Dagala Thousand lake trek | Detailed itinerary

Day 01 | Arrival Paro

On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch visit Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.

Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Day 02 | Paro sightseeing

Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning (2 Hrs uphill). In the afternoon, visit one of the oldest temples, 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.

Overnight: Paro

Day 03 | Paro – Genekha (1 Hr) – Kepchen (Start of Dagala trek)

Distance: 8 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3710 m

Early morning drive for the village of Genekha where the trek begins just before the Genekha village. After crossing the small river the rest of the trek is all uphill. Today you will see many varieties of alpine flora and also some animals and many birds. After two hours of walking gradually uphill, rest at huge rock platform, from which there is a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours the trek ends for the day. Camp at Kepchen, if the weather permits if offers magnificent sunset view over the chain of mountain peaks.

Day 04 | Kepchen (Hike to Dolungghu) – Zamto

Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 8 hours
Sleeping altitude: 2950 m
Pass to cross: Dolungghu, 4500 m
Early morning if the weather permits, enjoy the lifetime experience to witness the morning sun touch the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga and also the highest peak of Bhutan, Mt. Jumolhari. After breakfast, hike straight uphill to get better view of the entire Bhutanese chain of mountain peaks. Hike till the ridge of Dolungghu to get the entire 360’ view and also Labathama, the valley of Yak Harder’s. After lunch trace your path back to the bridge, Genezampa, 2850 m. After crossing back the bridge, follow the fiddle road towards north till you reach the village of Zamto

Day 05 | Zamto – Tueshi

Distance: 9 km Walking time: 6 hours Sleeping altitude: 3250 m Today’s hike is one of the easiest day of the trek just following the valley towards north and the small river. Crossing the ancient village of Tshotshekha. Camp just below Tueshi stupa. 3300m

Day 06 | Tueshi – Shungkula / Cherigang

Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3500 m
Pass to cross: Japhula, 4185 m

The trail starts with gentle climb following the valley which slowly opens up as you start climbing the pass. Lunch in Japhula pass. After the lunch, the trail is all down hill with magnificent landscape view. As you descent down you will realize how fast the vegetation changes. Camp by the big ground offering magnificent view of the northern ranges of Bhutanese mountains.

Day 07 | Shungkula – Thimphu (trek ends)

Distance: 6 km
Walking time: 3 hours

Morning enjoy the sunrise view over the mountain peaks. After breakfast descend down through the mixed vegetation, finally reaching the main motorable road of Chamgang village. Our transport will be waiting for us. Bid farewell to the trekking staffs and the ponies. Drive to Thimphu in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m

Day 08 | Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)

Morning visit Changangkha temple, memorial chorten, Zoo where national animal Takins are kept. After lunch drive through Dochula pass, 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Upon arrival if time permits, hike to Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. Rest of the time at leisure.

Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m

Day 09 | Punakha – Phobjikha (2 ½ Hrs)

Morning visit the impressive Dzong (fortress) of Punkha, which is an example of Bhutanese rich art and architecture. Continue your drive for the remote valley of Phobjikha, over Pelela pass at 3140m.Visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Evening relax in your hotel or take a stroll.
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m

Day 10 | Phobjikha – Thimphu (6 Hrs)

Morning walk around the beautiful valley of Phobjikha meeting the school children who all hike for miles daily to reach their nearest school located just below the school. After breakfast continue your long drive for Paro. Lunch in the windy town of Wangdue. Stroll around the small town of Wangdue. Continue your drive for Paro. If time permits, visit to see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. Farewell dinner in the town.