Dagala Lakes Trek 10 Day

This trip combines 4 days of excellent trekking with visits to some of Bhutan’s most historic cultural sites and is a great option for visitors looking to get off the beaten track.  The Dagla Lakes Trek is less popular than the better known Chomolahri trek and you may literally have the trail to yourself. The trek takes you past traditional Bhutanese villages on its way to a number of lovely high altitude lakes. The Trek is easy and most trekking days are short but there are some long steep climbs. The highest point is 4300 Meters. The schedule leaves sometime before and after the trek to visit the most important historic and cultural sites around Thimphu, Paro & Punakha. As well as a day hike to the Tiger's Nest one of Bhutan's most picturesque monasteries.

What's Included?

• Airport Transfers
• Bhutan Visa
• Transportation by private vehicle in Bhutan
• English speaking guide
• All meals
• Accommodation
• Entrance fees, Trekking permits, All local taxes
• Services of Guide, Cook & Helper on the Trek
• Mess Tent, Kitchen and Toilet Tent
• Ponies to carry supplies
• Sleeping Pads (Bring your own Sleeping Bag)

*Single Supplement of $800 applies.

Day 1: Arrive Paro

Altitude: 2280m

We will pick you up when you arrive at the airport. It's a quick drive to your hotel where you can check in and have lunch. After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Next we will visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) one of the largest in all of Bhutan. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan. In the evening, visit the Handicraft emporium and free for exploring the city. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro

Day 2: Paro - Tigers Nest

Altitude 2320m. Drive Time to Thimphu: 1 hour (58km). Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours - 4 miles/6.5 km

Today is a special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast we drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan's most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It's a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.

The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger's Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

Altitude 2320m (Thimphu). Drive Time: 3 hours (77km).

After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten a classic example of gorgeous traditions and architecture. In the afternoon we will drive back to Thimphu and in the evening visit Changlimithang ground to see an archery match followed by a visit to the weekend market. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Gur to Labatamba (Start Trekking)

Altitude 4300m (Utso Lake). Hiking Time 5 hours (12km / 7.2 miles)

After a relaxed breakfast we will drive about 2 hours to Gur from where we will start the trek. The trekking is beautiful and will take you over Pagalabtsa pass (4,250m) enroute to the foot of the broad Labatamba valley at 4300 meters near Utso Lake, where plenty of Golden Trout flourish. We will camp near the lake for the night.

Day 5: Labatamba to Panka

Altitude 4000m (Panka). Hiking Time 7 hours (8 km / 5 miles)

After breakfast at camp we will follow the trail along the western side of the lake to a saddle at 4500 meters, where there are good mountain views. From the pass there is a steep descent to another lake at 4350 meters. A short distance beyond the lake leads to the valley and then to Panka at 4000 meters where we will camp for the night.

Day 6: Panka to Talakha

Altitude 3080m (Talakha). Hiking Time 6 hours (8km / 5 miles)

Today is a good day of hiking and the route leads north crossing a pass at 4000 meters before climbing along the side of the ridge to a crest at 4270 meters offering fantastic views of the Dagala range and Thimphu, far to the North. It is then a long descent through forests to the Goemba and village of Talakha (3080 meters) where we will camp for the night.

Day 7: Talakha to Chamgang to Thimphu

Altitude 2640m (Chamgang). Hiking Time 3 hours (6km / 3.6 miles)

Today is the final day of trekking and we hike down the steep trail to Chamgang (2640 meters) from where the vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to Thimphu. We will take lunch in Thimphu and in the afternoon you are free to explore. Dinner and over night in Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing

Altitude 2320m.

We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha to Thimpu

Altitude 1310m (Piunakha). Drive Time: 3 hours each way (77km)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. We will drive back to Thimphu for the night. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 10: Departure (By Druk Air/Bhutan Airline)

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.

Exclusions

• Single Supplement of $345 for solo travelers
• International air tickets to Bhutan
• Sleeping Bags (We provide camping gear)
• Tips
• Travel Insurance (Suggested)
• Laundry service
• Beverages
• Telephone bills
• Other extras not specified