Tag : Dagala Thousands Lakes

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land.

Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu).

Before we start the hike, we will visit to Tallest Buddha Statue in the world. Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy.

Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

After our early breakfast, we will drive to Genekha where our trekking staff will be waiting for us to embark this trek. The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river, we start climbing until we reach a huge rock platform from where we have a picturesque view of the valley below. Further walk of another two hours we reach to Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail is our today’s campsite.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Gur  Altitude: 3,290m  Distance: 7 km.  Ascent: 550m.  Ascent: 210m.  Time: 5 hours.

Today’s trail takes us across the high ridges from where we can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring).

The first mountain pass we cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As we descend the pass we will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps.

Once we have descended into the Labatama valley we begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before we arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Uthso Tsho  Altitude: 4300m.  Distance: 12km.  Ascent: 1220m  Ascent: 110m.  Time: 5 hours.

Today we will stay as a relaxing or resting day at Labatama. We can do an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards we will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta.

If we want an even better view, we can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. We will follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Panka  Altitude: 4000m.  Distance: 8km.  Ascent: 260m.  Ascent: 520m.  Time: 6-7 hrs.

Today we will be crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. We should keep our eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) we start a long descent to Talakha Monastery. We will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here we will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu valley.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Talakha Monastery  Altitude: 3080 m.  Distance: 8km.  Ascent: 180m.  Ascent: 110m.  Time: 5-6 hrs.

From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road, which will lead us to the village of Chamgang. (Distance: 6 km. Time: 3hours. Descent: 440m)

At Chamgang, our car and driver will wait for us with some refreshment. We will bid farewell to our trekking staff and the transfer to hotel Timphu. Lunch will be served at hotel.

After lunch, we will do sightseeing in Thimphu like visit to Buddha Point, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Thimphu valley. The tallest Buddha in the world. Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in memory of third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang mini-zoo, to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin). The Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor) which is the National Animal of Bhutan is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, commonly known as ‘Divan Madman’.

Evening, stroll around Thimphu city, then visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu. Hotel Pedling or similar standard.

After our breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi. The road climbs steeply through forests of pine, hemlock spruce and rhododendrons. At Dochula Pass (3150m) you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many kinds of prayer flags. Then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha & Wangdi Phodrang. On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’.

At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. Then we will have lunch and after lunch we drive back to Thimphu. Evening stroll around Thimphu town. After lunch, we will see the illuminating places like the Dzong, Chhorten and others for your photographs. We can also enjoy the nightlife with locals if it is not on Tuesdays. Over night stay at hotel Thimphu. Peaceful Resort or similar standard.

Today we will drive to Paro and hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest” named after Guru Rinpoche who reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. We have to walk about 2hours and 30minutes up-steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria. While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel. Olathang Hotel or similar standard.

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.