Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek

Weather Conditions and Best Period for Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek

The weather pattern of Bhutan is largely shaped by the elevation of the area and of course the monsoon rain. Our focus will be on the western part of Bhutan which experiences a medium continental climate.

It means, the temperature in the summertime in these areas generally stays below 26 degrees Celsius while it drops to as low as -6 degrees Celsius during the winter time.

Likewise, the two most beautiful times of autumn and spring bring in the pleasant heat between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, with cooler nights averaging around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.

Thus taking into account the weather pattern, it is best to engage in our Thousand Lake Trek in March, April, and May which welcomes the spring season in Bhutan.

These months not only bring in the most pleasant heat and dry stable weather but also the wild blossoms of mushroom and blue poppies start to bloom and decorate the trail towards Labatama.

And in the time of April, you can even get to be the part of Tshechu Festival which is the impressive mask dance performed in the courtyard of the Paro Monastery.

Likewise, September, October, and November of the autumn season are also perfect for nature treks through the mesmerizing lakes of Bhutan with clear blue skies and starry nights. The landscape also remains beautifully charming and the wildlife of Bhutan also remains active during this time.

The period from December to February is the coldest when most of the local population and nomadic herders at Labatama, Panka, and Talakha abandon their shelters and go down for the entire winter.

But our Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek is certainly possible even in winter with the right adequate preparation for the cold. You can enjoy the lonely trails, the beautiful carpet of snow, the clear blue sky, and the most beautiful views.

From June to August, the monsoon passes over Bhutan, which can bring heavy rain. At the end of the morning, the cloud fields quickly close in. Since our focus is hiking, it is therefore not the best time. Due to the heavy rainfall, paths can be slippery and flooding and landslides can occur.

6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan: Difficulty Level

The Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek is regarded as a moderately challenging route that will lead you away from the typical path of Bhutan. The four days of our 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan feature short daily hikes of up to 6 hours on average.

During the journey, you will walk and explore a series of stunning high-altitude lakes of Bhutan which are collectively referred to as the Thousand Lakes.

However, before and after reaching these mesmerizing lakes, you will also have to journey through significant altitude variations, with the highest point being the Labajong Pass at 4,500 m.

Additionally, there are also several other high mountain passes that you will have to overcome such as the 4250 m Pagalaptsha Pass en route from Gur to Labatama, and the Tale La Pass at 4,180 m when traveling from Panka to Talakha.

Your maximum altitude for overnight camping will be at Utsho Tsho Lake, which sits at an elevation of 4,300 m. Remember, you will spend four consecutive nights camping by the lakeside or the river bank.

We are here to give you a comfortable experience and make your journey as pleasurable as we can. Therefore, for your memorable Thousand Lake Trek, we provide you with high-quality camping tents on a twin-sharing basis, along with kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, Petromax lamps, cooking utensils, and ground mattresses (one hard and one foam) for each of our trekker.

Our team including a local guide, and experienced kitchen staff will assist you throughout the journey, and if it is essential, we can also arrange for pack ponies or mules to ease the hiking portion.

Certainly, the trek to Thousand Lake is moderately challenging but it is highly rewarding with the opportunity to explore several unique and often overlooked villages of Bhutan, interact with the local nomads, and enjoy the breathtaking allure of the pristine lakes.

Who should participate in our Thousand Lake Trek?

The hiking segment of our Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek is designed to be moderate level, recommended even for beginners with average health and fitness.

However, you should keep in mind that this adventure will lead to some of the most stunning high-altitude alpine regions of Bhutan where you should be prepared for the walking sessions lasting up to 5 to 6 hours a day.

You will also not forget about the four successive nights in tents in the cool atmosphere of the highlands of Bhutan. We therefore suggest people with asthma, heart issues, lung or kidney problems, pregnant women, and those with a history of thrombosis to first reach out to qualified medical professionals before setting off on this adventure.

It is because, in such high-altitude environments, respiratory conditions can deteriorate requiring immediate medical assistance which may not be easily accessible in these remote corners where mainly local herders, nomads, and wildlife can be found.

However, if you are a healthy, fit, and active person, we wholeheartedly invite you to join our thousand lake tour in Bhutan. Unlike typical trips in Bhutan, this journey will reveal to you the genuine beauty of the cloud kingdom.

Additionally, we have also taken every precaution to ensure your experience is both enjoyable and unforgettable. The duration of the entire trip spans 5 nights and 6 days where 4 straight days are dedicated to trekking.

So not only this trip is short but also a safe and ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts, romantic couples looking to reignite their passion, families with young children, business travelers, solo female adventurers, and anyone else seeking a unique experience.

Why should you join our 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan?

Although the Thousand Lake Trek may not be as famous as the name suggests, there are still plenty of small pristine lakes along the route.

We will be exploring at least ten lakes of this pristine region enjoying the fantastic views of the majestic Himalayas to the north, including the Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Everest, and even the stunning Kanchenjunga along with Gangkhar Puensum on a clear day.

As for choosing us, we are your reputable travel partner in Nepal which has been officially recognized by Nepal Government. We are in collaboration with certified travel partners in Bhutan and for years, we have been organizing various tours and trekking trips in Bhutan.

We also put an effort into aligning our travel program with the duration of your stay, preference, and of course your budget. We also look after all the aspects of the tour including your place of stay, camping location, tents, food, permits, visa, and transfers.

In addition, the cost of our Thousand Lake Trek also includes the 100 US Dollars SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) as mandated by the government of Bhutan.

We also emphasize your comfort and safety in our every tour and trip by ensuring you have reliable, well-maintained transport, well spoken local guide (English speaking), and a professional driver on this trip; we will also be offering individual tents for dining, sleeping, kitchen, and toilet.

We also have not forgotten to include essential attractions in our six-day itinerary. In addition, our trip pricing is very straight with no hidden fees included.

Preparation for Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek

Our Thousand Lake trek undoubtedly offers a magnificent experience that is accessible to anyone who is interested in short hikes of a few days. To be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of the hike, it is essential for you to be well-prepared.

For the mental preparation, there is no standard method except to gain as many details as you can about the 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan. As for physical training, you can consider establishing a consistent and rigorous exercise routine which should be two months before your departure time to Bhutan.

Your preparation should be mainly focused on maintaining adequate physical fitness for the trek. Walking is one such basic activity that we engage in daily so you should walk and intensify it to extensive distance and duration.

For example, you can dedicate three days a week to walking for a duration of 5 or 6 hours. You should also enhance your cardiovascular endurance through jogging, and cycling.

It is also important to understand that your morale can sometimes go down during the trek due to isolation, exertion, and varying weather conditions.

So, if possible, you should try to train in diverse environments and conditions such as walking sometimes on grassy land, on dirt paths, and in mountainous areas or when the weather is windy, rainy, or warm.

During these two months of preparation, try to know your limits and determine if you can push yourself further so you can remain positive and motivated.

Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS/Altitude Sickness

Trekking in Bhutan offers incredible views but can also cause altitude sickness if you are not acclimatized. In addition, you have to remember that Bhutan’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. For example, the weather forecast says it will be clear, but it will rain, and vice versa.

Plus our trekking destination and camps are usually located at an altitude of 3200 meters to 4200 meters. While traveling through this route, you have to cross many passes above 4000 meters.

Therefore, there is an increased likelihood of experiencing acute mountain sickness during our 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan. You will begin from 1300 m in Kathmandu and then ascend to 2200 m at Paro within just two hours and within an hour you will find yourself at 2800 m at Genekha.

Your altitude will continue rising leading you to 4300 m at Labatama and 4500 m at Labajong Pass. These quick changes in elevation can stimulate mild to moderate symptoms of AMS in some travelers.

Our designed travel program will gradually increase your altitude allowing your body enough time to get adapted to the highland air of Bhutan.

In addition, our elevation is not that high all lying below the 5000 m mark as it is more likely that you may develop only minor signs of AMS such as fatigue, headache, slight dizziness, and insomnia.

If you take a steady pace, slow your progress, do not over-exert yourself, and take sufficient rest at your camp, they will go on their own. Plus, you should also make sure to drink as much water as you can when hiking.

If you don’t have any contraindicating factors, you can also take Diamox on the doctor’s advice when you are already in Kathmandu to facilitate acclimatization in Bhutan.

Accommodation and Meals

Starting from the first day of your Bhutan Thousand Lake trek, you will spend your night in the tent beside the tranquil riverbank at Genekha. For the next three days, you will be resting your nights under the tent by the beautiful lake shore of Gur, Labatama, and Panka.

To ensure you have a comfortable camping experience, we will provide durable and warm sleeping tents for two, as well as kitchen tents, dining tents furnished with chairs and tables, toilet tents, Petromax lamps, and cooking utensils.

Each traveler will also receive a ground mattress, consisting of one hard mattress and one foam mattress. As you return to Paro concluding your Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek, you will have a night stay at a pleasant three-star hotel.

Here, you will have a double-person room with 24-hour hot water, WiFi, and a private bath.As for meal options, we offer you breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner daily throughout your trip. During the camping segment, our local kitchen crew will prepare non-spicy, farm-to-table meals for you.

In Paro, you can enjoy the exotic taste of national and international dishes in the lively restaurant.

Transportation

Rest assured, we have taken care of your airport pickup and drop-off transfers in private transport. When you touch down at Paro Airport, our local Bhutanese guide and driver will be there to welcome you and take you to Genekha.

As you begin your Thousand Lake Trek, you will have a guide, a cook, and a yak or horse to assist you. All the tent setups and cooking will be managed by our crew and your belongings will be carried by mules.

On your departure day, our guide will accompany you back to Paro Airport via private transfer.

Cash is best for the Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek

During our 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan, we will mainly explore the remote trekking destinations of Bhutan where there are no such amenities as ATMs or money exchange.

So we advise you to exchange your money for Bhutanese Ngultrum before leaving Paro Airport. Although money exchange counters are available in Paro, they may not give you the most favorable rates for your money.

Please remember to keep your exchange receipt safe, as you will need it if you have any leftover Bhutanese currencies that you may like to convert at the airport.

Please also note that the secluded villages where we will be trekking may not accept foreign currencies like Indian Rupees, Euros, or US Dollars, which are only accepted in larger cities. So it is only practical to carry cash in local currency for the journey to Thousand Lakes.

You can also take out cash from local ATMs in Paro, but they are limited and may charge fees. Credit cards are now also accepted but only in major cities of Bhutan for larger purchases.

You should also consider tipping your tour guide and driver, which you can present at the end of your trip in an envelope. Note that hotels and restaurants may include a service charge of up to 20%, so tipping is optional unless you wish to show your appreciation.

Telephone and Internet

Although you can activate roaming services in Bhutan, it can be quite high so you can purchase a local SIM Card once you land at Paro. The two main mobile providers in Bhutan are the TashiCell and B-Mobile which offer 4G SIM cards priced at approximately 200 Ngultrum.

We suggest you opt for B-Mobile, as it delivers good network coverage and connectivity in the remote areas you will be exploring. Please keep in mind that Bhutan does not offer micro or nano SIM cards, so check your phone’s compatibility before your trip to avoid any issues.

The most smart option will be to eSIM online before your departure to Bhutan. Once you make the payment, you will receive a QR Code from the related mobile network in your email.

Once you are at Paro, you can immediately activate the SIM and APN so you can use its internet as well. You can enjoy the one-month 4G pan that offers a more reliable and faster connection than WiFi which will not be accessible when you are camping.

Rules and Guidelines for Bhutan Entry

Bhutan has been relatively closed to the outside world and still, it exercises caution in the entry of tourists into its country. Previously, lone and independent travel in Bhutan was not permitted. Travelers need to submit their travel program in advance and must be accompanied by a local tour guide and driver for the duration of their stay.

However, the Bhutan government has now adopted a more lenient approach towards its visitors. Although not actively promoted, but it has allowed independent travel only in the two western Valleys of Paro and Thimphu.

With the goal of reducing the adverse impact on their culture and environment, and enhancing foreign revenues, the government still necessitates the travelers to be followed by a tour guide, car, and driver outside of these two cities.

So, if you aim to join the Thousand Lake Trek, it is essential that you book this trip only through a licensed travel company like ours. Additionally, all tourists and trekkers except for the Bangladeshis, Indians, and Maldivians need to have Bhutan tourist visas before entering the Kingdom.

No embassy or consulate will give you this Visa so you must secure it through a travel company such as ours. Once all the formalities are completed, your single-entry tourist Visa will be stamped on the blank page of your passport at Paro Airport after the payment of 40 US Dollars per tourist.

Furthermore, you as a foreign traveler must also pay an SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) of $100 per day, with a 50% discount for children aged 6 to 11 and free entry for those under 6 years old (valid until September 2027).

Overall, travel to Bhutan has become easier but you must engage with a travel agency to fully appreciate the experience in Bhutan.

Procedure to Obtain a Bhutan Tourist Visa

For the acquisition of the Bhutan tourist Visa, the first step you will need to follow is to confirm our Bhutan Thousand Lake Trek. Then, you will have to submit us the scanned image of your passport and photos.

We will then relay these documents to our collaborated Bhutan travel partner who will look after their submission to the Tourism Department of Bhutan for approval.

After the approval and clearance of our thousand lake trek, the immigration officials at Paro Airport will stamp your Visa. Please remember this is the single entry visa that will allow you to stay inside Bhutan for 15 days. If you like to stay for a few more days, you can again apply for 15 days more.

We kindly request you to reserve our 6 days Thousand Lake Trek in Bhutan in advance (15 days to one month before) and not go for the last-minute booking.

The Bhutan Government also allows for the online application of tourist visas now that it has allowed independent travel in Paro and Thimphu.

Simply go to https://immi.gov.bt/home (the formal website of the Bhutan Immigration Department). Sign up with your information, follow the given instructions, upload your documents, and make the payment.

What should you avoid when traveling in Bhutan?

When you are exploring various parts of Bhutan, remember to follow certain rules of conduct.

• If you are enjoying music in public places, keep the volume down, especially near sacred sites and national parks.
• Do not take personal photos and videos without permission which can seem disrespectful to people.
• Always ask the appropriate authorities before capturing images in places like monasteries.
• Bhutan is also the first nation to ban smoking entirely so if you are caught smoking in public or selling cigarettes, you could face jail time or a fine though you can smoke in the designated public areas.
• You can enjoy alcoholic beverages in bars, hotels, and restaurants without any restrictions.
• Show respect to their king and queen.
• Please do not wear revealing clothes when visiting religious sites, dress modestly, and comply with requests to take off your shoes.
• Bhutanese are very passionate about protecting the environment, so try to avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
• Don’t be shocked if you see phallic statues and images everywhere in Bhutan as they are regarded as the symbol of fertility and ward off the evil energies.

Custom Law of Paro Airport

At Paro airport, you can bring up to a liter of alcoholic beverages without having to pay any duty fees. You are also allowed to carry a tobacco product but be ready to pay the hefty tax of up to 225 percent.

Please make sure you have the custom receipt handy as not being able to show one can result in an accusation of smuggling and then imprisonment.

At the Paro Airport, you will also be requested to declare any electronic devices you have brought with you. Please make sure to keep all the receipts as you may have to present them when exiting Bhutan.

Also, you can’t bring any weapons, drugs, plants, animals, or any other harmful equipment and materials into the country. If you wish to export any type of antique items from Bhutan, then you must have a special certificate from the seller.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is currently not a requirement to visit Bhutan, however, we strongly advise you to get one. Our Bhutan Thousand Lake trek will lead you to some of the most remote areas of the Kingdom, primarily inhabited by herders.

The nature is pure and astounding but the risks are also very real. The varying altitude and weather often are the major risks you will encounter here.

So regardless of your health or age, we suggest everyone get medical advice and travel insurance as part of their journey to Bhutan.

Thimphu does have a hospital with a decent emergency department and a helicopter service, but its availability largely depends on the weather conditions.

Likewise, the local emergency medical transport is also limited and the road conditions are underdeveloped which can lead to congestion due to terrain or weather.

Therefore, it is essential that you have very comprehensive travel insurance before getting on with our Thousand Lake Trek. In case of any illness or an accident, your country’s embassy or consulate will not cover the costs, which could limit your access to medical care.

We encourage you to get travel insurance that includes assistance and repatriation, coverage for medical and hospitalization expenses, medical consultations, mountain search and rescue costs, civil liability, and trip cancellation insurance.