Dagala Thousand Lake Trek

The flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.

On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17^th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1968 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, is Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and interesting history.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Alt. 2,280m)

Paro

Morning visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.

Then embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Legends says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of tigress and landed at the spot where monastery was later built. The excursion to Tiger’s Nest takes about 5 hours.

Evening visit to Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Later enjoy a stroll around Paro city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Paro – Gynekha – Gur (trek begins)

Distance – 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m Ascent, 210 m Descent, Camp altitude 3,290 m

After breakfast drive for about an hour to reach trekking point. The trek starts from Gynekha village under Thimphu province, and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river, start climbing until reaching a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the village below. After another two hours you reach Gur campsite, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

Overnight in Camp.

Gur – Labatama

Distance – 12 km, 5 hours, 1,220 m ascent, 110 m descent, Camp altitude 4,300 m

Today’s 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 wildflowers in spring season. The first mountain pass you will cross is marked by a huge cairn and offers a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga (Sikkim in India) and a number of other Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass, you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain ranges including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herders huts before arriving at campsite right next to the lake.

Overnight in Camp.

Labatama (Explore lakes)  

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal day to enjoy nature and hike from one lake to other. The beautiful lakes you explore on this day are; Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho.

Overnight in Camp.

Labatama – Panka

Distance – 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, Camp altitude 4,000 m

The trail stretches along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From the pass you will get the spectacular views of several majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. For 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. Then follow the river for a while but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Overnight in camp.

Panka – Chamgang – Thimphu

Distance – 8 km, 5-6 hours, 180 m Ascent, 1000m Descent

Last day on the trek. This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You will come across yaks and stone huts of nomad people. First half of the trail is a gradual trek and after crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Chamgang village. Picked up by the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, Capital city.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Thimphu

Morning after breakfast, visit Buddha Dordenma. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.

Bhutanese textiles are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. To experience the impressive art technique, Textile Museum is next in visit.

The other sights of interest are; Institute for Zorig Chusum which imparts training to young students in 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum; dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life, Motithang zoo; to see Bhutan’s national animal Takin.

Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

Evening at leisure in local crafts bazar.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Thimphu – Paro airport (55km, approx 1 hour & 15 min drive)

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.