DAGALA THOUSAND
LAKES TREK (6 DAYS )
Day 1: Gynekha to Gur
Distance: 7km
Trek time: 5 hours
Camp altitude: 3,290m
The trek starts at the beautiful village of Gynekha and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing up 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.
Day 2: Gur to Labatama
Distance: 12km
Trek time: 5 hours
Camp altitude: 4,300m
Today the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus in spring. A spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) can be seen from the first mountain pass you cross. As you descend you will see the entire Dagala mountain range. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, and arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.
Day 3: Halt at Labatama
Today, you will dedicate the day to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to taker an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are recommended 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.
Day 4:Labtama -Panka
Distance: 8km
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Camp altitude: 4,000m
The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho. You 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. Jumolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, 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.
Day 5: Panka to Talakha
Distance: 8km
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Camp altitude: 3,080m
This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La, you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. 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.
Day 6: Talakha to Chamgang
Distance: 6km
Trek time: 3 hours
From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang.