Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
- 11 days
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
This six day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more.
During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.
While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April-June or September –October.
Journey
Day 1 : Thimphu
- Arrive at Paro (2100 mtrs above sea level): You will be received by the travel expert from Aiming Bhutan Tours. Transfer to Thimphu. Enroute, stop at Chunzom for few photography sessions. Proceed further and stop for a while to witness the famous Iron chain bridge made by Zanthong Zangpo. He was the main craftsman who made many such bridges throughout Bhutan.
Checkin at your hotel and spend some time to relax. Free stroll in Thimphu town towards the evening and a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner at the Hotel. Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 2 : Camping
- Thimphu - Gynekha - Gur: After early breakfast, travel to Gyenkha and the trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. ( Distance: 7 km, Time: 5 hours, Ascent :550 m, Descent: 210 m, Camp Altitude: 3,290 m)
After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.
Day 3 : Camping
- Gur - Labatama ( Distance: 12 km, Time: 5 hours, Ascent :1,220 m, Descent: 110 m, Camp Altitude: 4,300 m).
On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring).
The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps.
Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.
Day 4 : Camping
- Labatama - Panka: (Distance: 8 km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent :260 m, Descent: 520 m, Camp Altitude: 4,000 m).
The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta.
If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.
Day 5 : Camping
- Panka - Talaka: (Distance: 8 km, Time: 5-6 hours, Ascent :180 m, Descent: 110 m, Camp Altitude: 3080 m)
This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa.
You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.
Day 6 : Thimphu
- Talaka - Chamgang - Thimphu: (Distance: 6 km, Time: 3 hours, Descent: 440 m)
From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang.
Transfer to Hotel and relax. Take the day off to relax and flash back though your trek. Hotstone bath towards the evening to de-stress and freshen you up.
A peaceful night at the Hotel
Day 7 : Thimphu
- Sight seeing in Thimphu: Thimphu sight seeing: Post breakfast, set out to explore Thimphu (3200 mtrs). Thimphu is capital of Bhutan where administrative and religious heads have their seat at Tashichhodzong. The following visits in the morning:
1. Dordenma – one of the biggest sitting Buddha in asia (300 mtrs). Located on a hilltop and overseeing Thimphu valley: it is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful green mountains surrounding Thimphu
2. Memorial Chorten – Built in 1996 to honor the contributions of late 3rd King of Bhutan – His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
After lunch:
1. Takin Reserve
2. Cultural heritage museum
Towards the evening go to Tashichhodzong to witness the unfurling of National flag. Return to hotel. Free time around Thimphu city
Nice and relaxed night at the Hotel. Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 8 : Punakha
- Drive to Punakha: After breakfast, drive towards Punakha. En-route stop over at Dochula Pass (3150 mtrs). It is a picturesque hilltop covered by 108 stupas (religious structure that has holy scripts and relics kept inside for the purpose of well being of all sentient beings living on this earth). It was built to honour the 4th King of Bhutan by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
On a clear day, the beautiful Himalayan mountain range can be viewed from here and makes it a good subject for photography. Further drive downhill towards Punakha. En-route, a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility or also known as the Temple of the The Divine Madman - Lam Drukpa Kuenley whose legend is famous all over the Buddhist community on how he subdued demons with his unorthodox method of teaching Buddhism and by using his magical Phallus.
Checkin at the hotel and after lunch, set out to see Punakha Dzong: built right on the confluence made by Pho Chu (male river) & Mo Chu (female river). VIsit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery on a hill top with a spectacular view of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys.
Back to hotel for a nice relaxed evening. Overnight stay at Punakha
Day 9 : Paro
- Drive to Paro: Drive to Paro in the morning and checkin at your hotel. Then set out to explore the beautiful, lush green Paro valley. Paro has spectacular views and many interesting places to visit from Taa Dzong (National Museum) to Rinpung Dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan and Drugyel Dzong.
Early bed today for an early rise tomorrow for Tiger's Nest hike. Overnight stay at Paro
Day 10 : Paro
- Hike to Tiger's Nest: Rise early today and after breakfast, drive to the base of the mountain. Start hiking to Tiger's Nest which takes around 2 hours and a little less to come down. Enjoy the picturesque view of Paro valley as you ascend 3250 meters.
As you might have read about Tiger's Nest, Guru Rinpoche flew on this rocky cliff on the back of the flying Tigress (his consort changed her form to flying Tigress) and Guru meditated in the cave to subdue the demons troubling the local inhabitants. It is a significant pilgrimage place for Buddhist from around the world. After taking blessings, descend down to Paro town and stop for lunch.
Visit farmhouse towards the evening and meet with local people which enriches you on the rural Bhutanese lifestyle. A hot stone bath to relieve from the stress from the hike and a sound sleep is guaranteed after the hot stone bath making you fresh when you are home the next day. Overnight stay in Paro
Day 11 : Seeoff
- See off at Paro International Airport: Most probably your last breakfast in the Himalayan Kingdom till your next visit, drop at the airport where you will be given a warm farewell by the Travel Expert from Aiming Bhutan Tours, who by now would definitely have become your friend, bidding you a safe journey back home with lots of wonderful memories from Bhutan to take back with you.
Customer Reviews
Attractions
Memorial Chorten
Built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), it is one of the most prominent landmark of Thimphu. People from everywhere come here to do the Chorten Kora (going round the chorten). It looks magnificent a great place to visit and pray
Buddha Dordenma
Buddha Point is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue completed construction on September 25th 2015 celebrating 60th birth anniversary of fourth king His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It houses 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded Buddhas respectively, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, will be made of bronze and gilded in gold. it will be one of the largest Buddha rupas (Form of the Awakened One) in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). Big ground in front makes it a nice place to stroll around and enjoy the scenic beauty of Thimphu
Changangkha Lhakhang
Lam Phajo Drugom Zhipo built it in 12th century, one of the oldest lhakhangs in the country. Lam Phajo Drugom Zhipo chose the site and the monastery houses Chenrizig (Avolokitesawara), an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation as the central statue. New born are brought here for naming them
Zorig Chusum
In 1680, Ngawang Namgyal, the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, ordered the establishment of the school for instruction in the thirteen traditional arts. Although the skills existed much earlier, it is believed that the zorig chusum was first formally categorised during the rule of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (1680-1694), the 4th Druk Desi (secular ruler). You get to witness artisans & craftsman in action in these 13 different crafts & arts which is rare view in today's machine manufacturing era. It trains the Bhutanese students on all the 13 crafts and is leading the race to preserve the culture of Bhutan
Tashichho Dzong
Traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or "Dharma Raja"), the head of Bhutan's civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. The original Thimphu dzong (the Do-Ngön Dzong, or Blue Stone Dzong) was built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa (1164-1224). In 1641 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal took over that Dzong from the Lhapa Kagyu, reconsecrated, and renamed it Tashichö-dzong. Tashichö Dzong has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1968. It presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the cabinet secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Lowering of the national flag in the evening around 5 pm is an event not to be missed and the lights during the night makes it a visual treat.
Takin Preserve
Takin - the national animal of Bhutan is a peculiar animal with head of a goat and body of a cow, is believed to be created by Lama Drukpa Kuenlay - The Divine Madman upon his follower's request to show a miracle. He created it by attaching the skull of a goat and bones of a cow. It is an area of 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres). It is a collaborative effort of the Royal Government of Bhutan and World Wide Fund, WWF (Bhutan), including a traditionally styled entrance gate, a small information center, signage and trash receptacles.
Simtokha Dzong
It is the 1st Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 in Bhutan. Earlier called Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Bhutanese language meaning: "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras") is a small dzong in size compared to other dzongs in Bhutan. It is believed that the dzong provided protection against a demon which had disappeared into a rock close to the site and hence taken the name 'Simtoka' meaning "simmo" (demoness) and 'do' meaning "stone". The Buddhist school of Linguistics was established as part of the dzong.
Punakha Dzong
Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss"). Built by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38 and houses sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertön Pema Lingpa. It is the winter capital of Bhutan and 2nd largest dzong. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion
Chimi Lhakhang
Also know as Chime Lhakhang stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the "Divine Madman" the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) who built a chorten on the site. Believed to be the Temple of Fertility, pilgrims & women visiting are blessed with wooden phallus (have been intended to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip) decorated with a silver handle. Lama Drukpa Kuenley is revered for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humour and outrageous behaviour, which amounted to being bizarre, shocking and with sexual overtones
Dochula Pass
Built on the pass overlooking Thimphu valley on one side and Wangdue/Punakha on the other, it is on the way to Punakha from Thimphu on a hill top where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. Apart from the chortens there is a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well being of the kingdom, it's people and all sentient beings took 9 years to complete this magnificent 4 storied Chorten showcasing the expertise and marvel of Bhutanese architecture, art & paintings. Lovely view of Punakha valley awaits you after a hike on 30 to 60 minutes from the suspension bridge.
Rinpung Dzong
Built in 1644 by Ngawang Namgyal, the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, it stands as a majestic symbol of authority and governance. The administrative and religious seat of Paro Dzongkhag (a state of Bhutan). Located just above Paro Chu (river) making it a picturesque delight.
Taa Dzong - National Museum
The national museum of Bhutan - Taa Dzong has artifact from around the country and some of the artefacts ranging back to even 4000 B.C E. and to the present day. Here you get to see the ancient Bhutanese culture and it is a must visit if you are interest to know and understand Bhutan better
Tiger's Nest - Taktsang
Taktshang or the Tiger's Nest got it's name from the myth that in 8th century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew here on a Tigress Back and meditated to in a cave here t0 subdue the demons and provide relief to the local people of Paro. Built on a cliff that stands 10,000 feet/3,048 meter above sea level overlooking Paro valley. It is a visual treat and a holy place for pilgrimage
Kyichu Lhakhang
Also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu) is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lamgong Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan. Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsän Gampo, the Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century and believed to have concealed many religious relics and treasures. A holy place for pilgrimage
Drukgyal Dzong
Once a fortress constructed in 1649 by Tenzin Drukdra on the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche to commemorate the victory over Tibet invasion, it was in ruins due to a fire in 1950's that engulfed almost everything. It has been restored now to it's full standing and it is a magnificent view surrounded by beautiful scenery around it