Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

You will be received by the representative from Byways Tours and Travels at the airport and driven to the hotel.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1656 and renovated in 1968, now converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong presently houses the administrative offices of Paro District and the monastery.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery. A short drive of around 25 minutes from the main town of Paro takes you to Satsam Chorten, where the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

We stop for rest and tea with cookies at the Taktsang cafeteria, then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Tiger's Nest Monastery. The history dates back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, a tantric master, flew to this place on the back of a flying tigress, said to be his Tibetan consort known as Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, and meditated in a cave nearby. The temple was built in the 17th century by the Penlop (governor) of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

After lunch, visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now in ruins because it was completely burned down by a fire caused by a butter lamp in 1951. The name "Drukgyel" means "Victorious Druk." The dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951.

Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, stroll around the tiny town of Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the starting point of your trek which takes around an hour to a beautiful village called Gynekha.

A short descent to the river, crossing the bridge, you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below.

After another two hours, you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation.

The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m of Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks.

As you descend the pass, you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps.

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

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards, you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent.

Provided the weather is clear, the mountain peaks visible in the far distance include Mt. Everest (8,838m of Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m of Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,989m), Mt. Tshering Gang (6,789m), Mt. Khangbum (6,526m), Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang, and Mt. Gangche Ta.

If you want an even better view, you 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. You follow the river for a while but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Today you need to cross several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your 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), you start a long descent to Talakha Monastery.

You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here, you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan's capital, Thimphu.

From the monastery, it's a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang where your driver will be waiting for you.

After that, drive to Thimphu and relax in the hotel.

After breakfast, visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 by the mother of our third king in memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues in the temple are dedicated to the third king.

Then visit the tallest statue of Buddha Dordenma (51 meters tall).

After that, visit the Mini Zoo where you will get a chance to see our national animal, the Takin.

Finally, visit Tashichho Dzong and stroll around Thimphu city for shopping.

Early morning, drive to Paro Airport for your departure flight. Farewell!