Dagala Thousand Lakes trek (8 Nights 9 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Dagala Thousand Lakes trek in Bhutan unveils a pristine alpine wilderness, offering a unique adventure amid breathtaking landscapes. This trek meanders through the serene Dagala region, known for its plethora of high-altitude lakes, each reflecting the surrounding mountain grandeur. Trekkers navigate diverse terrain, from lush meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers to rocky ascents with panoramic views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. The journey encompasses challenging passes, nomadic yak herders' camps, and the tranquility of numerous lakes, creating an immersive experience in Bhutan's natural beauty. With its ever-changing scenery and cultural encounters, the Dagala Thousand Lakes trek stands as a captivating exploration of Bhutan's high-altitude wonders.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Days Activities Accommodation Meal Day 01 Arrival in Paro Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Drive from paro to Genekha Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 03 Genekha to Gur Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 04 Gur to Labatama with views of Kanchenjunga and Dagala range Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 05 Exploratory halt at Labatama Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 06 Labatama to Panka Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 07 Panka via Talakha and Chamgang to Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 08 Drive from Thimpu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 09 Final Departure [B/-/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. After completing the arrival formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paro. Take this time to relax and unwind from your journey and get settled into your accommodation. Paro is a charming town located in a beautiful valley and is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the town in the evening, maybe take a stroll, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Overnight at the hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: Drive from Paro to Genekha — The drive from Paro to Genekha is a scenic journey that typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 35 kilometers. The road trip allows travelers to witness the picturesque landscapes and experience the charm of Bhutan's countryside. Starting from Paro, you might travel southeast, passing through lush green valleys, traditional Bhutanese villages, and perhaps catching glimpses of the Paro River. The road conditions may vary, and the journey could include winding mountain roads as you ascend and descend through the terrain. Genekha, like many places in Bhutan, is likely to offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing an authentic experience of the country's natural beauty. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on such journeys in Bhutan. Overnight at Simple Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Genekha to Gur — You will commence the day with a 45-minute drive to the scenic Genekha Village, the starting point of your trek. This village is renowned for its cultivation of matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. Your journey will take you along a mule path, through terraced fields, and dense coniferous forests thriving with alpine flora and diverse birdlife. Subsequently, you will descend to the river, followed by a gradual uphill climb of two hours, leading you to a vast rock platform at 3350m, providing a breathtaking view of the valley. After an additional two hours of trekking, you will arrive at your campsite in Gur (3290m), surrounded by an abundance of vibrant wildflowers. Overnight at Simple Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Gur to Labatama with views of Kanchenjunga and Dagala range — While traversing the rugged terrain, one can appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the mountain vegetation. Today's journey takes you through blossoming flowers, wild asparagus (in spring), and expansive meadows, offering a rejuvenating experience. As you wind through small streams, you will ascend gently amidst scattered birch trees and rhododendrons until you reach the Pagalabtsa pass (4250m), distinguished by its substantial cairns. This vantage point presents awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and the majority of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Upon descending from the pass, you will behold the entire expanse of the Dagala mountain range and the encampments of yak herders. Enjoy lunch at a nearby yak herder's camp before descending into the Labatama valley. Gradually ascend through the valley, passing yak herder huts, until you reach Utsho Lake (4300m), known for its abundance of golden trout. Overnight at Simple Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Exploratory halt at Labatama — You will have the opportunity to spend the day exploring one of the nearby lakes, such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho, and Jagetsho Lakes. These lakes are known for their abundant trout population, and your trekking leader will share mystical stories about their significance. Enjoy a lakeside lunch with a breathtaking view, creating a truly memorable experience. Following lunch, you can even consider ascending the Jomo Peak, which stands at an altitude of 5,050m. Return to camp by dusk to prepare for the adventures of the next day. Overnight at Simple Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Labatama to Panka — You will trek along the western side of Dalatsho until you reach a saddle at an altitude of 4520m, where you will be treated to a magnificent view of the prominent Himalayan peaks including Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang, and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. From the saddle, the path descends, passing by yak herder huts to the Doccha Chuu River. Following the river for a while, you will stay higher up on the slope until reaching Panka. Here, sightings of Himalayan monal pheasants, yaks, and horses are common. The day's journey concludes with camping at Panka (4000m). Overnight at Simple Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Panka via Talakha and Chamgang to Thimphu — Today, you will traverse several impressive mountain passes, each more remarkable than the last. The trail offers sightings of different varieties of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. After lunch at a point where one trail leads to Talakha and the other to Wangduephodrang, you will embark on a gradual one-hour climb to reach the final pass, Tale La (4180m), providing superb views of the Dagala range and Thimphu. Subsequently, a long descent through forests of spruce, birch, juniper, and rhododendrons will lead you to Talakha Goempa (3080m). From there, you will hike down through mixed vegetation, apple orchards, and a feeder road to the Village of Chamgang, where your car will be waiting to transfer you to Thimphu. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty. Starting from Thimphu, the capital city, you'll likely head westward on the winding mountain roads. The route takes you through picturesque valleys, traditional villages, and lush greenery. Along the way, you might catch sight of the Paro River and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The road conditions are generally good, but weather conditions can affect travel times, especially during monsoon or winter seasons. Always check for the latest information on road conditions and weather before embarking on the journey. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.+