Overview
The Dagala thousand lake trek is one that is off the beaten path. In fact, you typically have the trail to yourself. This is a moderate-level trek. Because it passes through various shimmering high-altitude lakes, it is often named the Thousand Lakes Trek. Trekking amidst the picturesque lakes, you will be treated to stunning views of some of the world’s highest Himalayan ranges including Mount Everest in Nepal, Jumolhari, Masanggang, Jichu Drake, Tiger Mountain in Bhutan, and many more. The trail also takes you through bird-rich areas, alpine flowers, attractive meadows, and several traditional Bhutanese villages. You also have the opportunity for a close encounter with nomadic yak herders. Currently, this trail is used primarily by nomadic Yak Herders and a few trekkers. It was once an important trade route connecting Thimphu with Dagana in the south. In the spring, the forest along the lower ridges is ablaze with rhododendron, and in the summer, the alpine meadows come alive with the technicolor bloom of wildflowers. With an opportunity to meet the nomads and learn about their lifestyle, and great views all along, the Dagala trek is an exceptional, not-to-be-missed experience.
Trip Highlights
- Visit picturesque high altitude lakes
- Catch stunning view of world highest mountain including Mtn. Everest
- Chitchat with nomadic yak herders and learn their life styles
- Hike to Tiger nest monastery, the Bhutan's travel experience
Itinerary
Flight to will take you over the Himalayan mountains to Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan. Upon arrival complete immigration formalities and meet your guide and drive. After welcoming you will be driving to Paro town to serve refreshment. As per available time visit few attractions such as the National Museum, Ringpung Dzong among others, and a short stroll downtown interested.
After breakfasts proceed to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,100m). Hike to Lungchutse Monastery for approx. 3 hours (to and from) and catch glimpse of the eastern horizon. En-route make a short excursion about an hour to the temple of divine madman, also well known as the temple of fertility. Overnight in Punakha in Hotel
Morning short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. From Dzong walk around 15 minutes to visit the suspension bridge for photo taking and Later drive to Bajo Town and catch glimpse of Wangdi Dzong reconstruction. Overnight in Punakha in Hotel
This morning drive back to Thimphu over the Dcchula pass. Upon arrival, Dochula passes an enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and hike 3-4hrs to Lungchutse temple/ retreat center and maybe even to Trashigang Hilltop. This will also help you acclimate to a higher altitude for the trek. Upon arrival to Thimphu visit Tashi Chodzong and Memorial stop among others.
In the capital, we will do a short walk along the hillsides, visit some of the main monuments such as the Changangkha temple built in 13 century, visit the giant Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang, From Kuensel Phodrang park start your day hike to view amazing Thimphu town (2 Hours). Later in the afternoon visit Archery ground, colorful farmer's markets, a hands-on Experience in either Traditional Painting, Embroidery, or Weaving. We also try a traditional dinner with cultural show etc. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive for about an hour to reach the trekking point. The trek starts from Gynekha village under Thimphu province and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river, start climbing until reaching a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the village below. After another two hours, you reach Gur campsite, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail. Overnight in Camp.
Today’s trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wildflowers in the spring season. The first mountain pass you will cross is marked by a huge cairn and offers a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga (Sikkim in India) and several other Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass, you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain ranges including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder's huts before arriving at the campsite right next to the lake. Overnight in Camp.
This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal day to enjoy nature and hike from one lake to another. The beautiful lakes you explore on this day are; Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, and Jama Tsho. Overnight in Camp.
The trail stretches along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From the pass, you will get spectacular views of several majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsenden Gang, and Mt. Gangchen Ta. For a better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle, the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. Then follow the river for a while but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.
Last day on the trek. This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You will come across yaks and stone huts of nomad people. The first half of the trail is a gradual trek and after crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Chamgang village. Picked up by the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the Capital city.
Depending on our previous night's campsite in Panka or before that, we should be able to finish the trek by descending downhill to Chamgang by noon. Upon arrival Paro visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of Jewels built in the 17th century). overnight in the hotel.
Day excursion to Taktsang Monastery, Tiger nest monastery a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. After lunch visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang. Evening leisure walk in and around Paro mini town on your own.
Transfer to Paro airport in time for your departure flight.
Cost Includes
- Bhutan Sustainable development fees
- Accommodations in Hotels Or Camps
- All meals, evening tea/coffee with snacks
- All land transfers and transportation
- English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide/Leader
- Daily Tourist Fees & Taxes
- Bhutan Visa and all applicable permits
- Sightseeing with entrance fees to all monuments
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Cost Excludes
- Flights into and out of Bhutan
- Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
- Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others
FAQs
Yes, this trip can be taken as a solo traveler on any dates of your choice. Or you can customize a trip with family or friends. Talk with your travel specialist about your plans. Any of Druk Experience’s tours can be customized.
This trek is considered an easy to moderate trek. You can expect to walk approximately 7km a day (5-6 hours walking). We will cross two high passes: Utso Lake 4300m and Dala Tsho at 4520m. You will be able to walk to your comfort level.
Druk Experience provides the tent and pad for the sleeping bag. If you cannot bring your own sleeping bag, we can provide one. Your tent will be set up daily for you. A bathroom privacy tent is provided at each campsite. A private cook will prepare all your meals while on the trek.
Druk Experience provides vehicles based on tour size. For small tours we provide 4 door SUV type cars, for larger tours, we provide smaller tour buses that can accommodate 8-10 individuals. Our cars are in excellent shape and our drivers are always safe and careful. All vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning or heaters.
Pack light for all of our tours, soft suitcases/duffel bags are best. Dressing up will not be necessary, dress for comfort. Layer, layer, layer. Wear sturdy shoes for walking/hiking. When we visit holy sites, you will be asked to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Yes, please feel free to take as many pictures as you would like. However, you will be asked to not take pictures in our temples. If you have any questions about when you can take pictures, please ask your guide.
