Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

TRIP LENGTH:11 Days
LEVEL: Moderate
SEASONS: February to March & October to December  

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by the representative of Adventure Geo Treks. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro
Morning drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chhu (Paro River) to Drukgyal Dzong ruins, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jumolhari, the sacred summit reaches skyward far beyond the Dzong. Visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism. Afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
Drive downstream alongside the Pa Chhu (Paro River) to its confluence with Wang Chhu (Thimphu River) then up valley to Thimphu, the capital town. Before arriving Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, Kingdom’s oldest Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Third King of Bhutan. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chhu. It houses the King’s Throne room and it is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. Take a stroll through Thimphu market in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the Art School where centuries old art of Bhutanese painting is taught. The National Library is another interesting place to visit, which houses vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Also visit Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporium. Here exotic weaves in silk, wool, raw silk, cotton, silver jewelry, carpets, thangka paintings, bamboo ware and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available. Evening, drive to the viewpoint of fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu- Genekha (14 km, 4 hours)
Drive for 45 min to reach starting point of the trek. The first day walk, over mule path, will end after four hours at the signboard of Genekha School. All through the trail, terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant. Overnight camp at Genekha alongside a stream at 2,800m.

Day 6: Genekha-Gur (15 km, 4 hours)
Today’s trek which is a true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (birds are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at huge rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours, the trek ends. Camp at Gur, where flowers are abundant in spring.

Day 7: Gur-Labatama (12 km, 5 hours)
While trekking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Today’s trek is amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The meadows freshen the trekkers with poetic sentiments. The first pass symbolized by huge cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. After lunch, walk across hills and meadows, ending the third day of trek. Camp near Yutsho Lake where golden trouts are in abundance.

Day 8: Labatama halt
This day is for an excursion to any of three lakes: Relitsho, Hentsho and Jamatsho. The day and place is ideal for trout fishing. Overnight at the camp.

Day 9: Labatama halt
Excursion to Setsho and nearby lakes. Hike to Setsho Lake is easy and interesting. Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to Jagetsho Lake. Whole day trout fishing with packed lunch at lakeside. You can also attempt to climb the Jomo a 5,050 m peak. Lunch at summit with spectacular view around, can be memorable experience. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.

Day 10: Labatama- Panka (8 km, 4 hours)
Walk for 20 min upwards and later you will have majestic view of Himalayan peaks during descent. This point is around 4,460m. The mountains peaks include Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsendegang and Gangche Ta. Here the Himalayan monal peasants are common sight, apart from yaks and horses.

Day 11: Panka-Talekha (8 km, 4 hours)
This day entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Search for different verities of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. Lunch at the point, where one trail leads to Talekha and other to Wangdiphodrang. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb brings you to the tip of the last Dagala range from where view of Thimphu is spread in the palm of observer’s hand. An hour’s walk and you are at the last camp, little above Talekha monastery.

Day 12: Talekha –Thimphu –Paro
Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and mixed wild flowers), one reaches Talekha monastery and village and once again Thimphu view is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, one reaches the main road to Thimphu where your transport will be waiting. Drive to Thimphu for lunch. Evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Paro depart
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu meet and greet by Adventure Geo Treks staff and private transportation transfer to your hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing.