The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a short trek near Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan that passes by picturesque high altitude lakes. The trek is easy where you can explore the beauty of Paro and Thimpu with Alpine meadows, magnificent mountain landscapes, cultural and wildlife diversities. If you are a great lover of flora and fauna then this trek is a perfect option for you. So, get ready to capture the glimpse of the local nomadic lifestyle in the month of April, September and October.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Paro to Thimphu
Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road.
In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these stuffs. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today, we go for a full day sightseeing. First, we visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures. Then, we observe Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also, we take a look at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Thimphu to Genekha – 3 to 4 hours walk
We drive for around 45 minutes and then start our trek to Genekha passing by terraced fields and coniferous forest. We then reach Genekha. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Genekha to Gur – 3 to 4 hours walk
We watch the alpine flora, birds and animals on our way. We walk uphill to get the picturesque view of the valley and arrive at Gur. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Gur to Labatama – 4 to 5 hours walk
Trekking though the beauty of rugged mountain vegetation, we walk across meadows and gain a view of the whole Dagala range. Further, we reach Yutsho Lake and reach Labatama. Overnight at camp.
Day 08: Labatama Exploration
We stop here to view many stunning lakes – Relitsho, Hentsho and Jamatsho. We spend an ideal time here and also some place are open for trout fishing. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Labatama Exploration
We hike near Setsho Lake and then move down to Jagetsho Lake. We also try climbing Jomo, a 5050m peak. Capturing spectacular view from the summit, we return back to Labatama. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Labatama to Panka – 3 to 4 hours walk
We begin with a descent observing eye catching views of mountains like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tserimgang, Khangbum, Masagang, Tsendegang and Gangchenta. We then walk further to reach Panka. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Panka to Talekha – 3 to 4 hours walk
We descend first and then climb gradually to the last ridge on the Dagala range, from where the view of Thimpu valley is way too majestic. Further walk takes us to Talekha, where Talekha monastery exists. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Talekha to Thimphu to Paro – 1 to 2 hours walk
We pass through the alpine forest catching the views of Thimpu village again. We move down to motor road that takes to Thimpu. In the evening, we drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Depart from Paro
We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.
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