Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek 11 days trekking
Season: May/June and Sept/Oct.
This is basically a botanical trek and Spring is arguably the best time of the year to do it. At the height of Spring which is end of March, the whole valley comes to life with flaming red, pink and white rhododendron blossoms.
In the monsoon different varieties of mushroom can be found including the Sangay (mushtakhay) mushroom which is highly prized by the Japanese. The route takes you through Yak herders camps, villages, monasteries and countless lakes. The snowcapped peaks can be best viewed in winter.
Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Day 2 Sightseeing Thimphu
We start off with Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office, School of Arts and Crafts and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must.
Day 3 Thimphu - Geynikha
The next morning we continue sightseeing. After lunch you will drive to the starting point of your trek.
Day 4 Geynikha - Gur
Trek Day 1 - Start of Trek : Distance 5 km and walking distance 4 hours.
Starting at Geynikha 2950m, you trek through alpine flora and fauna for two hours until a gradual uphill walk reveals the beauty of valley below.
Day 5 Gur - Labatamba
Trek Day 2 : Distance 12 km and walking time 5 hours.
Starting at Gur, the trek today will go across the ridges. You will see flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). You will see a spectacular view of the Dagala Range, meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch will be served at a nearby a yak herders camp. After lunch we trek for about two cutting accross hills and meadows. In the evening we set camp near Utsho lake that contains plenty of golden trout.
Day 6 Labatamba halt
On popular demand and because this is truly a beautiful and peaceful place, we have introduced a one-day halt.
Day 7 Labatamba - Panka
Trek Day 4 : Distance 8km and walking time 4 hours.
Starting at Labatamba we trek for 20 to 30 minutes uphill before descending down the valley offering fantastic views of the Western Himalayan range inside Bhutan. The trek will take you through meadows, lakes and shrubs. We camp at Panka.
Day 8 Panka - Talakha
Trek Day 5 : Distance 8 km and walking time 4 hours
Starting at Panka, today we will be passing through several passes each reveling its own beauty. Lunch will be at a junction which leads to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, a one hour gradual climb brings you to the last of the Dagala range offering a spectacular view of Thimphu. We camp near Talakha monastery and village.
Day 9 Talakha - Thimphu
Trek Day 6 - End of Trek : Distance 3 km and walking time 3 hours
Today's trek will be through alpine forest, mixed vegetation and apple orchards. The trek ends at the roadhead above Simtokha Dzong. From here the drive to Thimphu takes about 20 minutes.
Day 10 Thimphu - Paro
Morning at leisure or if today is a Saturday or Sunday then visit the Weekend Market. Early lunch and then drive to Paro for sightseeing. We visit the National Museum , drive to Drukgyel Dzong and in the evening explore Paro.
DAY 11 Departure.
