Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek (9nights/10 days)

This is a short six days trek that starts between Thimphu and Paro highway and ends in Chamgang, Thimphu. The trek is not difficult and goes to a large number of lovely high-altitude lakes the name Dagala Thousand lake trek comes from it, and offers a view of all the high mountain peaks of Bhutan. On a clear day, you will also see the world’s third-highest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m). The start of the trek is all uphill but it’s worth a climb, you will have a great view.

 

Day 1: Arrive at Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport where you will meet your tour guide & driver and then drive to Paro town/hotel/straight away start sightseeing

Distance & Time: Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (1647 the fortress of the heap of jewels, Dungtse Lhakhang (15th-century temple), and visit Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 2: Paro to Haa (Day excursion)

Today drive to ha valley via chilla pass (3989) from where you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari on a clear day. In the evening drive back to Paro by the same road.

Distance & Time: 70 km, 5 hours

Altitude: 2700m

Attractions:  white & black temple, Haa town & villages, and visit Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 3: Paro, Hike to Tiger’s nest monastery

In the morning after breakfast hike to Taktshang Goemba(Tiger’s nest temple) to acclimatize and warm up for the trek, you will walk through the blue pine forest and on the way there is a cafeteria where you can have tea & snacks or Lunch.

Distance & Time: 7 km, 2- 3 hours

Altitude: Tiger’s nest temple 3000m

Attractions:  Tiger’s nest temple (8th-century Buddhist temple), Kyichu Lhakhang (7th-century temple), Ruins of Drugyal Dzong (1647 the fortress of victorious Drukpa)

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 4: Paro to Geynekha to Gur

The trek starts at the village of Geynekha, Thimphu which is a 1-hour drive from Paro. Begins with a short descent and after crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley. On the way, you will see many varieties of alpine flora, especially in spring. After another 2 hours, you will reach camp at Gur.

Distance & Time: 7 km, 5 hours

Ascent: 550m

Descent: 100m

Camp altitude: 3300m

Overnight: Campsite

 

Day 5: Gur to Labatamba

Today you will trek across meadows where wild asparagus and other plants grow, the trails take you to the high ridges, and the first pass Pagalabtsa (4200m), marked by a large cairn from where you will have a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. After the pass walks over the hills of alpine meadows, pass the yak herder’s camp ending the days at Labatamba.

Distance & Time: 12 km, 5 hours

Ascent: 1220m

Descent: 110m

Camp altitude: 4300m

Overnight: Campsite

 

Day 6: Labatamba to Panka

The trail climbs up to the mountain ridge through the meadow until you reach a saddle of Labajong pass (4520m). From here on a clear day, you will have a splendid view of the majestic Himalayas peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible are Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest in the world, Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, Tsherim gang, Kangbum, Masagang, Tsendagang, and Gangchenta.  Overnight camp on the grassy meadow of Panka.

Distance & Time: 8 km, 6-7 hours

Ascent: 260m

Descent: 520m   Camp

altitude: 4000m

Overnight: Campsite

 

Day 7: Panka to Talakha/ Chamgang, Thimphu

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You will see several varieties of blue poppy (June & July) and mountain birds along the way. After lunch, an hour-gradual climb brings us to the top of the last ridge on the Dagala range from where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu Valley. Then a short walk down through mixed vegetation and apple orchard, finally reaching the feeder road of Chamgang Village. Our transport will be waiting for us and from there we drive to Thimphu.

Distance & Time: 13km, 7- 8 hours

Ascent: 180m

Descent: 550m

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

 

Day 8: Thimphu to Phobjikha

Drive to Phobjikha via Punakha, the old capital and winter home of the central monk body, Dochula pass where you will have a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. After a short break begin your journey to the next destination Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue formed by glacial and winter home for the endangered bird Black Necked Crane escaping the harsh winter of the Tibetan plateau. If time permits you can also visit the information center of Black Necked Cranes (RSPN).

Distance & Time: 130 km, 5 hours

Altitude: Dochula Pass 3150m Phobjikha valley 2800m

Attractions: Highest Mountain peaks from the pass on a clear day, Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 Stupas) & Temple (2005); Chimmi Lhakhang (15th-century temple of fertility) Gangtey Monastery (17th-century temple, the only Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in western Bhutan), Black-necked crane in winters, & 1-hour Hike through the Valley.

Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha valley

 

Day 9:  Phobjikha, Wangdue to Paro

Today drive back to Paro via Wangdue, Dochula pass & Thimphu

Distance & Time: 175 km 5 hours

Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: scenic drive through the winding roads, Himalaya ranges & Mt. Jomolhari the second highest mountain of Bhutan on clear blue sky, 15th century Iron Chain Bridge

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

 

Day 10: Paro (Departure)

Drive to Paro International Airport to catch a flight for your onward destination.