Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Overview
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, a Bhutanese adventure unlike any other. This Bhutan trek offers
landscapes dotted with serene lakes, alpine meadows, and yak herder camps. You will
experience a glimpse into the lives of Bhutan’s nomads and the profusion of wildlife against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The adventure is further enriched by a tour of captivating sites in Thimphu and Paro. Ideal seasons are from April to September and October.

Trip Highlights
- Trek along ancient trails
- Wander through trails of wildflowers
- Visit historic Buddhist monasteries
- Visit farm house and experience their daily lives.
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, clear lakes, and stunning landscapes
Itinerary
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past.
Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the cafeteria).
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Drive to the village of Genekha (2800m) to commence the trek. After crossing a bridge over the Wang Chu (Thimphu River), we follow a good track steadily upwards through oak forest to a rocky platform and good resting spot. We continue slowly up through birch and bamboo forest to reach our camp in a meadow at Gur (3350m). Overnight at campsite.
We head upwards from Gur on a good trail to reach the alpine zone with open views down the valley. We soon reach a possible campsite at Gibze Kebze (3710m) where we may camp, for although we have only been walking for a couple of hours, the height gain is 360m and you will start to feel the altitude. Continue downwards to a stone yak herders hut at Watching (4100m). Overnight at campsite.
From Wataching we cross several ridges gradually entering more rugged terrain, and follow a broad valley known locally as Labatama, dotted with several yak herders’ huts. We follow the valley to its end to a dramatic campsite below cliffs near to Utsho Lake (4250m), famous for its golden trout. Juniper will be burned and locals may request that we stop at the lower peak (4530m) as a mark of respect. Overnight at campsite.
Leaving Labatama, we cross Labajong La Pass (4400m). For those with energy to spare, there is a good view point close to the pass (Approx 30 mins detour). From here there are several camps to choose from. Depending on the availability of water, our camps may vary pre and post-monsoon, but we will aim for Panka. If we climb take a different route to Panka. Overnight at campsite.
A clear early morning will reveal breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake amongst many more Himalayan peaks. The path continues on through a forest of rhododendrons populated by Himalayan pheasants. We reach enormous cairns at Chole La Pass (4100m).
If there is good weather, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake should be visible from here. From Talakha peak we drop down steadily, sometimes steeply, to reach a mixed forest of fir, juniper, rhododendron, rose, bamboo, and birch. Finally, we reach Talakha Monastery whose shy monks, tremendous views over the Thimphu valley and outdoor bathtub make for a memorable stay. Overnight at a campsite near the monastery.
It’s only an hour’s walk down to the road head and soon we are driving through apple orchards to reach Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel and enjoy some time to unwind and eat lunch, enjoy sightseeing around Thimphu, once a rustic village sitting in a broad river valley and today the nation’s capital.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King. Continue on to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 mins), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch on a riverside before enjoying a pleasant walk through farmland and along the picturesque riverbank back to Punakha Dzong.
Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
The day is at leisure to relax in Thimphu before departing for Paro, or return to Paro early to further explore the beautiful Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.
Duration
12 Nights / 13 Days
Trek Difficult level
Easy/ Moderate
Avg. Walking Time
4-5 Hours
Avg. Walking Dist.
8-11 Km
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels/Camp
Best season
Mar-Jun
Sep-NovHighest Altitude
4350 m
Route Map

COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
Facilities provided on the trek
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Trekking cook
- Helpers
- Ponies and yaks
- Tents, Sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent
- 3 meals a days
- Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
- Hot water bag
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses