Dagala Thousand Lakes

Dagala Thousand Lakes is a short trek, near Thimphu, to a large numbers of lovely high altitude lakes. The trek is not difficult and most trekking days is short but there are some long steep climbs. Dagala mountain range divides two prominent valleys of Thimphu and Wangdue, and the highest pass you will cross is 4500 meters / 14760ft. It is a paradise for people who love fishing, the lakes are filled with trout. Alpine flowers, rhododendron, different species of pheasants, musk deer are found in abundance.

• DAY 1

  KATHMANDU / PARO / THIMPHU

  Flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of snowcapped peaks and the lush pristine valleys of Bhutan as you approach Paro. Your Bhutanese escort will greet you on arrival, and then drive you to Thimphu, the capital city. O/N in Thimphu. (L/D)

• DAY 2

  SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU

  Sightseeing at Memorial Chorten, National Library, Nuns Monastery, Changlimithang Monastery, Indegenous Hospital. Lunch at Hotel. After lunch at leisure. At 5 P.M. you will visit the Tashichdzong (Thimphu Dzong). O/N in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 3

  THIMPU / GENEKHA

  After breakfast visit the Dupthop Lhakhang (Monastery for the nuns), National Library, painting school and other places of interest in the valley. Continue your drive south of Thimphu to Genekha (2,950 m/ 9,823 ft.). O/N in Genekha at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 4

  GENEKHA / GUR, 5Kms. 4 hours

  Crossing a suspension bridge, the trailheads west for a while, then climbs steeply towards the south to a rock platform and a crest at 3,200m/10,656ft. A further walk of about two hours leads to a camp in a forest clearing at 3350m/11,155ft. O/N in Gur at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 5

  GUR / LABATAMBA, 12 Kms, 5 hours

  A long stiff climb leads up the ridge and across meadows to a pass at 4,240m/14,119ft for a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. This is now Yak country. You will pass several herders camps enrooted to the foot of the broad Labatamba valley at 4,050m/13,486ft. The climb beside a stream to a camp at 4,300m/14,319ft near Utsho Lake. O/N in Labatamba at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 6

  LABATAMBA

  Today we will walk to the numerous lakes in the vicinity and perhaps may do some trout fishing if you are equipped. O/N in Labatamba at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 7

  LABATAMBA / PANKA, 8Kms, 4 hours

  Climbing along the western side of the lake to a saddle at 4,500m/14,985ft, where there are good mountain views. If you want a better view you could scramble to the top of a 4,700m/15,651ft peak to the east. From the pass there is a steep descent to another lake at 4,350m/14,485ft. Finally you will arrive at Panka alt 4,000m/13,320ft. O/N in Panka at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 8

  PANKA / SIMTOKHA, 12Kms, 6 hours / THIMPHU

  The route leads north crossing a pass at 4,000m/13,320ft, then climbs along the side of a ridge to a crest at 4,270m/14,219 ft. From here there is a view of Thimphu valley, far to the north. It is then a long descent through forests to the temple and village of Talakha (3,080m 10,256ft.) and to Simtokha. Your vehicle will take you to Thimphu from here. O/N in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 9

  THIMPHU

  In the morning you will witness the Folk and Mask Dance performed by the Royal Dance Academy. Lunch at Hotel. After lunch at leisure. O/N in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 10

  SIGHTSEEING IN PARO

  After breakfast drive to Paro and visit the National Museum (Taa Dzong), Paro Rimpung Dzong, Kyichu Temple, and other places of interest. O/N in Paro. (B/L/D)

• DAY 11

  PARO / KATHMANDU

  After breakfast, you are free as your own before your departure to Kathmandu. (B)