Dagala Trek (THOUSAND LAKES)
Welcome to Bhutan!
Bhutan is regarded as the last “Shangri-La” on earth. Its remoteness and isolation in the Himalayas offer spectacular mountain terrains, breath taking and meandering hills and valleys of incredible natural beauty, fresh air, varied flora and fauna, unique and age-old tradition and culture, and friendly and warm people. All these make major attractions that draw travelers seeking adventures, experiences, touring, trekking, hiking and holidays. Travelers to Bhutan describe it as the “exotic and mystical” realm while they experience and witness for themselves. Bhutan is also popularly designated as “A Kingdom in the Sky. A Heaven on Earth.”
Trek Information in Brief
Effort: Moderate to Difficult and requires good fitness.
Maximum Altitude: 4500 meters
Best Time to Visit: Between March-June or September- Mid of December
This is the trekker’s and nature-lover’s expedition comprising web of most scenic trails suiting both the ambler and the experienced adventurer to witness and experience some of Bhutan’s most outstanding natural delights while conquering the Bhutan’s quintessential trekking. It offers picturesque and breathtaking sights of snow-capped mountains while trekking through the awe-inspiring terrains and pristine environment, and through the habitat of one of Bhutan’s nomadic community of yak herders. It takes you through the multitude of pristine and crystal clear shimmering small lakes – believed to be thousand in total residing on the entire ridge-line of Dagala mountains range, thus also called ‘Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek’. You can witness the stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake and Gangche Ta.
During the trek, an entire day will be dedicated to making excursions to some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing (if desired) and relaxation.
Dagala trek offers physical, spiritual and emotional odyssey. Experience the joy!
Trekking Route Map
ITINERARY
Departure time: 1230, Arrival time: 1645
(For latest flight schedule, visit web: www.drukair.com.bt/Plan/Flight-Schedule)
Fly from Singapore to Bhutan’s only international airport Paro, Bhutan.
Proceed/drive to Thimphu (1 hour 15 minutes), the capital city of Bhutan (2,330 m) situated in the western central part of Bhutan. The city, largest in Bhutan forming political and economic center of the country extends in a north-south direction on both the banks of the valley formed by Wang Chhu (river), which flows down to India.
Check into hotel. Welcome tea will be served. Formal introduction and tour orientation by the local tour guide. May get time for some rest.
Welcome dinner of authentic Bhutanese cuisines with the local travel host.
Night Halt: Hotel in Thimphu. Altitude of 2,330 m.
Visit Buddha Dordhen Statue (169 feet tall) one of the largest Buddha statues in the world at Kuensel Phodrang, located on a beautiful hilltop in Thimphu. Enjoy the bird’s-eye view of the Thimphu city.
Take a refreshing nature hike from Buddha Dordhen Statue to Changangkha (located in upper Thimphu city) which spans around about 5 km to be covered in about 2 hours. This short hike will familiarize you with the terrain and climate of the upcoming trekking days. It also delivers a teaser to the exciting expedition ahead. Get a good workout as you wind your way through this exhilarating walk jam-packed with expansive vistas across the Thimphu city and surrounding valleys. Join the locals in their daily circumambulation of Thimphu city’s landmark Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of the late Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the local farmers’ market if time permits. Night Halt: Hotel in Thimphu. Altitude of 2,330 m.
- See typical Bhutanese village
- Pass through coniferous forests with alpine flora
Drive from Thimphu to the beautiful Gynekha village which is renowned for the production of matsutake mushroom and its festival held in August. Drive to Gyenekha village will pass through terraced fields and coniferous forests with alpine flora and birds. Trekking kickstarts with a short descent from the motorable road-point to Gyene Zam (bridge at 2,840 m) at the base of Gynekha village. Once you cross the river across the bridge, your climb commences gradually. Moving uphill, you will reach a huge planar rock platforms perched amidst the hills. This spot provides a picturesque view of the valley below and Gyenakha village. From there, the moderate upward trekking continues for another two hours to reach your first campsite, Gur located at an altitude 3,300 m where wild flowers are aplenty
Night Halt: Gur Campsite. Altitude of 3,300 m. Geo coordinates: 27.294530° 89.643362°
Gyenekha village on the far left and mount on the right (central) leads to Gur campsite
Trail passing through coniferous forest
Near Gur Campsite
Start time: 8:00AM
Distance 12 km, 5-6 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Pass first high mountain
- View of Mount Kanchenjunga (Sikkim, India) and Bhutan’s Himalayan mountains
- View of Dagala mountains range
The trail winds through refreshing large meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring) and small streams. You trek through thin birches and colourful rhododendrons. You will pass the first high mountain, Paga Labtsa (mountain pass) marked by a huge cairn. Enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga (located in Sikkim, India) and a number of Bhutan’s Himalayan mountains. As you descend down from the pass, you will see the whole Dagala mountains range of meadows and scattered yak herder camps in the lower lands of the mountains. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley, you begin climbing gradually through the valley coming across several yak herder homes before reaching Uthso Tsho (lake) which breeds golden trouts. The night halt campsite right next to it.
Night Halt: Labatama Campsite. Altitude of 4,280 m. Geo coordinates: 27.264484° 89.690353°
Labatama campsite
Some of Dagala mountain range
Yak herders home
Start time: 8:00AM
Distance 4-5 km, About 4 hours
Key Highlights:
- Excursions to some lakes and know their mystical stories
- Trout fishing (if desired)
This day will be spent sightseeing and more relaxed. There will be excursions to nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho or Jama Tsho. Your guide will narrate stories of these lakes. You are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as some of the lakes nearby have abundance of trouts. Permits are required for fishing. So, you should inform us in advance to make the necessary arrangements. Halt at the same campsite.
Night Halt: Labatma Campsite. Altitude of 4,280 m. Geo coordinates: 27.264484° 89.690353°
A lake on the mountain of Bhutan
Start time: 8:00AM
Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Pass the highest mountain of the trek
- Majestic views of Mt. Everest (Nepal), world’s highest mountain and other highest mountains of Bhutan
- See homes of yak herders
Day starts with a gentle climb along the western side of Dala Tsho (lake) up to a ridge (4,520 m) which is the most apt spot to get spectacular views of of the majestic Himalayan mountains. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim, India), and Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta in Bhutan. If you want an even better view, you can climb up the peak close to the ridge on an altitude of 4,720m. The path descends while not losing the views for some time, passing by the homes of some yak herders and reaches Doccha Chhu (river). Trail follows the river for a while, but along the higher slopes to reach Panka campsite for night halt.
Night Halt: Panka Campsite. Altitude of 4,010 m. Geo coordinates: 27.312235° 89.717266°
Panka campsite
Himalayan mountains
Bhutan’s Himalayan mountains
Some Dagala mountain range as seen from nearby Panka campsite
Start time: 8:00AM
Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Cover several beautiful mountain passes
The day’s trekking will not be so much physically demanding and effortful as there isn’t major climb to conquer. Trail will cover several beautiful and splendid passes, and will head towards north-east. You should come across different varieties of blue poppy (however, their better season being June-July). You will also spot wild highland birds and may hear their chirping melodies along this trail area. You will stop and halt at the base of Jilitse (also known as Talakha peak).
Night Halt: Jilitse Base Campsite. Altitude of 3,950 m. Geo coordinates: 27.368150° 89.715734°
One of the mountain passes
A trekker crosses river on footbridge
Jilitse (Talakha peak) seen on the top
Feeling of campsite atop the clouds
Start time: 8:00AM
Distance 6 km, 4-5 hours.
Key Highlights:
- See for final time Dagala mountains range
- Get picturesque view of Thimphu city and valley
- Pass by a sacred monastery
Make a short climb to reach Jilitse/Talakha peak (4,260 m). You mood changes as you will again see Dagala mountains range, Thimphu city, and Paro valleys and hills. Sometimes, you will see dense formation of long stretch of clouds below making you feel like floating above it. Then, hike downhill for the final trekking descent meandering in and out of forests rich in juniper, rhododendrons, spruce and birch to arrive at Talakha monastery (3,090 m). it’s a 15th– century monastery where the motorable/feeder road is connected. One can get spectacular views over the peaks to the north and south, and that of capital city, Thimphu from the monastery and many tens of other monasteries near (in Thimphu) and far (in Paro) can also be seen as the location offers almost 360-degrees viewpoint. From there, it will be gentle walk along the varied vegetation following the feeder road to Chamgang village where you will be picked up to drive to Paro.
Night Halt: Hotel In Paro
Talakha monastery
Start time: 8:00AM
Locals and visitors alike say a trip to Bhutan is never complete without a visit to Paro Taktsang (at 3,210 m) also known as the Tiger’s Nest located in the cliffside of beautiful upper Paro valley. It will be 4-5 hours of moderate uphill and downhill hike to and fro from its base depending on your walking pace and the energy level left. The trail meanders through the dense pine forest, clearings, bedrocks, streams and finally a waterfall cascading down a 2000 ft vertical rocky cliff. The monastery complex was built in 1692, which was blessed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Guru – Tantric Buddhist Vajra Master from medieval India) as a power-place and treasure trove in the 8th century. Paro Taktsang monastery consists of the 4 main temples and several dwellings. These buildings interconnected by the staircases with steps carved into the high rocky cliff (generating adrenalin rush) add to the marvellous picturesque view – the spot where everyone creates their portrait/profile pictures and flaunt about the visit. The magical site was visited by some of the legendary Buddhist saints and treasure discoverers who attained spiritual realizations and revealed treasure teachings from the site.
We celebrate end of Bhutan trip and Dagala trek in particular with a farewell with the local travel host.
Night Halt: Hotel In Paro
Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Departure time: 1430, Arrival time: 2240
(For latest flight schedule, visit web: www.drukair.com.bt/Plan/Flight-Schedule)
This morning/afternoon we see you off at the airport to catch your flight to Singapore or other gateway cities to connect with your international flight to your next destination.
NOTE:
This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Routes and weather conditions may affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Please be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness and interest levels.
MORE ABOUT DAGALA TREK
The most challenging part of this trek:
The trek may challenge your physical conditioning as in some parts of the trails, you have to encounter steep climb, conquer rugged terrains, navigate deep descents, and scramble through ice and snow. You will cross slightly higher than an altitude of 4,500 m. Apart from these, the trek is considerate moderate to easy. With exposed ridge-line like any other mountains range, the weather can change abruptly en route. But you needn’t worry as one can quickly descend to lower altitudes if required.
Facilities provided:
Twin-sharing tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, water, toilet paper.
Note: Room in the hotel will also be twin-sharing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- There is a light hike arranged on 2nd day in Thimphu, Bhutan. It is expected to acclimatize and prepare you for the trekking. Do not miss to partake that hike.
- There is slight to moderate risk for some people to get altitude sickness. Guide and local team will take altitude sickness pills. Still, you are encouraged to take along such pills.
- Maximum: 10 to 15 °C during the day. Minimum: -15 to -20 °C at night.
- Water and wind proof clothes, warm inner wears with change, comfortable pair of trekking waterproof shoes, warm socks with change, water proof warm hand gloves, walking/trekking stick, sunglasses, warm waterproof hat, warm neck cover, sunscreen lotion, body (moisturiser) lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, facewash, and battery backup for your phone and camera.
- Bottled/mineral water and even hot water for drinking will be available at all times. Campsite will have fresh spring running water.
- There will be cooking team for the trek. Meals suiting the trekkers and the climatic conditions will be served. We will gather from trekkers an advance information about some preferences for meals. Veg and non-veg options will be available.
- One has to use open air ground/bush while trekking during the day. However, arrangement like toilet tent with toilet pot will be arranged at the campsite.
- Yes. You will get enough sleep by going to bed early. You may not be required to wake up before 7AM.
- Hot water bag will be provided.
- The first and last days of trek will have just about decent mobile network coverage. Trails on the other days may have very limited and scarce coverage. For the emergency, the guide and support team may carry satellite phones
- Snowstorm is unlikely. By watching and keeping tab of weather forecast, we shall be able to avoid it even if it happens by staying put in a safe place along the route. The route has adequate spots that we can reach
- Generally not. Stick to a group being guided. There is no poisonous plant/flow. However, do not smell or closely sniff wild plants/flowers of some rhododendron flower species like Balu and Salu which can give altitude sickness – they come in white, pink and yellow colours (seen in following pictures). Obey the guide’s instruction and ask whenever in doubt
- We will have adequate number of local support people including guide. One or two of them will accompany the patient.
- There is no hospital immediate nearby the route. Should there be emergency, we can descend down to lower altitudes and go to the nearest hospital, which will be at Gyenekha village, Thimphu or Chamgang (end point of trek). Returning to hospital will be easier as it will mostly be descents. Hospitals are accessible 24/7.
- It’s is recommended to have health insurance during the trip in Bhutan. Most medical services are free to anyone residing/traveling in Bhutan. However, in the worst case of emergency like needing to airlift a patient and fly to the nearest hospital, a helicopter service will be available for additional cost, which may or may not be covered by your insurance. Please check with your travel insurance company