The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

1. Day 1 Paro – Thimphu ▾

   • 55 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar” on your exit from the Airport gate.

   Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu river (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive o the well maintained roasd between Paro and Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu.

   You may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu Sightseeing ▾

   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   A leisure breakfast in the morning. Visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Monastery built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama.

   Spend some time here enjoying the breathtaking view, the soothing Himalayan breeze and ample photo opportunities. Drive down towards Gumji Lam to visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

   A typical Bhutanese Lunch at Simply Bhutan. Tasting the local “Arra” (Bhutanese Local alcohol) is a great experience. After lunch visit the the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.

   Then drive towards Kuenselphodrang, where stands the biggest statue of Buddha Drodenma. In addition, a mesmerizing view of Thimphu Valley, biking and hiking trails and a picnic spot makes it worth a visit. Visit the National Memorial Chhorten.

   This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. It is a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Lighting Butter lamps and circumambulating the chhorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs.

   A private interaction session with a Bhutanese Host in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host as you converse in regards to this new place and its cultures. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Genekha – Gur (Trek Starts) ▾

   • 7 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 30 km Driving distance
   • 2,800 m Altitude of Genekha

   (START OF TREK) 7 KM | 4 HR | 230 M ASCENT | 60 M DESCENT After breakfast, drive to Genekha . The road shall bring you again through the Namseling and Khasadrapchhu Villages till we leave the highway and drive uphill through the villages of Bama and Chizhi.

   At Genekha, your trekking crew will be waiting for you. We disembark at Gyenekha and start the trek. Genekha and villages around are famous for producing matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. The mule path shall take you 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, amidst abundance of wild flowers.

   Dinner and overnight in camp. ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE 3290 M

4. Day 4 Gur to Labatama ▾

   • 12 km Trekking distance
   • 5 hr On the trail
   • 1,040 m Ascent
   • 110 m Descent
   • 4,300 m Altitude of Campsite

   The beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation, flowers, wild asparagus and large meadows are inevitable. We shall climb gently through scattered birches and rhododendrons to arrive at Pagalabtsa pass (4250m) 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 whole 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 (4300m) where golden trouts are in abundance.

   We shall camp right next to the lake tonight.

5. Day 5 Explore Labatama and Nearby Lakes ▾

   • 4,300 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, the day shall be spent exploring the nearby lakes such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho and Jagetsho Lakes. These lake are full of trouts and your trekking guide will tell you mystic stories about these lakes. Lunch by the lakeside with 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. towards evening, walk back to campsite. Dinner and overnight in camp.

6. Day 6 Labatama – Panka ▾

   • 8 km Trekking distance
   • 5 hr On the trail
   • 220 m Ascent
   • 520 m Descent
   • 4,000 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast we will trek along the western side of Dalatsho until you reach a saddle at 4,520 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of iconic Himalayan peaks, including Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang, and Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

   From the saddle, the trail descends, passing by yak herder huts before reaching the Doccha Chuu River. Following the river for a stretch, you’ll stay elevated on the slope until you arrive at Panka. Here, you’ll often spot Himalayan monals alongside yaks and horses.

   We will set up camp at Panka, located at 4,000 meters.

7. Day 7 Panka – Talakha – Chamgang – Thimphu (End of Trek) ▾

   • 14 km Trekking distance
   • 8 hr On the trail
   • 180 m Ascent
   • 1,540 m Descent

   Today, you will traverse several impressive passes, each offering unique views. Along the trail, you’ll encounter various types of Blue Poppy (June-July) and spot diverse mountain birds. You’ll stop for lunch at the junction where one trail leads to Talakha and the other to Wangduephodrang.

   After lunch, a gradual ascent will take you to the final pass, Tale La at 4,180 meters, where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the Dagala range and Thimphu. From there, begin a long descent through forests of spruce, birch, juniper, and rhododendron to Talakha Goempa at 3,080 meters.

   Your vehicle shallbe waiting at the Monastery. After exploring the monastery, drive to Thimphu through mixed vegetation, passing apple orchards and a feeder road until you reach the village of Chamgang. And finally to Simtokha abnd then to Thimphu.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

8. Day 8 Thimphu – Gangtey ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass.

   A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey/ Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful Glacial Valleys in the Himalayas. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views and the soothing Himalayan breeze.

   Dinner and overnight in Hotel

9. Day 9 Explore Gangtey Valley ▾

   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

10. Day 10 Gangtey - Punakha ▾

    • 80 km Driving distance
    • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

    DRIVINF TIME: 2.5 HR Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

    Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel.

11. Day 11 Punakha – Paro ▾

    • 135 km Driving distance
    • 4 hr Driving time
    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

    Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Paro ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    Your day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

    Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

    Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

13. Day 13 Departure ▾

    This 13 day Bhutan travelk itinerary with the Dagala thousand lakes trek comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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