Bhutan Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Bhutan Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Bhutan Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
10 Days Starting and ending in Paro International Airport, BHUTAN
Visiting: Paro, Paro Taktsang, Thimphu, Genekha Lower Secondary School, Talakha Gonpa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
71355P21
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 10
Age range:
18-65
Special diets catered:
We respect dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
On this 10 Days 9 Nights journey including a 6-Day trek through the pristine environment home to some of the world’s most endangered species of fauna and shimmering crystal-clear mountain lakes, you will discover what sets Bhutan apart from the rest of the world. On Day 2, you’ll hike to the most recognized and a ‘must visit’ sacred site in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest, hanging on the face of a steep rock cliff. The six-day trek from Day 4-9 will take you through an area adorned with several 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, Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Gangchen Ta and many more. 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. You will also come across yak herders who live a semi-nomadic lifestyle at an altitude of over 3,500m/11,480ft above sea level.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing In Paro (2200M)
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Upon your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, our guide and the drive will receive you and transfer the hotel. After checking and settling yourself in the new surrounding, you'll be on your first adventure. You would be able to visit all the site listed below if you arrive in the country before noon.
Sangchoekhor Monastery: Sangchoekhor monastery is located on a hilltop ridge overlooking the Paro Valley. The monastery is turned into a Buddhist College with more than 100 monks studying Buddhist philosophy. You'll have an opportunity to pray and meet with the monks.
Dungtse Lhakhang: It is said that this temple was built in the 14th century by the great Tibetan Saint Thangtong Gyalpo who is popularly known for building many iron bridges across Bhutan. This temple has a unique shape is believe to have been built to protect the people in the valley from being afflicted by leprosy.
National Museum of Bhutan: Housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong, the National Museum displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. After this, we will visit Paro Dzong.
Paro Rinpung Dzong: Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was originally built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. After visiting the dzong, we take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge built across the Paro river (Pa Chhu) just below the Dzong. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridges are called Bazam.
Day 2 : Full Day In Paro - Hike To Tiger's Nest (3120M)
Location: Paro Taktsang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. The round trip hike usually takes 4-5 hours through the ancient pilgrimage route shaded by pine trees and great views of Paro valley. Taktsang Monastery is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.
After lunch at the Taksang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our footsteps back to the base and drive back to Paro town. En route visit an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in his mission to subdue an evil spirit that was obstructing the propagation of Buddhism in the region.
Leisure time to explore Paro town.
Day 3 : Paro / Transfer To The Capital City Thimphu (2334M)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. It is a 55km road journey and it should not take more than 2 hours including stopovers on the way. You'll visit Bhutan Postal Museum if you are interested in philatelic and stamp collection. You can also have stamps printed with your own photo. Visit Royal Textile Museum to get insight into Bhutan's rich textile traditions and the way of life, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught.
After a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum or a similar one, visit the giant Buddha Dordhenma Statue on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu Valley and explore Thimphu streets which boasts of being the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and billboards.
Distance 55 km, Time 2 hours, Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft
Day 4 : [Trek Begins] Thimphu Genekha Village / Gur (3290M)
Location: Genekha Lower Secondary School
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wildernes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast, drive to Genekha village, the starting point for an adventurous 6-day trek which is the main highlight of this 10-day trip. Genekha village is located about 45 minutes drive (33 km) from Thimphu main town along the Thimphu – Phuentsholing highway before Chuzom (confluence). While the horses and mules are being loaded with trekking paraphernalia and supplies, you can visit the community temple and explore the village.
The trek starts at beautiful Genekha 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 550m, Descent 210m, Camp Altitude 3,290m
Day 5 : Gur / Labatama (4300M)
Location: Talakha Gonpa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 wildflowers 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 Utso Lake (Turquise Lake). The campsite is right next to the lake.
Distance 12 km, Time 6-7 hours, Ascent 1,220m, Descent 110m, Camp Altitude 4,300m
Day 6 : Rest Day In Labatama Exploring The Pristine Area
Location: Talakha Gonpa
Accommodation Name: Full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wildernes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an excellent opportunity to take an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho and appreciate the pristine environment. If you are interested, you'll have an opportunity to engage in some trout fishing in the pristine mountain lake as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should let us know of your interest for us to make the necessary arrangements in advance. The one-day fishing permit will cost USD7 for one person.
Day 7 : Labatama / Panka (4000M)
Location: Talakha Gonpa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wildernes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 12 km, Time 6-7 hours, Ascent 1,220m, Descent 110m, Camp Altitude 4,000m
Day 8 : [Trek Ends] Panka / Talakha Monastery (3040M)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Full-service outdoor camping near Talakha Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Gonpa. 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.
Distance 8 km, Time 5-6 hours, Ascent 180m, Descent 110m, Camp Altitude 3,080m
Day 9 : Talakha Monastery / Chamgang Village / Transfer To Paro (2195M)
Location: Thimphu, Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Accommodation Name: Alternatively you may want to spend a night at one of the homestay with the local family to get a glimpse of typical Bhutanese life
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today after leisurely breakfast, our trekking crew will bid you farewell. We will then drive to Paro. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang dedicated to the 15th century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo popularly know as the iron bridge builder. It is located across the Pachhu river along the Paro – Thimphu highway. To visit the temple you will have to cross an iron chain bridge over the Pachu river, one of the very few remaining of the many iron chain bridges built by Thangthong Gyalpo. The temple’s location on the ridge and the high rocky barren hills which serve as it’s backdrop makes this a good location to take pictures.
After lunch in Paro town or at the hotel, spend some leisure exploring the streets of Paro. Towards the late afternoon, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses and get insight into local culture and cuisine. Delicious dinner of authentic home-cooked local cuisine will be served. If you are interested, you can soak in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD15 per person. Specially selected river stones believed to contain minerals are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. If desired, you can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”.
Driving distance 55km, Driving time 2-hours
Day 10 : Transfer To Paro International Airport For Your Onward Departure
Location: Paro International Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation on the last day of the trip
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.
What's Included
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Country Entry Visas
Visa Fee is included in the price. We will also process your visa and send you the approved e-visa letter within 3-4 business days.
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Extra experiences like traditional archery and dart throwing
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Fully Guided
Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide included. Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged at an additional charge.
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Accommodation
The price includes standard twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on the recommendations and good experiences from our past guests. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival. During the course of trekking, we provide full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness at designated campsites. Our trekking crew will transport the tents and camping equipment, pitch the tents, prepare and serve meals, washings will also be done by our trekking staff. You just have to bring a sleeping bag and a travel pillow. We will send you a suggested packing list after we receive your booking. You will also have an option (prior arrangement required) to stay at village homestay/farmhouse at few destinations to get insight into the local culture and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotel accommodations have wi-fi Internet connections. You will not have wi-fi internet connection during camping.
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Round trip airport transfers included in the price
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Local Taxes
All internal taxes included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Transport included as per itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan. Also included is the domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang on Day 2.
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Bottled mineral water in the car
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
All drinks not included except bottled mineral water in the car
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
There are only two airlines (Drukair & Bhutan Airlines) operating in and out of Bhutan and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season.
Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
We recommend you to book a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March - May and September - November.
If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance. -
Entry Fees
All entrry fees to the museum, monuments and sacred sites are not included
Check out our Q&As
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
All our transports are air-conditioned.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is optional but our guide and driver work hard to offer the best experience. You may tip them if you feel satisfied with their services.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, your guide will accompany you at all times during the tour as required by the government.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our guides are English-speaking and licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
We recommend you to get fit as it involves trekking through the wilderness often with rough terrain. This trek is relatively easy as the maximum altitude is up to 1500m.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been in the business since the beginning of 2016.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Visitors are required to provide a COVID vaccine certificate and negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before the date of entry. Facemasks are mandatory at all places. Our guides and drivers will maintain a high degree of COVID-19 safety protocols. Vehicles are regularly sanitized.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, you may not join the tour that has already departed. In case you have booked that particular tour, you may join but you will not receive any refund for the portion you have missed. You also have to pay the airport pickup charges because separate transport has to be arranged.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our hotels are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and are regularly inspected by the authority for health and COVID-19 safety regulations.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can always change the date of the confirmed booking. We highly recommend you let us know a few months before the original date of arrival to ensure the flights and hotels are available on the new dates especially during the high season. A trip once booked can be postponed to any future date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You'll receive a copy of your BHUTAN e-Visa and an outline of the itinerary with the list of hotels where you will stay before you travel. We always let our guests know in advance the hotels they will stay in. No surprises and disappointments! If you are coming for a trekking adventure, we will send you a suggested packing list.
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Free Date Changes
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to make 3 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bhutan acorn tours & travel, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel requires a minimum deposit of 50% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bhutan acorn tours & travel charges.
Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.