Bhutan,
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
This 11 day trek near Thimphu passes by numerous picturesque high
altitude lakes. It is a moderate trek with short trekking days but
with a few steep climbs.
Season: The best months for this trek are April, September and
October.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a
mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into
the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport,following immigration and custom formalities
you will be received by our representative and then transfer to
the hotel.
In the evening take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight
at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
In the morning drive along the winding road northwest up the Pa
Chhu (Paro river) to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where
the Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Mt.
Chomolhari (7,314m) reaches skyward beyond the Dzong.
Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Legends
says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of tigress and
landed at the spot where monastery was later built. The monastery
was severely damaged by fire in 1998 and now has been fully restored
in its original grandeur. The excursion to Tiger's Nest takes about
5 hours.
In the evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most
sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours)
In the morning visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which now
houses Bhutan's National Museum. After that walk down the trail
to visit Rinpung Dzong built in 17th century. It is symbolic as
the religious and secular affairs of the country.
Then drive down stream alongside the Paro river to its confluence
with Thimphu river and then up valley to Thimphu the modern capital
town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu
In the morning visit Arts & Crafts School where centuries old
traditional art is taught. The National Library is another interesting
place to visit which houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist
texts and manuscripts. Visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a
fascinating testimony of Bhutan's living traditions.
In the afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the
memory of Bhutan's Third King. Then visit Trashichhodzong, Thimphu's
most impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chhu river.
In the evening visit Handicrafts Emporium. Here exotic weaves in
silk, wool, cotton, silver jewelry, carpets, thangkha paintings,
bambooware and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Geynekha (14 km, 4 hours)
Drive for about 45 min to reach starting point of the trek. The
first day walk over a mule path is through terraced paddy fields
and coniferous forest. The campsite is near a Chorten alongside
stream.
Day 6: Geynekha – Gur (15 km, 4 hours)
Today's trek is through the most enchanting natural scenery amidst
alpine flora. Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a huge
rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. A
further walk of about two hours reaches the campsite at 3,350m where
during spring there are an abundance of flowers.
Day 7: Gur – Labatamba (12 km, 5 hours)
Today's trek is amidst a variety of alpine flowers and meadows which
refresh the trekkers. The first pass (4,250m) offers the spectacular
view of the whole Dagala range, meadow and yak herders camp. Afternoon
walk across hills and meadows reaching campsite near Yutsho lake,
know for its golden trouts.
Day 8: Labatamba – Panka (8 km, 4 hours)
A short upwards walk of half an hour and a later descent present
majestic views of Himalayan peaks (4,450m). The prominent peaks
such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tsering
Khang, Khangbum, Masagang, Tsendegang and Gangchecn Ta can be view
from here. Apart from yaks and horses, Himalayan Monal Pheasants
are a common sight en route.
Day 9: Panka – Talekha (9 km, 4 hours)
This day entails passing through several interesting passes. The
area is also known for different varities of Blue-poppy (June-July)
and mountain birds.The trek trail ascends along the western side
of a lake to a saddle at 4,400m, where there are fascinating mountain
views. In the afternoon an hours gradual climb brings you to the
tip of last Dagala range from where the view of Thimphu valley is
superb. Another hour's walk takes you to Talekha, the last camping
place on this trek.
Day 10: Talekha – Simtokha – Thimphu – Paro
Walk downhill on a steep, eroded trail to Simtokha amidst forests
of rhododendron and bamboo and apple orchards. Visit Simtokha Dzong,
the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627 which now houses
the School for Buddhist studies. Picked up by your transport near
Simtokha Dzong and drive to Thimphu.
Evening transfer to Paro for overnight stay
Day 11: Depart Paro
Depart after breakfast and transfer to Paro International Airport
for onward flight.
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