Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is somewhat of a more than moderate trek, requiring a good degree of fitness. It offers amazing vistas views of mountains, ample opportuntities of sighting of bird and animal species unique to the terrain, alpine flowers and lovely meadows. The various picturesque high altitude lakes at the top more than make the effort a worthwhile one. This short trek is best done in the months of April/May and October/November.
On a clear day, the route also presents breath-taking views of prominent eastern Himalayan peaks such as Mounts Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang and Gangchhenta. It is very common to hike for days without crossing path with other trekkers at all.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thimpu – Genekha – Gur
Dagala Trek, distance: 15km, time: 4 hours
- Pick up from your hotel
- Transfer to start of trek – Little village of Genekha
- Cross the suspension bridge across the valley
- Two hours of gradual uphill climb
- Lunch – At huge rock platform with picturesque view of the valley below
- Another two hours trek to campsite
- Overnight in campsite
Day 2: Gur – Labathamba
Dagala Trek, distance: 12km, time: 7-8 hours
- Hearty Breakfast and trek starts
- Cross meadows where wild asparagus and other small plants grow, and in spring full of carpets of flowers
- First pass – Spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, alpine meadows and yak herders’ camps
- Lunch nearby
- After lunch, a long walk across hills and over meadows, ending the day at lodge house
- Overnight in campsite
Day 3: Labathamba Camp
Dagala Trek, Camp for the day
- Morning visiting mountain lakes and hiking to the top of pass for breathtaking views
- One a clear day, see the world’s third highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jumolhari, the highest mountain of Bhutan. Lots of photo opportunities
- Overnight in campsite
Day 4: Labathamba – Pangkha
Dagala Trek, distance: 8km, time: 4 hours
- Morning walk for 20mins to start descent at around 4,460m
- Enjoy the splendid views of the Himalayas on the descent
- Your guide will help you in identifying individual peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tserimgang, Khangbum, Masagang, Tsendegang and Gangchenta
- Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight
- Overnight camp on a grassy meadow at Pangkha
Day 5: Pangkha – Cherigang
Dagala Trek, distance: 10km, time: 6 hours
- A day of crossing several increasingly impressive passes
- Observe several varieties of the blue poppy (June-July), lovely rhododendron trees in full bloom in (April-May) and also many mountain birds
- After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb to top of the last ridge on the Dagala range with spectacular view of Thimphu valley below
- Over camp at Cherigang
Day 6: Cherigang – Thimphu
Dagala Trek Ends, distance: 6km, time: 2 hours to Paro
- Morning walk through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, finally reaching the main motorable road to Thimphu where our transport awaits
- Drive to Paro
- Visit Paro National Museum
- Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and cross over the oldest wooden bridge nearby
- Evening stroll old Paro town or option for other activities like archery, khuru (dart) and Bhutan national dress-up session
- Tour ends in Paro
Highlights & Inclusions:
- US$ 40 (visa fee for a single entry, per person)
- Visa process and arrangement
- Campsite accommodation
- Meals provided as in full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Excludes flight tickets
- Exclude personal expenses like shopping and alcoholic beverages
- Private transfer and local English Speaking Guide
- Complimentary dress-up of Gho/Kira (Bhutan national dress) at Paro
- Complimentary activity of khuru/archery (Bhutan national game) at Paro
- Complimentary drinking water for the entire trip
- Optional Tipping
Insider Tips:
- Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for treks
- Highly recommended that you wear or bring rainwear, umbrella, hat, sunglass and an extra jacket that you can use according to the temperature of the day
- Please advise if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions
- Vegetarian food options are available, please advise at time of booking if required