Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Trip Facts
  • Duration 13 Days
  • Destination Bhutan
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous

The Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan is a stunning trekking route that takes you through the pristine landscapes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It's known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the numerous alpine lakes that dot the region, giving the trek its name.

The trek typically starts in the Paro Valley and passes through several high mountain passes, including the Nyele La pass at an altitude of around 4,700 meters. Along the way, you'll encounter lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including some of Bhutan's highest peaks.

One of the highlights of the trek is the opportunity to camp beside some of the beautiful alpine lakes that are scattered throughout the region. These lakes are often surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offer a peaceful and serene setting to spend the night.

The trek is considered moderately challenging, with some steep ascents and descents, as well as the high altitude, which can be challenging for some trekkers. However, the stunning scenery and the chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas make it a truly unforgettable experience for those who undertake it.

 

Itinerary

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On the flight, weather permitting, you will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan.
Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter handy. P.P size pictures are no longer required and your visa has been paid. Meet your Guide and driver outside the terminal building and transfer to hotel. After lunch visit Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu temple complex and National Museum. Welcome dinner and overnight at hotel, Paro.

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Drive winding road morthwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion.This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan's defense against the Tibetan invasion.  Mount Chomolhari the sacred summit reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutan farmhouse. After lunch was visit to Ta Dzong, the National museum and Rinpung Dzong.

Rinpung Dzong: meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. It is also the venue for Paro festival held in the spring. Several years ago, the colourful movie Little Buddha was filmed here.
Kyichu temple: Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
 
National Museum: Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, households stuffs, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan’s famous Stamps among others. (open 10-4pm – closed on Monday).

Paro: Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with Bhutan’s only airport located here, among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small with one main street and less then one hundred small family-run shops. The weekend market in Paro is held on Saturdays

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD

This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here many devotees circumbulate the shrine dedicated to the King counting their prayer as they walk.

Thimphu (2,300m) was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 90,000 people.

  • Accommodation Hotel
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Drive to Genekha, the village of medieval metallurgists, which is about 45 minutes from Thimphu. The first day's walk reaches you to the Primary School and the campsite. The trail passes through abundant vegetation.

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD

The day's trek takes about 4 hrs. you can view alpine flora and plenty of birds. A rock platform, 2 hrs uphill from Genekha, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. Another 2 hrs ends the
day's trek.

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD

The trail today, about 5 hrs, is over a ridge amidst flowers and wild asparangue, especially
during spring. The first pass symbolised by a huge cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, meadows and yak-herders' camps. Campsite is near Utso Lake that abounds in golden trout.

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD

Hike to any of the three lakes Relitso, Hentso or Jamatso and listen to the mystery behind these
lakes.

  • Accommodation Camping
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Hike to Setso and nearby lakes. See beyond until the Jagetso Lake of climb the Jomo at 5,050 m.

 

  • Accommodation Camping
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Climb for about 20 minutes and view the Himalayan peaks of Everest, Chomolhari, Kanchenjunga, Jichu Drake and others. The highest point is around 4,460 m and as you descend to camp at Panka besides yaks and horses; the Himalayan monalpheasants are a common sight.

  • Accommodation Camping
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The trail leads through several passes. Look out for the Blue Poppy - the National Flower of
Bhutan. Lunch at the point where one trail leads to Talekha and the other to Wangduephodrang. Next you will reach the last Dagala range from where a spectacular view of Thimphu can be seen. The campsite is near Talekha monastery.

 

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD

The trail taking about 3-4 hrs, through mixed vegetation leads you to the Talekha village and then through apple orchards to the motor road where you will be picked up by transport to Thimphu.

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
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Drive to Paro.Overnight hotel

  • Accommodation Hotel
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Transfer to airport for flight to your next destination

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