The 10 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture tour is amongst those trips which has a great combination of culture and nature.This trek allows you the very rare opportunity of witnessing some beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas, tranquil lakes, and vibrant cultures that Bhutan offers.Delighting cultural glimpses into the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, precariously perched onto the cliff face, and historic Rinpung Dzong in Paro-start off this fascinating journey into the unknown.
The two experiences naturally introduce the senses to what would eventually be a more awe-inspiring trek. Starting the trek in the surroundings of Genekha Village offers spectacular views, beautifully surrounded by greenery with the trademark Bhutanese-style houses.While climbing up through steep rhododendron forests and vibrant alpine meadows, the top unfolds all-sweeping mountain vistas and virgin natural beauty.This trek is famous for its glittering high-altitude lakes, each with its own charm and tale to tell.First, you will come across Utsho Tsho-a quiet lake, which is famous for its golden trout, nestled against a backdrop of towering peaks. As you walk further, you reach Relitsho, Setsho, Hentsho, and Jagetsho-practicably all lakes with their sky and mountain reflections almost surreal.The peaceful surroundings of these lakes are unparalleled, inviting one to sit back and soak in the serenity.Be it the crystal-like waters of Setsho or the quiet beauty of Hentsho, each lake seems to possess its magic that lingers on with you long after the trek is over.
On the way, you might meet some yak herders with their animals, which will give you an insight into the traditional local life.Beyond the lakes, the trek offers stunning views of the Bhutanese Himalayas.On clear days, you catch glimpses of peaks like Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Gangche Ta, their snow-capped summits standing proudly against the blue sky.The trail takes you across high mountain passes, through ancient yak pastures, and past small, serene temples that seem to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.The trek culminates with a descent to Chamgang, where the landscape changes into lush valleys and you'll find solace at the peaceful Talakha Goempa-a monastery offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
This journey links you with the unspoiled wilderness of Bhutan and its harmonious way of life as you return to Thimphu,Punakha and Paro. A soulful experience, this promises unforgettable memories of Bhutan's unmatched landscapes and timeless charm.
Itinerary
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Early in the morning, you will catch the flight to Paro from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, across the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks, including sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, marking your arrival in Bhutan, where you will be greeted by Bhutan's representatives from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, who will also transfer you to your hotel.
After lunch, your guide will provide you with a brief on your day-to-day itinerary in Bhutan, which also includes visits to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong (also known as the Fort of Jewel), Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), and Kichu Lakhang (a Buddhist site built in the 17th century) if the time permits.
Accommodation3 star Hotel
MealsLunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude2250 M
The second day in Bhutan is allocated for acclimatization to Bhutan's serene air so that one can avoid getting altitude mountain sickness (AMS) in upcoming days above 3,000 m, considered the AMS-prone areas in the Himalayan Zone. Therefore, as a part of acclimatization, you will wake up early in the morning to hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, the legend of being the mediation ground of Guru Rinpoche, the Buddhist spiritual leader.
There will be a lunch break halfway up on the mountain in the cafeteria to lastly return to Paro Valley for the night after an amazing exploration of the monastery perched on the edge of a steep cliff, around 900 m above sea level.
Accommodation3 star Hotel
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude3180 M
You will start trekking. From Paro, you first have to drive to Genekha Village. You will reach here in 45 minutes' drive. From here, you will start walking downhill to a river.
The trail passes terraced fields and coniferous trees. Soon, you will begin climbing uphill, crossing a river. Hike until you reach a rock platform from which you can see a gorgeous valley view. Further, you have to trek for two more hours to reach Gur for the night.
AccommodationTent Camp
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude3350 M
From Gur, you will trek following high ridges, relishing rough and rugged landscapes. If you are trekking in the spring season, you can see meadows covered with flowers.
Cross the Paga Labtsa Pass (4,250 m), from where you will see a beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Dagala range. The trail then descends to Labatamba Valley and passes by yak herder huts.
You will reach Utsho Tso Lake, a stunning turquoise lake. Enjoy the serene view of the lake, then walk to the campsite.
AccommodationTent Camp
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude4300 M
Today, you will spend a rest day in Labatamba. Wake up early and have a big breakfast. After that, you will go on a hike to explore several nearby alpine lakes, such as Relitsho, Setsho, Hentsho, and Jagetsho.
During the hike, you will witness breathtaking mountain views and green hills. Have lunch and continue exploring the area. Return to your campsite to spend the night.
AccommodationTent Camp
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Leaving Labatamba, you will walk uphill for 20 minutes and descend the valley. The mountain views are phenomenal on this day. The trail ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho Lake.
You can see many mountains from here, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang, Mt. Gangche Ta, Mt. Khangbum, etc.
The trail descends past yak herders' huts to Doccha Chhu River and then descends to Panka.
AccommodationTent Camp
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude4000 M
Leaving Panka, you will trek to Talikha, crossing many passes on the way. During the trek, you will come across many flowers and birds. It will be a lovely walk to Talikha. The trek ends here, and you will drive to Thimphu.
Stop at Wangdue Phodrang on the way and enjoy a fantastic view of the Dagala range. If the time allows, you will visit tourist sites like the National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan Museum in Thimphu.
Accommodation3 Star Hotel
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude3083 M
It will be enlightening to visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in respect of the third king of Bhutan), Nunnery Temple, the National Library housing ancient manuscripts, and the School of Arts and Crafts, along with the paper factory and incredible Tshichhodzong.
The journey to Punkha from Thimphu begins after lunch and stops at Dochula Pass (3,100 m) for a small tea break housing 108 chortens (stupas) with scenic views of rhododendrons, pine, and traditional villages where a rice field walk along the bank of the Punkaha River takes you to the Punkha village, marking the end of today's trek.
Accommodation3 star Hotel
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude2350 M
Since you are in Punkha, you will definitely not miss out on visiting the infamous Punakha Dzong situated in between the male and female rivers, shaped like an anchored ship, and then drive to Paro, which lasts for about 3-4 hours, covering 120km, that stops at Metshina village for an approximately 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, renowned as the temple of fertility dedicated to the Divine Madman, or Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
If you wish, you are free to visit Lama’s Wooden Phallus to receive blessings while the drive resumes through the Do Chu La Pass with top-notch Himalayan views. En route, you can also visit Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only of its kind in the country, which thereafter stops only at Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, before making it to Paro for the night.
Accommodation3 Star Hotel
MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Max. Altitude2250 M
The city of Paro is home to Bhutan’s only international airport and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery that you visited at the beginning of the journey; hence, this day, you will board an early morning flight to Kathmandu, which is possible only through Druk Air from Bhutan.
Filled with unforgivable memories of Bhutan, it can be a bit overwhelming to bid farewell, while Nepal also welcomes you with the stunning Himalayas and its several trekking, hiking, and climbing routes to once-must-set adventure.
MealsBreakfast
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