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Overview The Thousand Lakes Trek in Bhutan is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the pristine beauty of the country's Himalayan landscapes. Spanning approximately 50 miles, this trek also offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture, rich biodiversity, and serene wilderness of Bhutan. The journey begins in the town of Paro, where you'll also be greeted by the majestic Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery. After exploring this iconic landmark, the trek kicks off, leading you through lush forests, charming villages, and picturesque valleys. As you ascend higher, the landscape transitions into…
The Thousand Lakes Trek in Bhutan is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the pristine beauty of the country’s Himalayan landscapes. Spanning approximately 50 miles, this trek also offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture, rich biodiversity, and serene wilderness of Bhutan.
The journey begins in the town of Paro, where you’ll also be greeted by the majestic Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest monastery. After exploring this iconic landmark, the trek kicks off, leading you through lush forests, charming villages, and picturesque valleys. As you ascend higher, the landscape transitions into alpine meadows and rugged mountain passes, revealing stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and, of course, numerous glacial lakes that give the trek its name.
The Thousand Lakes Trek also known for its diversity of flora and fauna, offering encounters with rare and exotic species such as the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and various species of birds. The trail winds its way through the Jigme Dorji National Park, one of Bhutan’s protected areas, ensuring a pristine and unspoiled environment throughout the journey.
Along the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities, experiencing the warm hospitality and traditional Bhutanese way of life. You’ll stay in rustic campsites and traditional guesthouses, enjoying delicious Bhutanese cuisine and sharing stories with fellow trekkers.
While the Thousand Lakes Trek is a challenging endeavor that requires a good level of fitness and stamina, the rewards are immeasurable. Each day brings new discoveries and awe-inspiring landscapes that will leave a lasting impression. From crossing high mountain passes to camping beside shimmering lakes, the trek provides a profound connection with nature and a sense of accomplishment.
In conclusion, the Thousand Lakes Trek in Bhutan is a remarkable adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s pristine wilderness, encounter diverse wildlife, and experience the warm hospitality of its people. This trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable journey in the heart of the Himalayas.
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. After lunch visit Ta Dzong. Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards visit Rinpung Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) which is about 1 & half hours drive. En-route Thimphu, one can do a short hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by the descendents of famous Tibetan bridge – builder Thangthong Gaylpo. Later on continue the drive to Thimphu and visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound: One the way to the Viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose. The Bhutanese have their own story to narrate about how the Takin was created by the Master Drukpa Kuenley (the divine madman).
In Thimphu visit Tashi Choe Dzong: The fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. (Both open Mon-Fri). Brush shoulders with the everyday Bhutanese grocery shopping for local produce at the Centenary Farmers Market (Open Fri – Sun). Also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, continue Thimphu sightseeing and after lunch drive to the starting point of the trek. It is 29km (1 hour approx) to a road junction on the Thimphu-Paro highway after which it takes uphill driving for 16 km on dirt road (2 hours approx) to reach Geynikha. Overnight at Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Today’s trek is through alpine flora and fauna (different kinds of birds can be spotted). After 2 hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a huge rock platform revealing the beauty of nature below. Another 2 hours walk ends the days trek. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
The trail passes across the ridges and amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring) with the mountain side meadows which will freshen the trekkers with poetic sentiments. Observe spectacular view of the Dagala Range, meadows and yak herders camp from the first pass crossing at 4240m. Lunch will be served nearby a yak herders camp. After lunch walk for about 2 hours across hills and meadows. Camp near Utsho lake where plenty of golden trout flourish. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
This day is rest day at Labatamba Valley. Go for excursion to nearby lakes either Relitsho, Hentsho or Jametsho Lake. Overnight at Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
The day starts with trek for 20 to 30 minutes uphill before descending down the valley. Witness a very good view of the Western Himalayan ranges. The trail passes through meadows, lakes and shrubs. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
The trail today passes through several passes each reveling its own beauty. Lunch will be at a junction which leads to Wangduephodrang. After lunch around 1 hour gradual climb brings at the last of the Dagala range from where some spectacular view of Thimphu can be spotted. Camp near Talakha monastery and village. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Today’s trek will be through alpine forest, mixed vegetation and apple orchards. The trek ends at the road-head above Simtokha Dzong. Drive to Thimphu (20 minutes). Afternoon: At leisure/Free. Overnight at Hotel. (Walking time 3 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Morning at leisure or if today is a Saturday or Sunday then visit the Weekend Market. Early lunch and then drive to Paro (2 hours) and sightseeing. Visit Drukgyel Dzong the ruined fort. This fort once defeated this valley from the Tibetan invasions during the 17th century. Evening: Explore Paro town. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport in time to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.(Breakfast only included)
Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Monuments entrance fees where applicable
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable development fee of $65. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
The Thousand Lakes Trek is a challenging and exhilarating trek that takes you through the remote and pristine landscapes of the Laya region in Bhutan. This trek is named after the numerous high-altitude lakes that dot the trail, offering stunning views and adding to the scenic beauty of the journey. Here’s an overview of the Thousand Lakes Trek.
