Trekking Bhutan - Dagala Thousand Lakes

This itinerary combines cultural exploration of Paro and Thimphu with an excellent short trek in the region of the Dagala Thousand Lakes. As the name suggests, the trekking is defined by the many beautiful high-altitude lakes. However this is just one aspect of the route and you will find yourself trekking among flower-filled meadows and pristine forest and perhaps even to the summit of a 5000m peak for amazing panoramic views of the Himalaya.

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel on completion of arrival formalities. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro

Full day of sightseeing in Paro. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) and in 1968 inaugurated as the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community. After lunch, drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. There may also be time to visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km. before Thimphu, pause briefly to admire Bhutan’s most ancient fortress Semtokha Dzong (built in 1627), rising up from a small hilltop on the right side of the road. After lunch, visit as time permits: the National Memorial Chorten (built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king and as a monument to world peace); the National Institute of Traditional Medicine where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format; Tashichhodzong, (“the fortress of the glorious religion”), which houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m). On a clear day there is a superb view from here of Bhutan’s highest peaks. The following peaks can be seen from this pass: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Continue on to Wangduephodrang town, which is also a good place to stop for lunch. Then proceed to Trongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang

Morning visit to the striking Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang

The trekking begins today covering a distance of 14km in around 6 hours. The route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), passing through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Enjoy passing through many villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Camp overnight at village (2,900m).

Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la pass (3,340m). From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the side of the river near the village. 19km and 7-8 hours of trekking.

Day 08: Ugyenchholing – Bumthang

In the morning, walk up to Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang. 11km and approximately 4 hours of trekking.

Day 09: Bumthang – Punakha

Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha – Paro

Today the return drive to Paro. It will be a relaxing day, as we reach Paro by lunchtime. Free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the afternoon. Take a stroll around Paro market in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro

Early breakfast at the Hotel in Paro and transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.