P.O. Box 879, Thimphu, Bhutan

  
     
  DAGALA 1000 LAKES TREK

Duration: 6 days
Max elevation: 4720m
Grade: Medium
Season: April, September to October

    
         
  Summary: a short trek to Thimphu passing through large number of lovely high altitude lakes but fewer than the name suggests.  
 
Day 01: Geynikha to Geynizampa, 2km, 1 hour.
Start walking along the road, which soon turns uphill towards a geologic survey of India (GSI) mining site in Sisina, high on the hillside above. Leave the road and follow the trail to a chorten overlooking the fields of Geynikha. Make your way through the village and head to the ruins of a house. The route then descends to a small stream and follows down to the campsite in a forest of blue pine alongside Geynitsangchhu at 2800m.

Day 02. Geynizampa to Gur, 7 km, 4-5 hours
Crossing the suspension bridge, the trail turns south to a side stream. Cross the stream on a log bridge and start uphill through a forest of oaks. This trail is used only by woodcutters, yak herders and of course by few trekkers. A long climb leads to an outstanding lookout point at 3220m. The climbs become gentle as it ascends towards the top of the ridge where it makes a hairpin turn at campsite at 3350m. The trail to the campsite is not easily seen, so you have to trace the path to south where there is a yak pastureland. 		 
 
Day 03. Gur to Labatama, 12km, 5 hours
Climb back to the main trail and continue gentle uphill to the ridge on a wide track. A long, stiff climb leads to a rocky projection where the vegetation changes to spruce, dead firs and larches. The trail traverses into a side valley, crosses the stream and begins a long gentle climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons towards the pass, weaving in and out of side valleys and crossing several tiny streams to a pass of Pangalabtsa (4250m). From the pass there is a spectacular view of the whole Dalaga range. Descends from the pass and traverse around the head of a small valley to the main valley floor. Climb beside a stream to a camp at 4300m near Utsho Lake. You can make a halt here walk to the vicinity lakes and perhaps you can do some trout fishing.

Day 04. Labatama to Panka, 8km, 6-7 hours
There are two possible routes but the pack animals will take the lower one. The trekking route is not well marked and is more of a cross-country traverse. It climbs along the western side of the Dajatsho to a saddle at 4520m, where there are good mountain views. If you want to have even better view, you can scramble to the top at 4720m peak to the east. From the pass, the trail descends several yak herders' camps then drops to the Dochha Chhu, rejoining the trail at 4200m. Follow the trail as it climbs over three ridges and descends to Panka at 4000m. (If there is no water, you can further descend about 20 minutes for alternative camp).

Day 05. Panka to Talikha, 8km 6-7 hours
The route leads north to a crest at 4100m where several trails lead off in different directions. The trail to Talikha climbs steeply up a slate slope to the ruins of a house. It is then a long traverse to Talela at 4180m. From here there is view of Dagala range and of Thimphu valley. It is then a long descent through bamboo forests to the gompa at Talikha (3080m).

Day 6. Talikha to Chemgang and drive to Thimphu., 2km, 1 hour.
Descend down to the road where you will be picked by our vehicle and then drive to Thimphu through bumpy road. Good meal and hot shower.