mesmerizing views of the entire Bhutanese Himalayan range as well as Kanchenjunga (the world's 3rd highest mountain situated in between Sikkim-Nepal).
During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes. While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April - June or September – October. Along with the trek you would be embarking on Cultural Tour where you would visit some of the key sight seeing places in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
- Traverse Alpine meadows, high mountain passes, lakes, abundant wildlife and yak herder camps.
- Capture a glimpse of the local nomadic lifestyle.
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see the Prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Village houses and rural life
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel at Structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
Day 1. Paro - Thimphu:
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving time: 1.50 hrs - 2 hrs, Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m
Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar”. Afterwards drive to Thimphu following the Pa Chhu River. Check-In to the hotel and have your first experience with Bhutanese Cuisine. On the way, you would have following options
- Visit Tamchog Lhakhang, located along Paro-Thimphu highway on the base of a mountain across the Pa Chhu river built in the early 15th century by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
- Spend time by the side of river, to enjoy the natural & non polluted beauty.
In the evening, explore the Thimphu valley and town.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten.
- Zorig Chusom, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu built with an objective to preserve the “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for sometime you are served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu - Geynekha: (Start of the Trek):
Camp Altitude 2,800 m; Distance 14 Kms; Walking Time 4 - 5 hours.
Drive for 45 minutes to reach the starting point of the trek. The first day walk, over mule path, will end after four hours at the sign board of Geynekha School. All through the trail, terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant. Overnight in camp at Geynekha alongside a stream.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 4. Geynekha - Gur:
Camp Altitude 3,350 m; Distance 15 Kms; Walking Time 4 hrs - 5 hrs; Ascent 550 m; Descent 210 m
Crossing a suspension bridge, the trail heads west for a while, then climbs steeply towards the south to a rock platform and a crest at 3200 meters. A further walk of about two hours leads to camp in a forest clearing.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 5. Gur - Labatamba:
Camp Altitude 4,300 m; Distance 12 Kms; Walking Time 5 hrs - 6 hrs; Ascent 1,220 m; Descent 110 m
While trekking along the ridges, one can enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Cross the pass at 4240 meters for a view of Spectacular Dagala village. Pass though several herders camps enroute to the foot of the broad Labatamba valley at 4300 meters near Utso Lake, where plenty of Golden Trout flourish. There are so many lakes in the vicinity. Camp near the lake.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 6. Labatamba:
Day of Rest
This day is for an excursion to any three lakes: Relitsho, Hentsho and Jamatsho.
OR
Excursion to Setsho and other nearby lakes. Hike to Setsho Lake is easy and interesting. Afterwards walk over a small ridge and the down to Jagetsho Lake. You can also attempt to climb the Jomo, at 5050 m peak. Lunch at the summit with a spectacular view around, can be memorable experience. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 7. Labatamba - Panka:
Camp Altitude 4,000 m; Distance 8 Kms; Walking Time 4 hrs - 5 hrs; Ascent 260 m; Descent 520 m
The trail climbs along the western side of the lake to saddle at 4,500 m, where there are good mountain views. From the pass there is a steep descent to another lake at 4,350 m. A short distance beyond the lake leads to the valley and then to Panka at 4,000 m.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 8. Panka - Talakha:
Camp Altitude 3,083 m; Distance 8 Kms; Walking Time 4 hrs - 5 hrs; Ascent 180 m; Descent 110 m
The route leads north crossing a pass at 4,000 m, then climbs along the side of the ridge to a crest at 4,270 m. From here there is a view of the Dagala range and a view of Thimphu, far to the North. It is then a long descent through forests to the Goemba and village of Talakha (3,083 m).
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 9. Talakha - Chamgang:
Distance 6 Kms; Walking Time 3 hrs; Descent 440 m
Walk downhill on a steep trail to Chamgang from where the Vehicle will pick you up and drive to Thimphu.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 10. Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang:
Driving Distance: 76 Kms, Driving time: 2.50 hrs - 3 hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m
After breakfast and completion of Check Out formalities you are driven to Punakha/Wangdue, for your second leg of the tour. On the way, you would stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
After arrival at Punakha, check in to the hotel. After lunch, you would visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan).
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Evening free for leisure activities.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue
Day 11. Wangdue Phodrang / Punakha - Paro:
Driving Distance: 135 Kms, Driving time: 4.50 hrs - 5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2,280 m
After breakfast, you would check out of the hotel to proceed to Paro, final leg of the tour. On the way stop at
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons.
After arriving at Paro, you would be transferred to you Hotel for Check In. After lunch, you would be taken around to visit
- Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Evening is free for leisure activities and shopping.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 12. Paro Sightseeing:
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic Lunch among the woods. After lunch, visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.
In the evening take a walk around Paro Town and valley. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you mist have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.