Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

DAY 1: Arrive Paro. 2250M
A flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. 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.

DAY 2: Paro sightseeing
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyal Dzong; this ruin once defended the valley from Tibetan invasions. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit reaches skyward beyond the Dzong, which can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you can visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch walk up the hill just above the hotel to stretch your legs for the excursion to the Taktsang viewpoint.

DAY 3: Paro -Thimphu. 68 KM. 2 Hours. 2350M
Morning drive downstream alongside the Pa Chu River to its confluence with Wangchu. Then up the valley to the capital Thimphu. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten where the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King, turning their prayer wheels as they walk. Then visit others monasteries. Overnight hotel.

DAY 4: Thimphu – sightseeing
Full day Thimphu sightseeing. Stroll in town. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced if you like. Afternoon: visit Tashi Chhodzong. Overnight hotel.

DAY 5: Thimphu – Genekha
A 45 minutes drive to the starting point of the trek. The first day’s walk, over a mule path, will end after four hours at the Genekha School. All through the trail terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant. Overnight Genekha Camp.

DAY 6: Genekha – Gur. 5Km. 4 hours
Leave Genekha (the village of medieval metallurgists). The communion with nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (birds are common). 2 hours of gradual uphill walk and then a rest at a huge rock platform offering a picturesque view of the valley below. Another 2 hours walk ends the days trek. This camp is in the heart of the wood, ideal for an afternoon stroll. Flowers are abundant in the spring. Altitude: 3350m.

DAY 7: Gur – Labatama. 12 Km. 5 hours
Trekking across the ridges one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. The trek today is amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The first pass symbolized by a huge cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, meadows and the yak herders camps. Lunch is at a nearby yak-herders camp. After lunch walk across hills and meadows. Toadys walk is around 5 hours. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4050m.

DAY 8: Labatama halt
Excursion to Setsoi and nearby lakes, the Hike to Setso is a very easy
(15 minutes). Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to Jagetso Lake. Attempt climbing Jomp peak of 5050 m. Lunch at the summit with the spectacular view around can be a memorable experience. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next Day.

DAY 9: Labatama – Panaka. 8 Km. 4 hours
This point is around 4500 m. above sea level. Your guide will identify peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey, Tsrim Gang, Kangbum, Masagang, Tsendaygang and Gangchen Ta. Passing through meadows, shrubs and lakes. Camp at Parkai. The Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight apart from yaks and horses. Altitude: 4000m.

DAY 10: Panaka – Talakha. 8 Km. 4 hours
This day entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Look out for the different varieties of the blue Poppy (in the months of June-July) and mountain birds. Lunch at the point where one trail leads to Talekha and Wangduephodrang. After lunch an hours gradual (easy) climb brings you to the tip of the last Dagala range from where the view of Thimphu is spectacular. It appears as though Thimphu is spread in the palm of the observer’s hand. An hour walk downhill and you are at the last camp, a little above Talekha monastery. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 3080m.

DAY 11: Talakha Thimphu- Paro
Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and wild flowers) one reaches Talekha monastery and Talekha village. Once again the view of Thimphu is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards one reaches the main motor able road to Thimphu where your transport awaits. Toadys trek is 3 to 4 hours. The trek ends here and drives to Paro, about an hour. Afternoon: free to relax.

Day 12: Departure
Our guide will you farewell at Paro Airport.