For those who would like a shorter trek 

10 nights/ 11 days

5days of trekking including a rest day

Level of difficulty 3.5 out of 5

Discover the hidden gem of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, a trail less travelled by conventional trekkers. Departing from Thimphu, this captivating journey leads you to a series of enchanting high-altitude lakes, offering a truly mesmerising experience, even though the fabled
thousand lakes may not be within reach.

Spanning a duration of five days, this trek presents diverse landscapes and thrilling adventures. While the highest camp awaits you at an impressive altitude of 4150m, the route ascends even further to a lofty 4500m, rewarding you with awe-inspiring panoramic mountain vistas. From this vantage point, you can catch glimpses of renowned peaks such as Mount Everest in Nepal, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Tiger Mountain, Tshenda Gang and many others, leaving you in awe of their majestic presence.

Not only does the trail offer breathtaking mountain scenery, but it also traverses bird-rich areas, alpine flower-laden landscapes, and picturesque meadows. Along the way, you’ll encounter nomadic camps, where during the colder months, the nomads settle with their herds of yaks, providing an authentic glimpse into their traditional way of life. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of nature and the cultural richness of the region as you embark on this extraordinary trek.

DAY 1: Paro (2250m)
Arrival & Welcome

Your friendly tour guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival with your surname written on a plaque outside the exit doors at Paro International Airport. You will be driven to your hotel to unpack and enjoy a cup of tea then head out for some sightseeing if you wish. Note: Depending on the time of arrival, certain destinations below may have to be forgone if your arrival time is in the afternoon. This will be discussed during the booking process. We will take a short drive to see the Drukgyel dzong (fortress) with its stunning forest and mountain vistas. This dzong (the name literally translates to ‘the fortress of the victorious Drukpas’) was built after the victory over the Tibetan – Mongols in 1649. Then onto Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which is said to have been built in 7th century by a Tibetan King known as Songtsen Gampo. There is an orange tree in its grounds that quite miraculously perpetually bears fruit. After an early lunch we will visit the national museum known as Ta dzong which houses a fine collection of ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weaponry, and other artefacts. Then you are free to roam the quaint streets of Paro at your leisure as you acclimatise to the altitude.

Overnight stay in Paro

DAY 2: Acclimatisation hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery 
Taktsang Monastery (3100m)

After breakfast we will embark on a hike to the renowned Taktsang monastery, famously referred to as ‘Tigers Nest’. The ascent to the viewpoint will take 1.5 hours, rewarding us with a breathtaking panoramic view of the monastery, which seemingly clings to the side of a cliff. Take a moment to rejuvenate at the Viewpoint cafeteria, soaking in the surrounding beauty. Subsequently, continue our journey towards the monastery, which entails an additional hour of walking. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew the distance from Tibet on the back of a tigress finally meditating in a cave here for three months. The main monastery within the present monastic complex traces its origins back to 1692. Despite suffering significant damage from a fire in 1998, Taktsang has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur. Once we have explored the monastery, we will retrace our steps, pausing for a satisfying lunch at the Viewpoint cafeteria, before continuing our descent towards the road point.
Overnight stay in Paro

DAY 3: Genekha to Gur (trek begins) 
7km | 5 hour | 550m ascent | 60m descent | camp alt 3700m

After breakfast, we depart Paro for a short drive to the starting point of our trek. This trail takes us through terraced fields and beautiful coniferous forests, leading us to the charming village of Genekha. As we descent and cross a river, we begin our steep climb towards a rock platform that provides picturesque views of the valley below. Passing through an oak forest known for its mushrooms and after we cross a suspension bridge, we continue for two hours until we reach Gur, a tranquil spot surrounded by yak pastures, where we will set up camp.
Overnight Camp site at Gur

DAY 4: Gur to Labatama
12km | 4 hour | 1040m ascent | 110m descent | camp alt 4150m

 As we trek across the ridges, we’ll witness the rugged mountain flowers and vast meadows.Climbing gradually through scattered birches and rhododendrons, you’ll reach Pagalabtsa Pass at an altitude of 4240m. From the pass, enjoy stunning views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and other Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass, we’ll witness the entire Dagala range and come across a yak herders camp where we will stop for lunch. We will descend into the Labatama valley until we reach U Tsho (lake), known for its abundant golden trout. Our campsite for the night will be located adjacent to the lake.

DAY 5: Labatama (halt)
Rest day

Today is a day of exploration. We will visit the nearby lakes of Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, Se Tsho, and Jage Tsho which are teaming with trout. Alternatively, if you are not feeling up to it, you can also take a small hike till the Vulture Lake where you can have an excellent view of the lakes, valleys and enjoy the beautiful sunset and sunrise. We will have a lakeside lunch and for those who have enough reserves of energy, there is the option of ascending Jomo peak at an elevation of 5050m.
Overnight camp site at Labatama

DAY 6: Labatama to Panka
13km | 6-7 hour | 220m ascent | 520m descent | camp alt 4100m

Today’s trail takes you on a climb along the western side of the lake known as Dala Tsho, reaching its highest point at 4500m, making it the pinnacle of this trek (that is, if you didn’t climb to Jomo peak the day before). As you ascend, you’ll eventually reach a saddle, where you’ll be rewarded with a majestic view of the Himalayas. Among the prominent peaks visible are Everest in Nepal, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, as well as Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang, and Gangche Ta. For those seeking an even more remarkable view, there is an opportunity to climb a peak near the saddle of the mountain. From the saddle, the path descends, passing by yak herder huts until you reach Docha Chu (river). Follow the river further as you continue your journey and eventually arrive at your campsite for the evening, nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Panka and campsite for the night.

DAY 7: Panka to Chamgang (trek ends)
14km | 8 hour | 180m ascent | 1540m descent

Today, we will have the opportunity to cross several passes, each with its own unique beauty. As we traverse the trail, keep an eye out for the diverse varieties of blue poppy (June-July), Bhutan’s national flower and beautiful mountain birds that can be spotted in and around this area. After crossing the last pass known as Tale La (4180m), we will embark on a long descent to Chamgang Lhakhang. From here we will be driven to Thimphu.
Overnight stay at Thimphu

DAY 8: Thimphu
Exploring Thimphu town

Today we will explore a few sites in and around the Thimphu valley. After breakfast we will make our way to the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, which towers over the city of Thimphu. It is the largest sitting statue of the Buddha in the world at a height of well over 50 metres. From here you will be able to view the whole of the Thimphu valley as well as go inside the statue that contains hundreds of smaller replica statues of the outer statue and offer prayers if you wish. We will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the 3rd King who passed away in 1972. This is a wonderful place to observe the older devout Buddhist population circumambulating the chorten in their colourful national dress. We will then have a few options. We could make our way to the Textile Museum where you will be able to learn about the history of Bhutanese textiles. The museum was established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Another option is a visit to the Zorig Chusum, the school of arts and crafts where you will be able to observe the students engaging in the 13 artistic skills or if arts is not your thing, we can visit the 12th century Changangkha temple and Zilukha nunnery and even the Takin preservation centre, the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch there will be time to wander around the streets of Thimphu. There is a craft market near the magnificent Pemako hotel where you will be able to purchase local handicrafts at a reasonable price. Numerous handicraft shops are also scattered throughout the town. For a nice cup of coffee, we recommend Ambient café which is located near the only traffic light in the whole of Bhutan which is manually operated by a traffic policeman with white gloves. There are also a handful of shops selling the traditional attire which your guide will be more than happy to take you to. You may also wish to visit the main post office which offers for sale a wide array of stamps for the avid philatelist or visit the vegetable market to observe the hustle and bustle. If you are active, there is always the option to go on a short hike to Wangditse monastery, a short distance above Thimphu town. At 4:30 pm we will regroup to visit the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan known as Tashichho Dzong, which is also the seat of the government of Bhutan and houses His Majesty’s office.

Overnight stay at Thimphu

DAY 9: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5 hours which includes stopping at Dochu La to take in the view of the Himalayas)
Onwards to Punakha over the mountain pass

Today we will be having an early start to venture to Punakha. Enroute we will pass Semtokha dzong built by the founding father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1629. We will continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 stupas commissioned by the Queen mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutanese – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas. Before arriving in Punakha, we will stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Ngawang Choegyel in honour of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the divine madman due to his enlightened though unusual behaviours). It’s an easy 20-minute picturesque stroll through a traditional village and across rice paddy fields. Lunch at local restaurant (12:30 – 2:30pm) After lunch we will visit the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body known as Punakha dzong. This dzong was also built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (in 1637) and was where he established his formal way of governing the land, known as the dual system of governance. Punakha dzong is one of the most breathtaking dzongs in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of two rivers. It is the second largest dzong in Bhutan after Trongsa dzong. We will enter inside the dzong as well as have time to stroll around the picturesque grounds. We will also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong – a favourite amongst visitors.
Overnight stay in Punakha

DAY 10: Punakha to Paro (4-5 hours)
Sightseeing & leisurely drive back to Paro

First thing after breakfast, we will head to the upper Punakha valley to walk through lush paddy fields to the beautiful temple known as Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang. The leisurely walk to the temple will take around an hour. From there you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the lush green valley and meandering river. We will have a casual picnic lunch on the banks of the gushing river. After lunch we will depart Punakha and move westwards to the Paro district, arriving in Paro town later in the afternoon. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. If we are lucky, we will come across the grey langur, one of several species of primates found in Bhutan. The Bhutanese believe that seeing one is a very auspicious sign. On the way we will stop briefly at the Royal Botanical gardens at Lampelri. You will be taken to a traditional homestay where you will be able to enjoy the famous hot stone bath and local hospitality. Our host will also serve us a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner.
Overnight stay in Paro

DAY 11: Paro (Departure)
Till next time

Free time to relax this morning before we leave for the airport and onward flights. In Bhutan we never say goodbye as we always believe we will have the good fortune of meeting again. So, from the team at My Idyllic journey, we sincerely hope you enjoyed travelling with us. Take care
until next time.