Dagala Thousand lakes trek

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK: 10 DAYS

This is a six days trek amidst the shimmering lakes and the stunning views of Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and more.

While on the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. You will visit several villages in order to get a good idea of village life. Although 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 and September –October.

DAY 1 : ARRIVE PARO

Welcome greetings and transfer to hotel for refreshment. You will acclimatize the day by doing some light sightseeing to Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels)/ Kichu lhakhang (one of the oldest temple of the country)/ Wondering around Paro’s peaceful town and interacting with the locals. Overnight Paro

DAY 2 :  GYNEKHA – GUR ( Start of Trek )

Distance 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m.

In morning, drive to Genekha village where you will meet your trekking crew. The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

DAY 3 : GUR – LABATAMA

Distance 12 km, 5 hours, 1,220 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 4,300 m.

The trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga and a number of the Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the all the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

DAY 4 :  LABATAMA ( One day rest )

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to taker an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

DAY 5 : LABATAMA – PANKA

Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m.

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu.

DAY 6 : PANKA – TALAKHA

Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours, 180 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 3,080 m.

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.

DAY 7 : TALAKHA – CHAMGANG (End of trek)

Distance 6 km, 3 hours, 440 m descent.

From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang. After biding farewell to your trekking crew, drive  to Thimphu to stay in a comfortable hotel with spa & massage facilities. Thimphu is a charming capital city in the heart of the Himalayas. Overnight Thimphu.

DAY 8 : THIMPHU CULTURAL SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing includes; Sangay gang/ Nunnery/ National library/ Zorig chusum/  Heritage & Textile museums/ Tashichhoe Dzong/ Memorial stupa/ Traditional paper factory,  etc. Take some optional hikes to the monasteries at the ridge top, interact with the monks. Attend week-end market, craft bazaar and enjoy the archery match at the national stadium.

DAY 9 : EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG

After wholesome breakfast, drive to Paro. Check in resort & prepare for the excursion. Hike up to Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, (4-5hrs round-trip) Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. It clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. (Ponies & horses optional; fees not included). Lunch at the hillside cafeteria. Bhutanese style farewell dinner at a village home. Hot stone bath, optional.  Overnight Paro.

DAY 10 : DEPART FROM PARO

Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport.