Dagala Thousand Lake

8 Days

(6D / 5N trek)

Start

Geynikha (Thimphu)

Finish point

Chamgang (Thimphu)

Access town

Paro, Thimphu

Max. elevation

4720 m

This seven days’ 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.

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 tranquillity 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.

Program

Discover all the details of the tour and live a unique experience during your trip to Bhutan.

Welcome to Bhutan. Your guide and driver will be waiting for you at Paro international airport. From airport drive to your hotel and enjoy your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

Paro beside many popular destinations is best known for two; the only international airport in Bhutan and the famous Taktsang monastery (Tigers nest monastery). Due to time constraint we will not be able to hike to Taktsang monastery but it is worth visiting, if you have a day or two to spare in Bhutan at the end of your trekking journey.
For the day, depending on the availability of time we will explore following sites:

Kyichu Lhakhang: Located just about 10 minutes drive from Paro town, built in 7th century by a Tibetan king Songsen Gampo, it is believed to be amongst the hundred and eight monasteries that were built in a single day. Today the monastery is blessed by many famous Buddhist masters. In the courtyard of this famous monastery are the two evergreen orange trees that bear fruits throughout the year.

Paro Rinpung Dzong: It’s a perfect display of unique Bhutanese architectural design. It was built in the year 1644 by the founder of modern Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and served its purpose of defending numerous Tibetan invasions. The Dzong withstood 1897 earthquake but was hugely damaged by fire in 1907. However it was restored to its former glory and today it serves as an administrative head office of Paro district and houses monastic body. Courtyard of this majestic Dzong is the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival), which is held for 5 days starting 10th day of 2nd month of Bhutanese calendar which falls between March and April annually.

5 km/ 4 hours/ 550 m ascent/ 60 m descent

In the morning we will drive towards Geynizampa, our trailhead for the journey. It’s around hour and 20 minutes drive from our hotel at Paro. Across the Geynizampa (Geyni suspension bridge), it’s an uphill trek through an oak forest, along the trail which was once used by people of Dagana (central Bhutan) and Thimphu for trading.

A long ascend through this trail will lead us to a hilltop with an amazing viewpoint at an altitude of 3320m. Further ascend from here is the day’s highest point, a ridge top located at 3350 m above sea level. A gentle descend from here is Gur (3290 m), our campsite for the night, located amidst the yak pastures.

Your trekking crew members will go ahead of you and welcome with a hot cup of tea at the campsite. In the evening it’s time to stroll around with your camera. You can also enjoy watching your crew members preparing dinner for the night.

12 km/ 5 hours/ 1040 m ascent/ 110 m descent

After climbing uphill for a while through blue pines, the vegetation changes and give way for spruces, dead firs, birches, rhododendron and larches. Further up from here across numerous small streams we reach at Pangalabtsa, a pass marked by cairns located at an altitude of 4250 m. From here you will have a spectacular view of whole Dagala range.

Descend from here through a yak herder’s camp to the valley floor, before climbing up beside a stream to Labatama (4300 m), our campsite for the night located near Lake Utsho, known for its gigantic golden trout.

Labatama is a beautiful place to be and especially during September month, this area is filled by alpine wild flowers. Around this area are also so many beautiful lakes which we will spend a day going around.

8 km/ 6 hours/ 260 m ascent/ 520 m descent

After having wonderful time at Labatama, we will descend towards Panka. As our packed animals and horsemen take a lower short route, we will take the higher route with beautiful views. We climb alongside Lake Daja till we reach a saddle at 4520 m from where we will have a spectacular view of Himalayan mountain ranges. From here, the trail then descends down passing across several yak herders’ camp till Dochha chu, before climbing up across three ridges and finally descending towards Panka (4000 m), our tonight’s campsite.

8 km/ 6 hours/ 180 m ascent/ 1100 m descent

Previously trekkers use to descend down to Talakha Goemba but now the routes are hardly used. Instead, today we will descend down towards Tsherigang. The journey starts with a short ascends before descending down through a forest mixture of rhododendron, spruce, juniper and birch to our campsite, facing Talakha goemba, overlooking Thimphu city down below. During the course of day’s journey we will have a beautiful view of mountains and valleys.

6 km/3 hours/ 440 m descent

Today is short and all downhill journeys. Trek along the dirt road till you reach Chamgang School (2640 m) where you will meet your vehicle and driver. It’s time to say goodbye to your trekking crew members and their horses.

From here we will drive towards Thimphu city for the lunch. After enjoying your lunch, set out to stroll around Thimphu city for a while and also pay visit to world’s largest Buddha statue (54 m tall), located above Thimphu city, before driving back to Paro for the night.

Your wonderful journey into the land of happiness comes to an end today. After breakfast, your guide and driver will see you off at Paro international airport for your onward destinations.

We are looking forward to see you in the future.

Included

About our company’s services:

Taxes

All government taxes

Visa fee

All government taxes

Entrances

All government taxes

English guide

All government taxes

Transfer

All government taxes

Accommodation

All government taxes

Meals

All government taxes

Snacks

All government taxes

Excluded
  • Flight tickets
  • Health insurance
  • Bank transfer
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Bar/Beverage
  • Laundry

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