Bhutan - Trekking Notes

The Dagala Thousand Lakes trek that we did is a moderate to hard trek.

Over 5 days we did a total of 27.6 miles, 7565' up and 7967' down.  We started at 9219' and ended at 9269'.  Our max altitude was 14800' (390' higher than Mt Rainier) and 3 days were spent above 13000'.

We took Diamox which enabled us to complete the trek as 50% of trekkers turn around. For me, I really noticed the altitude above 13000'.  I had to breath in on my left foot and out on my right foot anytime going up hill. The guide did a good job of pacing us and going slow.

The wind and dryness at the high altitudes gave me very chapped lips - several days later they are still healing.  Guide uses a neck warmer stretched over his nose and mouth to avoid this.  This was the one thing the travel company should have mentioned.

The trek description had us hiking for 4 days with a rest day at the lakes.  While there was another group that did this, we were pretty tired after 5 - 6 miles a day.  The second day when we hiked 5.8 miles on the trail and then another 2.5 miles to the lakes really wore me out due to the altitude.

The guide made changes to the trek based on how we did with the hikes to Tigers Nest and Tango Monastery on days 2 and 3.

We were amazed, and very happy, by how pampered the trekking crew made us feel with their sleeping bags and hot water bottles; wonderful breakfasts, lunches, morning and afternoon tea breaks, and dinners; and picking out campsites that made it easier for us.

The nights were cold, but the days were relatively warm except for a few very windy days.  I only had to wear my heavy down jacket a few times at night and never during the day.

Thanks to Sawako's sun karma, we are the first group for the guide that did not have rain, snow, or hail during the day when hiking.

It is also very safe as there are cell towers along the route so the guide was always connected and could get help if necessary.

Zoom in to see the cell tower on the mountain.

So if you decide to try trekking in Bhutan, make sure you have a mouth covering, warm clothes, and Diamox. I recommend that you use the sleeping bags they provide (Northface -30 degree).