Clean Air Adventure
DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK
12 days
Dagala Thousand Lakes trek is a five (5) days trek near Thimphu, to a large number of gorgeous high altitude lakes with magnificent sights. The Trek is fairly easy and most trekking days are short but there are some long steep climbs. It starts from Genekha and end at Chamgang village. The highest point is 4300 Meters.
This trekking is essentially a botanical trek and spring is debatably 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 healthy-looking red, pink and white rhododendron blossoms. From the beginning of June to end of August there will be different kinds of flowers in bloom. You could really enjoy the real attractiveness of alpine summer and can plan your flower trip in the summer.In the monsoon different varieties of mushroom can be found including the Mashtakhay mushroom. The route takes you through Yak herder’s camps, villages, monasteries and countless lakes. The trek also traverses the largest grazing land for the yaks in Bhutan.
Season: Spring and Autumn: Tour Type: Trekking.Type of level: EASY
Itinerary Summery (12 days)ITINERARY SUMMERY
Day: 12 dasy – Night: 11 nights
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Your journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest, additionally, landing in the heart of Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival in Paro international airport our representative will receive you and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If you are lucky, you may catch a match in action. In the evening start sorting and packing your trekking equipment for the trek you will start tomorrow. Overnight in Paro
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang).
After the leisurely breakfast drive towards the road point to Taktshang. Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 800 meters above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about 1 ½ hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple. Then return back to the cafeteria for your lunch and then walk down hill after your lunch. For this hike, you can also hire a riding horse to take you part of the way. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2,200m. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3; Paro to Punakha
We will checkout from the hotel and drive to Punakha, four hour drive from Paro to Wangdue Phodorang – Punakha valley is across spectacular Dochula pass. On a clear day, you will see panoramic views of snowcapped peaks of eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks. Punakha and Wangdue towns are located close to each other in one valley. Punakha was the former winter capital of Bhutan and was established in this location, in part because Punakha is a warmer at a relatively low altitude of 4,100 feet (1300m). The climate allows for the production of two rice crops each year, along with growth of subtropical fruits such as oranges, mangos, and bananas. During our stay here, we will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers, Chimi lhakgahng, temple of fertility which is associated with religious arts of phallus. We’ll take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides. Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang two separate towns, but they are located nearby like twin towns. The valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m above sea level and therefore it enjoys subtropical climate; with warm summers and pleasant winters. Cactuses, Mandarin, and Bananas, Guava, grow alongside rice crops, in terraced fields, gently slopping down the hillsides; one of the most delightful sight to see. Overnight in Punakha. Altitude 1,350m.
Day 4: Punakha to Thimphu
We will checkout from the hotel and drive to Thimphu, three hour drive from Ounakha to Wangdue across spectacular Dochula pass. On a clear day, you will see panoramic views of snowcapped peaks of eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks. After arriving in Thimphu visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including Tashicho Dzong, the farmers market, Gaint Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School where 13 different arts are practiced and learnt, Indigenous Hospital, Textile museum, Handicraft workshops and more. Thimphu offers the best opportunity to do your own thing in the evening. It’s relaxed, friendly and pretty informal, and is most rewarding if you can be the same. Overnight in Thimphu. Atltitude 2,400m.
Day 5: Thimphu sightseeing
After our leisure breakfast we will visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including:
Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Simtokha Dzong: This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
Traditional Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside
The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim): It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.
Takin Preserve, Motithang: The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
National Textile Museum: With the opening of Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles.
Trashichhoedzong: Also know as “fortress of the glorious religion”, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by KingJigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.
Zilukha Nunnery:On the edge point, overlooking attractive Trashichhoedzong and Golf course, it is the only nunnery in capital once belong to the Drubthop Thangthong Gyalpo often referred to as King of the open field in the early 15th century. You may interact gere with nuns who have devoted their life to spiritual and Buddhism.
Handicrafts Shops: A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.
Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
Craft Bazzar:On Tuesday and Wednestday in centenary market Framer’s market, under support of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture, tourism council and the Department of agriculture, this market offers Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts.
Botanical Garden in Serbathang: Located on hillside about 10km from the city, the garden offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanist will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Coronation park; Located on the banks of the river, near the city stadium, parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or sit and watch the river flow by.
Tandin Nye: This sacred Lhakhang is about 1km from main town, built on a clif just like the Tiger’s Nest in Paro. This visit to the temple provides an opportunity to feel and see the great work of ancient Buddhist ledends.
Sangaygang – Wangditse Loop: Drive to Sangaygang view point, situated at an elevation of 2,685m and presenting wonderful view of Thimphu valley from the hillside below the telecommunications towers. Few hourS walk from sangaygang will explore to Wangditse monastery, founded in 1750. The inner chapel house a two storey statue of Sakyamuni Budhha. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6: Thimphu to Genekha to Gur (Trek starts),
Distance: 6km,
Time: 4 hours
The trek begins with the little village of Genekha. Today you will see many varieties of alpine flora and also some animals and many birds. From here after crossing the river you start climbing till you reach a huge rock platform at 3350m from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another 2 hours you reach Gur amid yak pastures at 3290m. After another two hours the trek ends for the day. Camp at Gur, where flowers are abundant in spring.
Day 7: Gur to Labathamba
Distance 12Km
Time 6 hours, Ascent 1220m, Descent 110m, Camp Elev 4100m.
Trek takes us across meadows where wild asparagus and other small plants grow, and if taking this trek in the spring, you will feel you are walking over carpets of flowers. The first pass, marked by a large cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, alpine meadows and yak herders’ camps, Kanchenjunga (Sikkim). We will lunch at a nearby yak herder’s camp. After lunch we will walk across hills and over meadows. Once descended into the Lamatama valley you ascend gradually through the valley passing some yak herder huts till you reach Utsho Lake where golden trout’s are in abundance. The campsite is right next to the lake at 4100m.
Day 8: Halt at Labatama
Today you will have a day excursion to Sertsho and Jagetsho lakes. Hike up hill to Sertsho Lake is easy and interesting after wards walk over a small ridge and then down to Jagetsho Lake. Or you can also attempt to climb the Aum Jomo, a 5000m peak if there is no snow on the Jumo Mountain. From the summit you can have spectacular views around the Dagala range during the clear weather. Overnight in camp and prepare for the next day.
Day 9: Labatama to Pankha
Distance 8Km,
Time 5-6 hours. Ascent 269m, Descent 520m,
Camp Elev 400m.
The trail along the western side of the Dalatsho up to a saddle at 4520m from where you can have majestic view of Himalayan peaks during descent. This point is around 4460m. The mountain peaks include Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masa Gang , Tshenda Gang and Gangche Ta. If you want even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Docha Chu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slop to reach Pankha with some ups and down on the way. Camp at Pankha at 4000m.
Day 10: Pangkha to Cherigang,
Distance: 10km,
Time: 6 hoursThe day involves the crossing of several increasingly impressive passes. You will see several varieties of the blue poppy (if trekking June-July) and also many mountain birds along the way. After lunch, an hour gradual climb down brings us to the top of the last ridge on the Dagala range from where there is a spectacular view of Thimphu valley below. Camp at Cherigang
Day 11: Cherigang to Chamgang (Trek end),
Distance: 6km
Time: 3 hoursToday is the end of the thousand lakes trek, we will walk through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, finally reaching the main motorable road at Chamgang from where we will be picked up by our car. Finally its time to say good bye to our trekking friends (chef, staffs and horses) who took care of us for last six days through the valley of high altitude. It is with great pride that we say yes successful completed six days life time Thousand Lakes Trek. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel & get freshen up. Later in the evening soak yourself in deep hot stone bathtub which will help you relax your muscles after the trek. Enjoy the typical local dinner with Bhutanese family, your last memory of Bhutan. Leisure in hotel. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: End of your tour in Gross National Happiness country, Bhutan.
After breakfast our representative will drive you to Paro for departure.
