Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Duration: eight nights nine days

Difficulty: fairly easy
Best Season: April to June and September-October
Highlights: Numerous alpine lakes towering above 4,000 meters; rare bird and mammal sightings.

Dubbed as the most breathtaking trekking routes in the country, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek truly lives up to its name and hype. The routes are adorned with a multitude of pristine, turquoise-coloured lakes with stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, and Gangche Ta.

An entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, leisure fishing and acclimatization. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages and camps of the nomads where you can experience an up-close view of their rugged and rustic lives.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m)

A representative from A Bucketlist Adventure will welcome you as you descend to the quaint valley of Paro. Your beginning to a new adventure will be an added spice with an added visit to the National Museum and the 17^th century Paro Rinpung Dzong (a fortress).

We explore the town towards the evening, going to odd places and meeting locals at their daily fares, which might add to the spice which you might have unintentionally intended. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Tiger nest; acclimatization to Thimphu (2320m)

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The hike to Taktshang or the Tiger’s Liar is an experience on its own. Located at about 3,200 meters, it is one of the most visited sites in the country and stands out in your bucket list of adventures in Bhutan. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley following which we will drive to Thimphu.

Day 3: Gynekha – Gur (Distance 7 km, 5 hours)

The trek starts at stunning Gynekha village located midway between Paro and Thimphu. The trail begins with a short descent towards the river from where the upward trail starts. We finally reach the alpine pastureland of Gur where we will camp at a serene location at about 3,290m.

Day 4: Gur – Labatama (Distance 12 km, 5 hours)

The second day of the trail takes you across high ridges and vertiginous cliffs from where you will view magnificent views of the valley floor below. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and herbs especially if you undertake this route in the spring season.

The trail is also known for providing unsurpassed views of the Kanchenjunga Peak located in the neighbouring India state of Sikkim. The entry towards the Dagala mountain range and the Labatama valleys are a visual wonder and you will be greeted by several yak herders who inhabit the mountains.

We camp just beside the tranquil Uthso Tsho lake located at about 4,300m.

Day 5: Labatama

We dedicate the entire day to explore the wonders in and around Laptama camp. We will arrange customized hikes to the serene Reli Tsho, Henn Tsho and Jama Tsho lakes which are steeped in mysticism and religious sentiments amongst locals and pilgrims alike.

Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Our Bucketlist Bhutan team will arrange for fishing permits if you are keen to undertake the thrilling exploits.

Day 6: Labatama – Panka (Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours)

The trail gradually ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a ridge at 4,520m. This part of the trail is the most picturesque as one can view some of the world’s highest peaks like the Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim, India), and Jomolhari, Tiger Mountain, and Tshering Gang among others in Bhutan. The ridge further climbs to about 4,720m from where you will even have greater views of these towering peaks.

The path then descends to a nomadic settlement in Dochha Chhu from where we tread alongside the riverbed and finally reach another nomadic settlement of Pangkha (4,000m).

Day 7: Panka – Talakha (Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours)

One of the highlights of this route is the sights of the beautiful Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan. The trail is also endowed with a rich array of birds and mammals including the magnificent Monal Pheasant and the elusive Snow Leopard.

After crossing the Talela Pass (4,180m) we finally reach the Talakha Gompa (3,080m) where we will set camp amidst pine and oak forests and an ever beautiful view of Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu.

Day 8: Talakha – Chamgang (Distance 6 km, 3 hours).

You may either opt to ride the last mile towards Thimphu or take a detour towards the settlement of Chamgang as you will be greeted with beautiful sights and unseen adventures.

We then reach Thimphu and, if time permits, visit the Tashichhodzong, the capital seat of Bhutan which also houses the Golden Throne room of Bhutan’s monarchs. We also stroll across the streets of Thimphu and get ourselves acquainted with the sights and sounds of urban Bhutan.

Day 9: Drive to Paro airport (1hr,55km)

We drive to Paro airport where our representative will see you off at the airport and wish you luck on your enroute journey ahead.