Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Trip 

Duration: 9 Days 

Level of Trek: Moderate - Hard 

Season: February to June and October to December 

Day 1: Arrival at Paro 

On your flight to Paro, the journey affords spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you fly via Delhi or Kathmandu, you can have a view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. On your arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will be there to receive you. If you arrive before noon, you can start your trip after lunch. Visit the 8th-century-old Kichu 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 and plunge into Bhutan’s urban life. Spend overnight at Paro. 

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery 

Morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest is a refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge at an altitude of 3, 000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by the great Buddhist saint, Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that Guru came to this site on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region to meditate and later would convert the Paro valley to Buddhism. The hike to reach the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. From there, one can view the beautiful Paro valley. Descend from the Monastery and rest at the Taktshang cafeteria for lunch. Return to the Hotel and have a free stroll in the town and nearby village settlements. Overnight will be in the hotel in Paro. 

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

Drive downstream alongside the Pa Chhu River to its confluence with Wang Chhu (Thimphu River), then upstream to Thimphu, the capital of the country. Before entering Thimphu town, visit Simtokha Dzong, the Kingdom’s oldest Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, visit to Buddha point, the biggest bronze Buddha of its kind in the world. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most impressive building, situated at the banks of Wang Chhu, which is the Throne Room of the King, and also the summer residence of Jekhenpo, the Chief Abbot. Take a leisurely walk through Thimphu market in the evening. Overnight will be in the Hotel in Thimphu. 

Day 4: Drive from Paro/Thimphu to Gynekha and Trek to Kepchen (3,390m) 

From Paro/Thimphu, we drive for 1-1.5 hours to the starting point of the trek. Today's trail winds through terraced fields and conifer forests. The trek begins in the beautiful Genekha village (2,800m) with a short descent to the river. From there, you’ll start climbing until you reach a vast rock platform at 3,350m, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. After another two hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kepchen, nestled amidst yak pastures at approximately 3,390m. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking and Driving Duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~8 Kms Ascent: 590 masl Descent: 210 masl Accommodation: Camp 

Day 5: Trek Kepchen to Watachen/Labatama (4,300m) 

Today's trek takes you through blooming wildflowers, wild asparagus (in spring), and vast meadows. As you weave past tiny streams, the trail gently ascends through scattered birch and rhododendron trees, leading to Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250m), marked by towering cairns. From the pass, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and several Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend, the breathtaking panorama of the entire Dagala range unfolds, dotted with meadows and yak herder camps. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking Duration: ~6 hours Distance: ~13 Kms Ascent: 1010 masl Descent: 110 masl Accommodation: Camp 

Day 6: Labatama Halt and Rest Day (4,300m) 

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. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Rest Day / Optional Hikes Accommodation: Camp 

Day 7: Trek Labatama to Pankha (4,000m) 

Today's trail ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho Lake, leading to a saddle at 4,520m, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jumolhari, Jitchu 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 4,720m. From the saddle, the trail descends past yak herder huts to Docha Chu, then follows the river for a while before reaching your campsite for the evening at Pankha. Overnight at camp. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking Duration: ~7 hours Distance: ~9 Kms, Ascent: 260 masl Descent: 520 masl 

Day 8: Trek Pankha to Tso zhaw Chamgang/ trek end / Paro 

Today is the last day of the Dagala Thousand Lakes trek in Bhutan, but your climb doesn't end sooner, you will ascend to an impressive mountain pass, gradually climbing to its peak at 4,300m. The ascent is steady rather than steep, allowing for a manageable yet rewarding trek to the top. From there, the trail undulates with several ups and downs before descending on a steep trail to Chamgang (2640 m), from where the vehicle will pick you up and drive to paro. In the evening, you are free to stroll around the town. Overnight at paro. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: (B/L/D) Activity: Hiking and driving. Duration: ~6-7 hours Distance: ~17 Kms, Ascent: 50 masl, Descent: 1460 masl 

Day 9: Paro – Depart 

After early breakfast, we drive you to the airport. You board to the flight and bid goodbye to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.