Thousand Lakes Trek

Trip Facts:

Trip Name: Thousand Lakes Trek
Trip Duration: 11 Days
Max. Altitude: 4,300m/14,107ft (Labatamba)
Best Season: March to May and September to November
Meal: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation: Government approved 3 stars and Above
Transportation: Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size)
Trip Type: Private Tour

Trip Overview:

Thousand Lakes Trek is ideal for those having good fitness but not requiring previous alpine experience. It is a moderate graded trek crossing over high altitude lakes thus the trek is named as thousand lakes. The trekking trail is particularly rich in flora and fauna, alpine flowers with spotting different bird spices and passing through alluring meadows. Witness some outstanding views of the prominent eastern Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang and Gangchhenta during the hike. The best months to undertake this trek is April/May and October/November. Besides trek, explore the green lush valley of Paro with visit to Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyal Dzong. Discover the Bhutan’s tiny capital – Thimphu city. Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a great trekking program coupled up with sightseeing at the major cities of the Dragon Kingdom

Trip Highlights:

• Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas while flying in/out from Paro. 
• Explore Paro exploding with colors and tradition. 
• Spectacular mountains view from Everest to Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang, Gangchhenta 
• Trek through great high mountain passes above 4,000 meters 
• Discover abundant flora and fauna, wild flower & picturesque villages. 
• Trip to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong – the ruined fort. 
• Experience Bhutanese culture, tradition and lifestyles of simple. 

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m) – Sightseeing
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. After lunch visit Ta Dzong. Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards visit Rinpung Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 02: Paro – Thimphu (2,350m) Sightseeing 
After breakfast, drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) which is about 1 & half hours drive. En-route Thimphu, one can do a short hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by the descendents of famous Tibetan bridge – builder Thangthong Gaylpo. Later on continue the drive to Thimphu and visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound: One the way to the Viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose. The Bhutanese have their own story to narrate about how the Takin was created by the Master Drukpa Kuenley (the divine madman).

In Thimphu visit Tashi Choe Dzong: The fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. (Both open Mon-Fri). Brush shoulders with the everyday Bhutanese grocery shopping for local produce at the Centenary Farmers Market (Open Fri – Sun). Also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 03: Thimphu – Geynikha (2,950m) 
After breakfast, continue Thimphu sightseeing and after lunch drive to the starting point of the trek. It is 29km (1 hour approx) to a road junction on the Thimphu-Paro highway after which it takes uphill driving for 16 km on dirt road (2 hours approx) to reach Geynikha. Overnight at Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 04: Trek to Gur (3,350m) 
Today’s trek is through alpine flora and fauna (different kinds of birds can be spotted). After 2 hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a huge rock platform revealing the beauty of nature below. Another 2 hours walk ends the days trek. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 05: Trek to Labatamba (4,300m) 
The trail passes across the ridges and amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring) with the mountain side meadows which will freshen the trekkers with poetic sentiments. Observe spectacular view of the Dagala Range, meadows and yak herders camp from the first pass crossing at 4240m. Lunch will be served nearby a yak herders camp. After lunch walk for about 2 hours across hills and meadows. Camp near Utsho lake where plenty of golden trout flourish. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 06: Rest day at Labatamba (4,300m) 
This day is rest day at Labatamba Valley. Go for excursion to nearby lakes either Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho Lake. Overnight at Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 07: Trek to Panka (4,000m) 
The day starts with trek for 20 to 30 minutes uphill before descending down the valley. Witness a very good view of the Western Himalayan ranges. The trail passes through meadows, lakes and shrubs. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 08: Trek to Talakha (3080m) 
The trail today passes through several passes each reveling its own beauty. Lunch will be at a junction which leads to Wangduephodrang. After lunch around 1 hour gradual climb brings at the last of the Dagala range from where some spectacular view of Thimphu can be spotted. Camp near Talakha monastery and village. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 09: Talakha – Thimphu (2,350m) 
Today’s trek will be through alpine forest, mixed vegetation and apple orchards. The trek ends at the road-head above Simtokha Dzong. Drive to Thimphu (20 minutes). Afternoon: At leisure/Free. Overnight at Hotel. (Walking time 3 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 10: Thimphu – Paro (2,250m) 
Morning at leisure or if today is a Saturday or Sunday then visit the Weekend Market. Early lunch and then drive to Paro (2 hours) and sightseeing. Visit Drukgyel Dzong the ruined fort. This fort once defeated this valley from the Tibetan invasions during the 17th century. Evening: Explore Paro town. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 11: Paro depart 
After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport in time to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.(Breakfast only included)

Cost Details:

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Cost Includes:
• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Monuments entrance fees where applicable
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable development fee of $65. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)

Cost Excludes:
• Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

Note: 
• On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on a usage basis.