Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

On your flight to Paro the journey affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya, including the Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport. If you arrive before noon you can start your trip after lunch, visiting the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom, built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. In the evening you can explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

The morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest, is a refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge 3,000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by the great Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava. The hike to the viewpoint makes a fine half-day excursion with beautiful views of the Paro valley. Rest at the Taktshang cafeteria for lunch, then take a free stroll in town and the nearby village settlements. Overnight in Paro.

We drive one to one-and-a-half hours to the start of the trek. Today's trail winds through terraced fields and conifer forest. From Genekha village (2,800 m) a short descent leads to the river, then you climb to a vast rock platform at 3,350 m with a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. After another two hours you arrive at Kepchen, nestled amid yak pastures at about 3,390 m. Overnight at camp.

Today's trek takes you through blooming wildflowers, wild asparagus in spring, and vast meadows. Weaving past tiny streams, the trail ascends gently through scattered birch and rhododendron to Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250 m), marked by towering cairns, with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and several Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend, the panorama of the entire Dagala range unfolds, dotted with meadows and yak-herder camps. Overnight at camp.

Spend a leisurely day relaxing and exploring the picturesque Labatama valley. For those feeling adventurous, a range of day excursions is available to Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho Lake. Overnight at camp.

Today's trail ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho lake to a saddle at 4,520 m, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang and Gangche Ta. For an even more spectacular vantage point you can climb a nearby peak at 4,720 m. From the saddle the trail descends past yak-herder huts to Docha Chhu, then follows the river to your campsite at Pankha. Overnight at camp.

The last day of the trek, but the climbing is not over: you ascend gradually to a mountain pass at 4,300 m — steady rather than steep. From there the trail undulates with several ups and downs before descending steeply to Chamgang (2,640 m), where the vehicle picks you up for the drive to Thimphu. In the evening you are free to stroll around the town. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport for a final goodbye.