Trip Grade: Moderate – Challenging
Trip Activities: Sightseeing and religious tour
Trip days: 07 days
Time to visit: September – November and March - May
13 days Dangala Thousand Lakes Trekking is designed for those who wants to explore the stunning and religiously sacred lakes of Bhutan while soaking its pristine serenity and authentic culture.
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is short and moderately challenging camping trek near Thimpu passes through series of high altitude lakes filled with variety of aquatic life. Trekkers need to negotiate few steep sections but there are plenty of spot to rest, re-fuel and re-energize. The majestic beauty of nature keeps you pushing to walk far and beyond.
Though the trek offers array of magically shimmering and turquoise-tinted lakes and extensive Himalayan range including Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peaks in the world), it is still underrated trek in Bhutan. Very few trekkers have made their way to Dangala Thousand Lakes; so it considered as “hidden secret” of Bhutan. You might not encounter any other trekkers during the entire trip.
It is possible to start the trek and conclude the trek from Gynekha. Most of trekking hours per day are short and easy expect for Gur to Labatama trail which involves a lots of challenging climb.
Dangala Thousand Lakes Trekking is perfect for those trekkers who wants to avoid the crowd and explore the “hidden gem” of the Kingdom. No previous trekking experience is required but physical fitness is recommended for the trek.
Spring and autumn are considered as the best time of the year for Dangala Thousand Lakes hiking trip. These seasons are known for best weather and excellent views. In spring, the whole trekking trail is embellished with variety of wild flowers including rhododendron, making your trip magnificently beautiful. Most of Bhutan’s festival are also celebrated in the month of spring and autumn
Day01: Arrival at Paro International Airport and transfer to the hotel
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative from Dream Bhutan will receive you outside the airport terminal hall and escort you to the hotel at Paro. The air-trip to Paro offers magnificent views of Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Upon your arrival at Paro airport, Meet our representative from Dream Bhutan Travel and transfer to Hotel in Paro.
After hotel check-in and short refreshment, you will meet your trek leader who will brief you about the next day’s trip. O/N at Hotel
Day02: Paro Sightseeing
Today, you will visit a watchtower which was built in 17th century by Rinpung Dzong to defend against Tibetan invader. It was inaugurated as National Museum in 1968. It has fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangkha Paintings and exquisite postage stamps.
Next you will walk down a hillside trail to visit Ringpung Dzong which has long and interesting to stories to tell. It was built by the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan – Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The Dzong is the center administration of Paro district. You will walk through traditional bridge festooned with prayer flag called Nemi Zam which offers great view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.
Day03: Paro – Thimpu (65km – 1.5 hour)
Today we drive towards the modern capital of Bhutan, Thimpu. After hotel check-in and short refreshment, we will visit King’s Memorial Chorten, a spiritual site of Kingdom built in the memory of Third King (father of modern Bhutan). You will also explore Trashichhoe Dzong “a fortress of the glorious region” which serves as center of government and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abb.
Day04: Thimpu Sightseeing
After breakfast, we proceed to visit a Centenary Farmer’s Market (open from Thursday – Sunday). Here you will see extensive range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts put on stall for sale. A visit to the market offers great opportunities as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Next we go to National Textile Museum which houses numerous art, artifacts, textile and Thankas. Here you will see people weaving with intricate designs.
You will also visit the Museum which portrays visitors with fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
After lunch, we make about 30 minute drive to the base of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. We walk through the forested route of rhododendron which are in state bloom in spring. Tango Monastery is the major hub for higher studies for monks. The monastery commands superb view of surrounding landscapes. After exploration, we hike down to the road and take a drive back to Thimpu.
Day05: Thimpu – Talekha (2,925m/4-5 hours)
The trek begins from SImtokha Dzong where our ponies and trekking crew members will be waiting. The trek goes through the forest of blue pine till Talekha village. The first two hours of hike involves challenging climb followed by easy two hours of downhill hike. The Talekha village has five houses and large temple called Tale-Lhakhang.
Camp Overnight at Talekha
Day06: Talekha – Japhuna (3,800m/ 5 -6 hours)
Today the trek goes through the thick forest of blue pine and evergreen oak trees into soft pine and spruce forests for about two and half hours. We stop for lunch at Yak camp site. The tree line starts vanishing and we continue climbing to cross Jelezela at 4,000m. From Pass, one can witness the magnificent views of Thimpu valley and its surrounding mountain ridges. We cross two ridges before reaching the second campsite, Japhuna.
Camp overnight at Japuna
Day07: Japhuna – Jaduna (4,100m/ 4 hours)
The trekking trail makes several ups and downs over several ridges for about 4 hours. On the way, there are several small lakes and after hour and half climb through rhododendron forest, we will reach our campsite at Jaduna.
Camp Overnight at Jaduna
Day08: Jaduna – Labatama
Today the trail splits into two – one going to the left of Aum Jomo (highest peak in the Dagala range) and the other onto the ridge of Aum Jorno over the Jomigue Pass and Setso Yumtso Lakes. We take the right side of trail and climb up to the Jomigue Pass after passing the Dungka Tso Lake. From the pass, we can witness the magnificent view high mountain located to the northern Bhutan. After the pass, we climb down for about 2 hours to reach Labatama Yak Camp by the side of the Yumtso Lake where we camp overnight.
Camp Overnight at Labatama
Day09: Acclimatization and exploration day at Labatama
Today we visit several lakes and enjoy fishing or hike back to Jomigue Pass and summit Aum Jomo at 5,050m which takes roughly 5 – 6 hours.
Camp Overnight at Labatma
Day10: Labatama – Genekha
Today we leave the spectacular pasture of Labatama and climb out of Dagala range. The trail ascend slowly to Paglaptsa Pass (4,170m) through stunning landscapes; from where we can admire the superb view of Genekha village and a portion of the Paro valley. We then dip down through the dense cluster of rhododendron and oak to Genekha.
Camp Overnight at Genekha
Day11: Genekha – Paro
Today we walk downhill to reach the motor road and take a private transport that drive us to Paro which about 45 km (about 1 hour drive).
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day12: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast, you will drive to the hiking point of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and hike up to the monastery which roughly takes 1.5 hours. The monastery serves superb view of Paro valley and surrounding landscapes. It is perched majestically at 900m on sheer rock face from the valley floor.
The monastery was first constructed in 1692. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three months in 8th century. It is also believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this from Kenpajong on the back of Tigress to fight against the Demon which was harming the Kingdom. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Guru Padmasambhava is believed as the portrayer of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After visiting monastery, you will hike downhill to the road with a lunch at viewpoint Cafeteria. Then you will drive back to the hotel after visiting Kichu Lhakhang on the way. Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the King Songsten Gampo.
In the evening, enjoy traditional hot stone bath and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day13: Final Departure
Your exciting festival tour in Bhutan comes to an end today. The representative from Dream Bhutan will drive you back to the Paro International Airport on scheduled time for your final departure.
Farewell!!!