Overview

This six day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more.

During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.

While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April-June or September –October.

Max Elevation	4720 m
Min Elevation	2250 m
Difficulty	Medium
Season	April, May, June, September, October
No. of Days	6 Days

6 Hours Available on request

Inclusions/Exclusions

What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

Group medical kit
Return airport transfer and transport to/from the trek
Horsemen and helpers
Food, Transport and Accommodation
Camping in twin sharing tents
Bhutan visa services and fees
Trekking expedition leader
Sleeping bags and insulated mat
Entry fees and trekking permits
English speaking guides and for other languages like Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German, there will be a surcharge

Things To Carry

Trekking Shoes
Winter hat and gloves
Waterproof jackets and pants
Backpack with a rain cover
3 liters water bottle
Hiking poles
Head lamp with extra batteries
Toiletries
Personal Medical Kit
Comfortable Clothing

What is NOT included in the tour

Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
Expenditure of personal nature
Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
Tips for the guide and driver
Alcoholic drink

Highlights

What makes this tour special

The DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK is not recommended for children between the ages of 0-13 years, or for those suffering from respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders that hampers health and restricts mobility.
A good amount of fitness and mobility is a prerequisite for this activity.
The tour begins at Paro International Airport and ends at either Guwahati Airport or Paro International Airport. If you are travelling by road, you will be dropped off to Jaigoan (India), a bordering town to Bhutan.
You will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport, with a minimum 6-month validity, prior to the trip. We shall need the same to take care of your visa application procedure.
On arriving at the airport, please present a printed copy or a mobile voucher of your booking, for verification.
International travel and insurance is not included in the package. Please book your flights and purchase your insurance prior to flying.

Itinerary

Day 1: Gynekha – Gur

The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

Distance	7 km
Time	5 hours
Ascent	Ascent 550 m, descent 210 m
Camp Altitude	3,290 m

Day 2: Gur – Labatama

On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

Distance	12 km
Time	5 hours
Ascent	1,220 m, descent 110 m
Camp Altitude	4,300 m

Day 3: Labatama

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to taker an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

Distance	. ..........
Time	.............
Ascent	........... m
Camp Altitude	............. m

Day 4: Labatama – Panka

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Distance	8 km
Time	6-7 hours
Ascent	Ascent 260 m, descent 520 m
Camp Altitude	4,000 m

Day 5: Panka - Talakha

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.