Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Bhutan is a breathtaking 9-day high-altitude journey through pristine alpine meadows, yak herder camps, and numerous crystal-clear glacial lakes. Starting and ending near Thimphu, this moderate-level trek offers sweeping views of the Himalayan peaks — including Mount Everest, Jomolhari, and Kanchenjunga on clear days. The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Bhutan is known for its natural beauty, solitude, and rich biodiversity, combining cultural encounters with Bhutanese pastoral life for trekkers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Bhutan captures the mystical beauty of Bhutan’s mountains in a journey that is both scenic and secluded. Known for its chain of crystal-clear alpine lakes, vast meadows, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas, this trail remains one of Bhutan’s most rewarding yet least-explored treks.
Following the dramatic ridge-line of the Dagala Range, trekkers are rewarded with uninterrupted views stretching beyond Bhutan’s peaks to the distant mountains of Sikkim and Nepal. Beginning above the village of Genekha, the landscape unfolds into rolling meadows, pristine lakes, and nomadic yak herder camps unchanged for centuries.
Whether you visit in spring or summer, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Bhutan stands out as one of Bhutan’s most unforgettable high-altitude adventures.
Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Distance: 2 km / 1.25 miles
Duration: Approx. 5 hours (including 2-hour drive)
After departing from the campsite, we begin with a steep ascent before gradually trekking through an oak forest. The trail becomes gentler as we continue, winding around the hillside through a large birch forest that eventually transitions into bamboo. Before long, we arrive at our campsite in Gur. Although we could have reached this spot in a single day, Gur is situated about 1,000 meters higher than Thimphu, so we must be mindful of the altitude. The Gur campsite is located within the recommended altitude gain for a safe and gradual ascent.
Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
Duration: 2 hours
A wide, well-marked trail takes us through a stunning high-altitude landscape adorned with gentians, offering panoramic views of the Dagala Range and its rocky peaks. Soon, we enter a spacious valley dotted with several yak herders’ huts. We continue to the far end of the valley, where we set up camp just below the cliffs near the lake. If you’ve secured a fishing permit, this is a perfect opportunity to try your luck at catching golden trout.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Duration: 5 hours
The lower route crosses a pass at 4,300m, which is preferred by pack animals and horsemen due to its easier terrain. For those seeking more adventure, the high route offers an ascent to 4,520m, with the option to climb further to a scenic viewpoint at Jomo Peak (4,716m), where, on clear days, views of Jumolhari and Kanchenjunga can be seen.
Afterward, we encounter several short climbs through minor valleys before reaching a small saddle marked by a cairn. From here, we tackle one final climb of the day to arrive at our campsite at Kiwi Chowa, located next to a small stream.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
We ascend to a pass where four trails converge and follow the path leading towards Talakha Gompa. The trek to the gompa requires caution due to large loose stones, which can be challenging for horses. The trail then takes us through a meadow before embarking on a long descent through a mix of fir, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Finally, we reach the beautiful Talakha Gompa, surrounded by a well-maintained garden and offering stunning views of the Thimphu Valley. Below the gompa, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Thimphu.
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Overnight: Stay in Paro.
