Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Adventure7 Nights / 8 DaysModerate to Challenging

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Eight days into Bhutan's least-visited alpine wilderness — high passes, glacial lakes, yak herders, and vast open sky above 4,300m.

Overview

Journey highlights

The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek leads into one of the least-visited wilderness zones in Bhutan — a high mountain range southwest of Thimphu that sees a fraction of the foot traffic of more famous routes. The trek begins with an acclimatisation day at Tiger's Nest before moving into the Dagala range proper, climbing through the farming village of Gur and ascending steeply to the high camp at Labatama (4,300m). From there, the landscape transforms into an extraordinary plateau of glacial lakes, wildflower meadows, and open yak pasture that stretches toward the horizon. The wildlife here is exceptional — Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and rare Himalayan birds are regularly sighted. On clear mornings, the view reaches far across the Himalayan chain. The descent follows a separate route through Chamgang, completing a full loop back to Thimphu. This is a trek for those who want genuine solitude and the unhurried pleasure of high country far from well-worn paths.

Entry & Exit: Paro International Airport
  • Acclimatise with a hike to Tiger's Nest before entering the Dagala range
  • Reach the high camp at Labatama (4,300m) — the roof of the trek
  • Traverse a remote plateau scattered with glacial lakes and inhabited by yak herders
  • Spot Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and rare high-altitude birds in the wild
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Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
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Day-by-day flow

The full itinerary

01

Day 01

Arrival in Paro (2,280m)

02

Day 02

Acclimatisation — Tiger's Nest Hike (3,180m)

03

Day 03

Genekha to Gur (3,290m) — 5–6 hrs

04

Day 04

Gur to Labatama (4,300m) — 6–7 hrs

05

Day 05

Acclimatisation Day at Labatama

06

Day 06

Labatama to Panka (4,000m) — 5–6 hrs

07

Day 07

Panka to Chamgang — Drive to Thimphu — 14km, 7–8 hrs

08

Day 08

Thimphu to Paro — Departure

Planning details

Best for

  • Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and high-altitude wildlife enthusiasts
  • Trekkers who want genuine off-the-beaten-path solitude in Bhutan
  • Photographers drawn to remote Himalayan lake landscapes