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Day 01 : Arrive Paro
International Airport. During the journey to
Paro, one will experience breath taking view of
Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous
Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari
and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 02 : Breakfast is
followed by a visit to the Rinchen Pong Dzong.
This massive fortress is located on a small hill
just above the Paro River (Pachu) in the Paro
valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by
crossing an ancient wooden bridge with shingle
roof built in typical Bhutanese architect. Lunch
in the Hotel. After lunch, visit the National
Museum (Ta-Dzong). Dinner and overnight at
hotel.
Day 03 : Drive from Paro
to Thimphu, about 2 hours. Thimphu is the
capitol of Bhutan. Check in at Hotel. Refresh
with lunch and admire Bhutanese art throughout
your hotel. A visit to the bank and post office
to exchange money and an opportunity to purchase
collector Bhutanese stamps, exquisite! Tonight
we enjoy dinner hosted by Soenam of Rainbow
Tours and Treks.
Day 04 : Drive from
Thimphu to Talekha. The trek starts from
Simtokha Dzong where the ponies, camp gear and
our cook will be waiting. Pack up the horses.
Your trek includes the finest of high altitude
tents and warm sleeping bags. You only have to
carry a small pack for your daily needs. Water
of course is provided. The Talekha village
consists of five houses and a huge temple called
Tale-Lhakhang. Overnight at Talekha campsite.
Day 05 : Talekha to
Japhuna. The trek leads you through thick
forests of blue pine and evergreen oak trees
into soft pine and spruce forests for about two
and one-half hours. For lunch we halt at a yak
camp site. Here the tree line ends. After lunch
you cross a pass called Jelezela, Altitude at
13,000 ft. From the pass, one can enjoy a
breathtaking view of Thimphu valley and its
surrounding mountain ridges. After crossing two
ridges, you arrive at the second campsite,
Japhuna.
Day 06 : Japhuna to
Jaduna. The trail from Japhuna takes you up and
down over several ridges for about four hours
till you come across a small stream where you
will find two trails which will lead you to the
same destination. Along the route, there are
many small lakes. After another hour and a half
climb through rhododendron shrubs, you reach the
third campsite which is also a yak camp.
Altitude 13, 200 ft.
Day 07 : Jaduna to
Labatama. There are two trails, one going on the
left side of Aum Jomo ( highest peak in the
Dagala range ), and the other onto the right
side of Aum Jomo over the Jomigue pass and Setso
Yumtso lakes. We follow the trail that goes on
the right side of Aum Jomo and climb up to the
Jomigue pass after passing the Dungka Tso lake.
From the pass, you can see beautiful views of
the high mountains towards the northern Bhutan.
After the pass, you descend for about 2 hours to
reach Labatama yak camp by the side of the
Yumtso lake, where you camp for the night.
Day 08 : Labatama ( halt
). You can visit several lakes and enjoy a good
fishing day in the lakes or go back to Jomigue
pass and climb Aum Jomo to the summit, at 16,500
ft. This trek will take about 5-6 hrs. Overnight
and relax at campfire. Bhutanese song, gourmet
food, and local brew - ARA anyone!
Day 09 : Labatama to
Genekha: Today, you leave the lovely pasture of
Labana and move out of Dagala range. The trail
ascends gradually through beautiful landscape
until you reach Pagalaptsa pass at 13,600 ft.
This is the highest point of the day. From the
pass, you have beautiful views of the Genekha
village and a portion of the Paro valley. After
the pass, you gradually climb down through thick
Rhododendron shrubs and thick oak forest till
you reach Genekha. Overnight camp in Genekha.
Day 10 : Genekha to
Paro. A short walk will bring you to the motor
road where your transport will be waiting. Drive
about one hour to Paro. Enjoy hot stone bath at
local farmhouse and sumptous dinner at hotel.
Refresh yourself.
Day 11 : Today you may
take a day excursion to Taktsang Monstery.
Horses can be provided, up to Taktsang
Monastery. The name Taktsang means " Tiger's
Nest ". The Monastery is perched on a rocky
ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 ft. and
overlooks the Paro river and the valley. The
Monastery itself was built in 1684 AD. Picnic
lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip
hike takes about 4 hrs. Farewell dinner and
overnight hotel.
Day 12 : Breakfast and
depart for Paro International Airport. We hope
you have enjoyed your DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES
TREK.
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