Dagala Thousand lake trek

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative and taken on a guided tour of some of the town’s most significant landmarks.

We begin with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong, a 17th-century watchtower originally built to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong. The museum features a fascinating collection of rare stamps and artifacts, offering deep insight into Bhutanese history dating back to the 6th century.

Next, we explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong, an architectural marvel and cultural icon of Bhutan. Originally constructed in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel—the unifier of Bhutan—the dzong was destroyed by fire in 1907 but was rebuilt the same year in its original design. Today, it functions as the administrative center of the district and houses a monastic body of around 200 monks. Following the tour, we will take a scenic walk down to the traditional cantilever bridge and then drive into town. Here, you’ll have time to browse local stalls, mingle with the locals, and soak in the authentic Bhutanese atmosphere. Overnight hotel

Altitude: 2300 M |  Drive: 20 Min | Distance: 10 Km

After breakfast, drive for 15 minutes to the starting point of the hike to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built in 1692 AD by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan, over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. Perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, the monastic complex stands at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.

On your return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 3150 M |  Hike: 5 Hrs | Distance: 7 Km | Ascent: 600 M | Descent : 600 M

Drive from Paro to the picturesque village of Genekha, the starting point of your trek. Genekha is famed for its production of matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. As you set off, you'll follow a mule path that winds through terraced fields and leads into coniferous forests rich with alpine flora and diverse birdlife. The trail then descends to a river, and after a two-hour gradual ascent, you'll reach a broad rock platform at 3,350 meters, offering breathtaking views of the valley. Another two hours of trekking will bring you to your campsite at Gur (3,290 meters), nestled among a profusion of wildflowers.

Altitude: 3290 M |  Trek: 4 Hrs | Distance: 10 Km | Ascent: 230 M | Descent : 60 M

As you trek along the ridges, you'll be captivated by the rugged mountain vegetation. Today's journey takes you through fields of blooming flowers, wild asparagus (in spring), and expansive meadows that invigorate the mind. The trail gently weaves through tiny streams, leading you on a gentle climb through scattered birch trees and rhododendrons until you reach the Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250 meters), marked by towering cairns. From the pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and many of Bhutan's Himalayan peaks. As you descend, the vast meadows of the Dagala range and the yak herders' camps come into view. You’ll enjoy lunch at a nearby yak herder’s camp before descending into the Labatama Valley. The trail then ascends gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts, until you reach Utsho Lake (4,300 meters), where golden trout are plentiful. Your campsite for the night is set right beside the lake.

Altitude: 4300 M |  Trek: 5 - 6 Hrs | Distance: 12 Km | Ascent: 1000 M

You will spend the day exploring some of the nearby lakes, such as Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho, or Jagetsho. These lakes are teeming with trout, and your trekking guide will share the mystical stories surrounding them. Enjoy a memorable lakeside lunch, taking in the spectacular views. Afterward, you may choose to attempt a climb up Jomo Peak, which reaches an altitude of 5,050 meters. Overnight camp 

Altitude: 4300 M

Trek along the western side of Dalatsho, ascending to a saddle at 4,520 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang, and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. From there, the trail descends towards Doccha Chuu River, passing yak herder huts. Following the river along the higher slopes, you’ll eventually arrive at Panka, a region known for its frequent sightings of Himalayan monal pheasants, yaks, and horses. We will set up camp at Panka (4,000 meters).

Altitude: 4000 M |  Hike: 4 Hrs | Distance: 8 Km | Ascent: 220 M | Descent : 520 M

This leg of the trek will take you across several passes, each more impressive than the last. Along the trail, you may encounter various species of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. Lunch will be at the junction where one trail leads to Talakha and the other to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, a gradual one-hour climb will bring you to the final pass, Tale La (4,180 meters), offering breathtaking views of the Dagala range and Thimphu. From there, you will begin a long descent through forests of spruce, birch, juniper, and rhododendrons, eventually reaching Talakha Goempa (3,080 meters). This marks the end of your trek. You will then drive to Thimphu for an overnight stay at a hotel. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2300 M |  Trek: 5 - 6 Hrs | Distance: 14 Km | Ascent: 180 M | Descent : 1200 M

We will start by visiting the Buddha Dordenma statue, which overlooks Thimphu Valley, followed by the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the third king. Next, we'll explore the Painting School, where students learn 13 unique arts and crafts of Bhutan. We will then visit the weekend market and the Changlimithang Archery Ground to witness a match of Bhutan's national sport.

In the afternoon, we'll drive to Paro and enjoy dinner at a local farmhouse, where you can sample the local alcohol called Ara. We will also try the hot stone bath at the farmhouse. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300 M |  Drive: 1 Hr | Distance: 70 Km

Transfer to airport for departure