Bhutan - Day 4

Today we started our 5 day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. The trekking crew were a cook, a horseman, an assistant, 7 horses, and 1 trainee horse.

We dropped off our gear, crossed a bridge, and headed up the trail with our daypacks.  The daypacks had raingear, emergency gear, extra down jackets and warm hats along with snacks and water.

The horses quickly passed us with all the gear for camp. The camp was always set up by the time we arrived. 

The guide and horseman decided not to stop a Gur camp, but continued on to Keapchen camp to make the next day a bit shorter. The trail to Keapchen
camp was not too difficult although it was steep. 

There were many pretty flowers and views. 

Rhodie covered with Lichen

The assistant walked with us and provided a mat to sit on and a full lunch with rice and 3 - 4 toppings that were prepared by the cook.  He also carried a large container of hot water for tea and juice if we wanted it.

At Keapchen camp the horseman had already setup the dining tent, the guide tent, and our tent.  It was located at a Yak herder camp so there were buildings to cook in and an outhouse.  Dinner was very good. 

Outhouse

Our tent, dining tent in background

Cook doing his magic in building

Power for the light

Dining tent

Our tent with sleeping pads.

Another group came in later and their horses were very happy to be free of their loads. 

Assistant watering horses

The nightly routine was dinner at 1800 with the guide. Then they provided a hot water bottle for the bottom of the sleeping bag (very helpful) and a bright light.

The morning routine was they would bring us hot tea at 0630 and two bowls of host water to wash our faces in at 0645; or so with breakfast at 0700 and on the trail by 0800.

We met a group coming down because they got altitude sickness.  They experienced rain, hail, and snow in their 2 days on the trek.  Found out from our guide that 50% of people have to turn back on treks and he has never guided a trek that did not have some mix of rain, snow, or hail.

The first day we hiked 3.5 miles, gained just under 3000' and are camping at 12300'.  We are taking Diamox which is working well for the altitude and Sawako's sun karma is working.