Welcome to the land of thunder dragon. This amazing 12 day trek takes you high into the foothills of the Himalayas, to an area where a multitude of crystal clear lakes shimmer in the bright sunlight. Located in the area of Thimphu and Paro, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is one of the iconic trekking trails in Bhutan, and a unique chance to see some of the most stunning high mountains of the Bhutanese Himalayas in a short trek. Bhutan is the last remaining Himalayan kingdom, and with its pristine environment and policy of eco-friendly tourism, this is one trek that you will not want to miss in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
This is a moderate trek as you will be hiking and see the striking views of the whole Himalayan range and some of the world’s highest peaks like the Roof of the World – Mount Everest (8,850m) and Jomolhari peak (7,314m)
The kingdom has a rich flora and fauna level and there are some species that can only be seen residing up in the high mountains of the Himalayas, like the blue sheep, black-necked cranes, and Takin (Bhutan’s national animal).
Besides the unspoiled nature, you will get to see some beautiful and imposing dzongs and temples on the trail built. These impressive structures have become Bhutan and are the place of daily worship for the people of this kingdom.
The best time of year to make the trek is in the spring and autumn, from April to June and from September to November. The trek can be done in the winter months, from December to February, as the altitude is not too high and the weather is not too cold to trek, reaching lows of around -2 degrees in the coldest time of year.
DAY -1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan (2200m) - Punakha (1310m-71Km, 2Hrs45Mins)
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Overnight at Meri Puensum.
DAY -2: Punakha – Thimphu (1310m-71Km, 2Hrs45Mins)
After breakfast we will drive to Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the Dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo.
Overnight at Phuntsho Pelri.
DAY -3: Thimphu-Gynekha – Gur (start of trek)
After early breakfast today, be energized and drive about 45km from Thimphu to the starting point of the trek. Today’s trial is through terraced fields and conifers vegetation. Overnight: Camp (tent)
DAY -4: Gur – Labatama
Distance 12 km, 5 hours, 1,220 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 4,300 m.
On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. Overnight: Camp (tent)
DAY -5: Labatama
This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to taker an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Overnight: Camp (tent)
DAY -6: Labatama – Panka
Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m. The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m.
Overnight: Camp (tent)
DAY -7: Panka - Chamgang (end of trek)
Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours, 180 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 3,080 m.
This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. Overnight at Phuntsho Pelri.
DAY -8:Thimphu to Paro (125 km, 1Hr20Mins).
Today after breakfast we will drive to North Thimphu to hike to Tango Monastry. Visiting the Tango Monastery is one of the most fascinating things to do in Bhutan as very few people have been to an actual monastery but wonder about the way of life there.
DAY -9: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest- Taktshang Monastery
Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan! The Tiger’s nest, Taktsang Monastery.
Taktsang Monastery – A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage point whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery.
Overnight at Olathang.
DAY -10: Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to Paro airport where we will bid farewell.