Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Highlights
- Witness precarious bridges, unusual rocky terrains and stunning mountain views.
- Trek through high-altitude passes and enjoy the views of Bhutan Himalayas and other famed Himalayan Mountains.
- Savour the pristine, untouched landscape and camp at the spots overlooking gorgeous vistas.
- Hike through the areas rich in Himalayan flora and fauna and observe elusive Himalayan flowers like blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan and rare White Poppy.
Overview
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, which is five-day journey, takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of 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, Jumolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life.
- Day 1 - Arrive Paro
The flight to Bhutan provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. On arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and escorted you to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Rinpung Dzong, the 15th century massive fortress which now serves as administrative center of the valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head crossing a traditional wooden bridge. From here, you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine in the country. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
- Day 2 - Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike, transfer to Thimphu
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro. Evening, drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 3 - Genekha to Gur (Trek starts)
You will begin the day by driving for about 45 minutes to the beautiful Genekha Village from where your trek starts. The trek 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 (3290m), an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.
- Day 4 - Gur to Labatama
On the second day, 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 is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass, you will be able to see the entirety of 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 Utsho Tsho Lake (4300m). The campsite is right next to the lake.
- Day 5 - Labatama
You will spend the day exploring any one of nearby lakes such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho and Jagetsho Lakes. 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. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.
- Day 6 - Labatama to Panka
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. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka (4000m) with ascents and descents along the way.
- Day 7 - Panka to Chamgang to Thimphu (Trek ends)
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. After crossing the last small ridge, you will gradually make descend to the main junction. You will follow the trail that leads to Chamgang. After crossing three to four small ridges up and down, you will make final descent to Chamgang village, where your transport will be awaiting to transfer you to Thimphu. Evening, stroll freely in Thimphu city. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 8 - Thimphu-Paro Depart
In the morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
- All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
- Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.