Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

You will begin the day by driving from Thimphu for about 45 minutes to the beautiful Genekha village from where your trek starts. The village is famous for producing Masutake and chanterelle mushrooms.

Genekha to Gur

7Kms| 5 Hours | 550M Ascent | 60M Descent | Camp Alt 3290M

You will walk over mule path, through terraced fields and coniferous forests rich with alpine flora and plenty of birds. You will then descend down to the river and after two hours of gradual uphill climb you reach the huge rock platform at 3350m, which offers a picturesque view of the valley. After another two hours of trekking you will reach your campsite at Gur (3,290m), amidst abundance of wild flowers.

While trekking across the ridges, one can enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Today’s trek is amidst flowers, wild asparagus (in spring) and large meadows, which freshens your mind. Weaving through tiny streams, you will climb gently through scattered birches and rhododendrons to arrive at Pag Labtsa pass (4,250m) marked by huge cairns. From the pass, you will have spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass one will view the entire Dagala range meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. You will descend into the Labatama valley and then ascend gradually through the valley passing some yak herder huts till you reach Utsho Lake (4,300m) where golden trout are in abundance. Our campsite is right next to the lake.

Overnight: Camp

You will spend the day exploring any one of the nearby lakes such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho, and Jagetsho Lakes. These lakes are full of trouts and your trekking leader will tell you mystic stories about these lakes. Lunch by the lakeside with a spectacular view around can be a memorable experience. After lunch, you can also attempt to climb the Jomo peak at an altitude of 5,050m. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.

Overnight: Camp

8Km | 5-6 Hours | 220M Ascent | 520M Descent | Camp Alt 4000M

You will walk along the western side of Dalatsho up to a saddle at (4520m) from where you have a majestic view of the prominent Himalayan peaks such as Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang, and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. From the saddle, the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chuu River. You will follow the river for a while, staying higher up on the slope until you reach Panka. Here the Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight, besides yaks and horses. We will camp at Panka (4,000m).

Overnight: Camp

14Kms | 8 Hours | 180M Ascent | 1540M Descent

Today, you will be crossing several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Different varieties of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds can be found on the trail. Lunch at the point, where one trail leads to Talakha and the other to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb brings you to the last pass, Tale La (4180m) from where the views of Dagala range and Thimphu is superb. Start a long descent through a forest of spruce, birch, juniper, and rhododendrons to Talakha Goempa (3080m). From the Talakha Goempa, you will hike down through mixed vegetation, apple orchards, and feeder road to the Village of Chamgang. Your car will be waiting here to transfer you to Thimphu.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Drive to Punakha, on the way, stop over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.

In Punakha, visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Visit Punakha Dzong one of the majestic fortress which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. And visit longest suspension bridge across the Dzong.

Then drive back to Paro.

Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan. And try the Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits.

In the morning drive to Paro airport for departure to your onward destination.