Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

^{13 Days / 12 Nights}

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Genekha - Gur - Labatama - Labatamahalt - Panka - Talikha - Thimphu - Paro)

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, you are met by our Bhutan tour guides and transferred to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Morning drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu (Paro river) to Drukgye Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended thid valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount. Chomolhari, the sacred summit reaches skyward beyond the dzong. On return to Paro valley, visit to a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism. Afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which now houses Bhutan’s national museum. The museum’s interesting collection includes ancient Bhutaanese art and artifacts, weapons, stamps. After that walk down the trail to reach Rinpung Dzong, built in 17^th century, it is symbolic as the religious and secular affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Thimphu
This morning drive downstream alongside the Pa Chu (Paro river) to its confluence with Wang Chu (Thimphu river) then up valley to Thimphu, the capital town. Before arriving, Thimphu, see Simtokha Dzong, Kingdom’s oldest fortress which is now used as Dzongkha lanhuage school of Bhutan. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Third King of Bhutan. Then visit Tashichhodzong, Thimphu’s most impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chu. It houses National Assembly, King’s Throne room and also the summer residence of Chief of monk body. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 : Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the Painting School where centuries old art of Bhutanese paintings is taught. National Library is another interesting place to visit which houses vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practised.
Afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporium. Here exotic weaves in silk, wool, cotton, silver jewellery, carpets, thangkha paintings, bambooware and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available. Evening drive to view point for a fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5 : Thimphu - Genekha
Drive for 45 min to reach starting point of the trek. The first day walk, over a mule path, will end after four hours at the signboard of Genekha School. All through the trail, terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant. Overnight camp at Genekha.

Day 6 : Genekha - Gur
On today’s trek the true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (birds are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a huge rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours the trek ends. Camp at Gur, here flowers are abundant in spring.

Day 7 : Gur - Labatama
While trekking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Today’s trek is amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The meadows freshen the trekkers with poetic sentiments. The first pass symbolised by a huge cairns gives a spectacular view of the whole ‘Dagala’ range, meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. After lunch walk across hills and meadows, ending the third day of trek. Camp near ‘utso’ lake where golden trout flourish.

Day 8 : Labatamahalt
This day is for an excursion to any of three lakes ; ‘Relitso’ ‘Hentso’ and ‘Jamatso’. Your trekking escort will receal mystic stories about these lakes. Also the day and place is ideal for trout fishing. Overnight camp.

Day 9 : Labatamahalt
Extension to ‘Setso’ and nearby lakes. Hike to ‘Setso’ is easy and interesting. Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to ‘Jagetso’ lake. Whole day trout fishing with packed lunch at lakeside. The “Ahinsa” (non violence) group can attempt climbing “Jomo” a peak of 5050 m. Lunch at summit with spectacular view around, can be memorable experience. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.

Day 10 : Labatama - Panka
Walk for 20 min upwards and later you will have majestic view of Himalayan peaks during descent. This point is around 4460 m. Your escort will help you in identifying peaks such as Mount. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshrim Khang, Gangbom, Masagang, Tsendaygang and Gangchen Ta. Here the Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight apart from yaks and horses.

Day 11 : Panka - Talikha
This day entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Search for different varities of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. Lunch at th e point, where one trail leads to ‘Talekha’ and other to Wangdiphodrang. After lunch an hour’s gradual climb brings you to the tip of last Dagala range from where view of Thimphu valley is spectacular, it appears as though Thimphu is spread in the palm of observers hand. An hour’s walk and you are at the last camp, little above Talekha monastery.

Day 12 : Talekha - Thimphu - Paro
Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and wild flowers) one reaches Talekha monastery and village and once again Thimphumview is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, one reaches the main motroable road to Thimphu where your transport is waiting. Here the trek ends but the memories just begin. Drive to Thimphu for lunch. Evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.