The Dodena Trek, also known as the Thousand Lakes Trek, is a 13-day adventure across Bhutan’s pristine landscapes and cultural heartlands. Beginning with Paro and its legendary Tiger’s Nest, this trek passes through Jigme Dorji National Park, alpine pastures, and high passes offering spectacular Himalayan views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Along the way, trekkers experience nomadic yak-herding life, explore remote valleys, and camp in serene wilderness. The journey ends in Thimphu with cultural sightseeing, blending adventure with Bhutan’s heritage for an unforgettable trek.
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Best Time: Mar–Jun & Aug–Nov
Destinations: Paro, Pine Camp, Thangthaka, Jangothang, Lingshi, Shodu, Barshong, Thimphu
Difficulty: Moderate – Trekking & Cultural Tour
Day 1 – Paro Arrival
Arrive at Paro International Airport, meet guide and driver. Visit Paro Dzong and stroll Paro town & Kaja Throm. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2 – Tiger’s Nest Hike
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), perched at 3,120m. Sacred monastery linked to Guru Padmasambhava. Return and overnight in Paro.
Day 3 – Paro to Pine Camp
Drive to Shana and begin trek. Cross Paa-Chhu river into Jigme Dorji National Park. Camp in woodland near stream. Overnight in tents.
Day 4 – Pine Camp to Thangthaka
Trek along Paa-Chhu, crossing bridges, rhododendron groves, and Soe-Yaksa junction with first views of Mt. Jomolhari. Overnight in tents.
Day 5 – Thangthaka to Jangothang
Pass army checkpoint and trek through yak pastures and Soe village to reach Jangothang. Camp below Jomolhari. Overnight in tents.
Day 6 – Jangothang Halt
Acclimatization day. Optional hikes to Jomolhari Base Lake or mountain ridges. Leisure time at camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 7 – Jangothang to Lingshi
Cross Nyile-la Pass (4850m) with views of Mt. Jichu Drake. Spot blue sheep along valleys. Camp in Lingshi. Overnight in tents.
Day 8 – Lingshi to Shodu
Cross Yale-la Pass (4950m), Bhutan’s highest trekking pass, with panoramic mountain views. Descend to Shodu. Overnight in tents.
Day 9 – Shodu to Barshong
Trek through limestone valleys with meditation caves. Cross rivers and camp at Barshong Dzong ruins. Overnight in tents.
Day 10 – Barshong to Thimphu
Final trek out. Descend to farm road and drive to Thimphu. Option for traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (Menchu). Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 11 – Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Buddha Dordenma, Takin Reserve, and Jungshi Paper Factory. Explore handicraft shops in the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 12 – Thimphu to Paro
Visit Memorial Chorten and Textile Museum. Drive back to Paro. Relax and prepare for departure. Overnight in Paro.
Day 13 – Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for flight. Farewell and safe journey.
Trekking Crew & Transportation (horsemen) included
First Aid box & emergency oxygen can included
Not Included: sleeping bag, personal gear, tipping
Luxury Trekking Facilities
Included:
Sleeping Tent (Cottage tent): room carpet, shoe rack with cloth, folding trekking steel bed, foam mattress with bed sheet, pillow with cover, room lamp, sleeping bag with liner, mineral water, bath towel, small dustbin
Dining Tent: comfortable chairs with cover, table with table cloth, dining light, dining ground sheet, dining etiquette, dining heater
Toilet Tent: flushable toilet pot, toilet mat, small table with tissue paper, toilet light
Shower Tent: shower mat, shower bag, small table with soap & bath towel
