Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Overview of Tour

This scenic high-altitude trek near the capital of Bhutan leads you through pristine alpine landscapes, tranquil lakes, and remote valleys. While popularly referred to as the “Thousand Lakes Trek,” the number of lakes is modest but nonetheless breathtaking.

– Duration: 9 days (including travel and rest days)

– Active Trekking Days: 6 days on trail

– Highest Altitude Reached: Between 4,520m and 4,720m

– Trek Grading: Moderate

– Best Time to Go: April, September to October

– Route: Begins in Genekha, concludes in Chamgang

– Nearest Hub: Thimphu

  • Overnight accommodation at designated campsites
  • High-quality sleeping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, shower unit, and kitchen tent
  • Sleeping bags and insulated mats for warmth and comfort
  • All meals prepared fresh during the trek by a trained mountain chef and assistants
  • Dedicated trek leader and certified trekking guide
  • Medical kit on hand for group safety
  • Required trekking permits and national park entry fees
  • Horses and porter service for gear (up to 20 kg per traveler)
Book Now
Contact Us

Itinerary Details

  • Meet your guide and driver at Paro International Airport
  • Check into hotel and freshen up
  • Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress of Heaped Jewels
  • Explore the National Museum above the Dzong
  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Full-day hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

  • 3 hours uphill, 2 hours downhill
  • Located 900 m above Paro Valley
  • Sacred site founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century

Lunch/snacks at the midway cafeteria | Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples

Drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hours)
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Trek Day 1 – Genekha to Gur

  • Drive to Genekha Village (start of trek)
  • Trek through terraced fields and river valleys
  • Walking Distance: 7 km
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Elevation Gain: +550 m / –60 m
  • Camp Altitude: 3,290 m

Overnight: Campsite at Gur

  • Trek through alpine meadows and yak herder camps
  • View of Mount Kanchenjunga and Bhutanese peaks
  • Walking Distance: 12 km
  • Duration: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: +1,040 m / –110 m
  • Camp Altitude: 4,300 m Overnight: Campsite near Uthso Lake
  • Rest day at Labatama campsite
  • Optional excursions to Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, or Jama Tsho
  • Trout fishing available in the lakes
    Overnight: Campsite at Labatama
  • Trek past Dala Tsho Lake and follow Doccha Chhu River
  • Panoramic views of Everest, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and more
  • Walking Distance: 8 km
  • Duration: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation Gain: +260 m / –520 m
  • Camp Altitude: 4,080 m
    Overnight: Campsite at Panka
  • Traverse multiple passes with gentle ascents
  • Spot Blue Poppy, Bhutan’s national flower
  • View of Thimphu Valley from the ridge
  • Walking Distance: 8 km
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: +180 m / –1,100 m
  • Camp Altitude: 3,080 m
    Overnight: Campsite near Talakha Monastery
  • Short descent to Chamgang Village
  • Walking Distance: 6 km
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Elevation Loss: –440 m
  • Vehicle pickup and transfer to hotel in Thimphu
  • Evening visit to a traditional farmhouse:
  • Hot stone bath in a wooden tub
  • Cooking session and dinner with a local family
  • Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu/Paro
  • Drive to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours)
  • Farewell from guide and driver

Other Tour Packages

Package Inclusion

– Comfortable stays in standard hotels (3-star category or equivalent)

– All land transfers using private SUV with experienced local driver

– Three meals daily

– Bottled mineral water provided throughout your trip

– English-speaking cultural guide for the entire journey

– Entry tickets to cultural and historic sites

– Bhutan visa assistance and processing

– Sustainable tourism royalty paid to the Bhutan government

Package Exclusion

– International flights to/from Bhutan

– Personal beverages such as soda, alcohol, or café refreshments

– Tips and gratuities for service staff (optional but appreciated)

– Expenses related to delayed flights, natural events, or unforeseen disruptions

– Items of personal nature, shopping, and other discretionary spending

Essential Packing Guide For Trekking Days

– Waterproof outerwear (jacket and trousers)

– Thermal clothing layers for chilly nights

– Daypack with rain cover

– Refillable water containers (2–3 liters total)

– Wide-brim hat for sun protection

– Trekking poles (if desired)

– UV-blocking sunglasses

– Durable waterproof hiking boots

– Winter gloves and thermal beanie

For Campsite Comfort

– Headlamp with backup batteries

– Casual camp footwear

– Thermal base layers for sleeping

– Something to read or journal with

– Personal notes or sketches if you like to capture your journey