Dagala
Thousand Lakes
Six days through Bhutan's highest alpine lake district — above Thimphu
Where a Thousand
Lakes Await
The Dagala Trek — widely known as the Thousand Lakes Trek — is a 6-day moderate alpine adventure (including a recommended rest day at Labatama) set entirely within the Thimphu district. Starting from Geynikha village and finishing at Talakha Gompa above Thimphu, the approximately 37-kilometre route crosses three mountain passes, the highest around 4,400 m, with an optional side climb to Jomo Peak (4,716 m) for those who want it. It is widely regarded as an ideal introduction to high-altitude alpine trekking in Bhutan.
The central attraction is the extraordinary collection of pristine, crystal-clear glacial lakes scattered across the Dagala massif — from small shimmering tarns to larger lakes perfect for fishing. A dedicated day of the trek is spent looping among the lakes: ten distinct bodies of water in varying sizes, each set in a landscape of raw, windswept beauty at high altitude.
Beyond the lakes, the trek delivers one of the most expansive Himalayan panoramas available on any short trek in Bhutan. From Tale La on the final day, and from the optional Jomo Peak side climb (4,716 m) on the rest day at Labatama, on a clear day you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and a full sweep of Bhutan's own giants including Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and the mountains of Lunana.
Six Reasons to Trek
Dagala
A Thousand Glacial Lakes
The Dagala region is famous for its stunning collection of alpine lakes — crystal-clear, pristine, and set at high altitude among open meadows and rocky ridgelines. A full day is devoted to looping among ten lakes of varying sizes, offering fishing, photography, and peaceful exploration.
Sweeping Himalayan Panoramas
From the optional Jomo Peak climb (4,716 m) on the rest day, and from Tale La on the final day, on clear days you can see Kanchenjunga — as well as Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and the mountains of Lunana. Few short treks in Bhutan offer this breadth of view.
Ideal Alpine Introduction
With four high passes (one over 4,500 m) and a moderate difficulty rating, the Dagala Trek is the perfect first alpine trekking experience in Bhutan. It challenges you just enough to feel the altitude while remaining accessible to fit travellers without prior Himalayan experience.
Thimphu's Wild Backyard
The Dagala Trek starts and ends near Bhutan's capital, making it uniquely accessible. Trek through the wild alpine zone above Thimphu and return to the city within six days — combining adventure and cultural exploration in a single seamless journey.
Yak Herder Villages & Pastures
The trail passes through seasonal yak herder encampments and traditional pastoral villages. Meeting herders at altitude, understanding their nomadic rhythms, and sharing the landscape with grazing yaks is an irreplaceable dimension of the Dagala experience.
Blue Poppy & Mountain Birds
In June and July, the high meadows bloom with Bhutan's national flower — the rare blue poppy. The trek is also exceptional for mountain birdwatching: alpine species abound along the ridgelines and around the lakes throughout the spring and autumn trekking seasons.
Trek Highlights
& Best Season
Spring (April–June): The optimal season. Rhododendrons bloom along the lower sections, blue poppies appear in June near the passes, mountain birdlife is most active, and weather is reliably pleasant. April and May offer the clearest Himalayan views before the pre-monsoon haze builds.
Autumn (September–October): The second best season. Post-monsoon clarity offers exceptional views of the Himalayan peaks from the high passes. Daytime conditions are comfortable, though nights at altitude are cold. September is ideal for stable weather and vibrant autumn colours.
Low Season (Dec–Feb & Jun–Aug): December to February can be very cold with frozen lakes and snow at passes. June to August is the monsoon — possible but trails are wet and views are often obscured.
Day by Day
Itinerary
All meals on trek are freshly prepared by your camp cook. Each morning begins with a wake-up call, warm washing water, and tea or coffee at your tent. Trekking begins around 8:30–9 am at a comfortable pace, with a packed lunch eaten on trail. Camp is fully set up and ready on arrival each afternoon. Pack horses carry all equipment and supplies — you trek with only a day pack.
A short drive from Thimphu on a feeder road brings you to Geynikha, a prosperous village with several gompas and lhakhangs, its wealth traditionally attributed to the blessing of a wandering monk in the 10th century. From here a short walk down to the Geynitsang Chhu leads to the first campsite at Geynizampa, right beside the main village trail.
The trail crosses a suspension bridge and climbs steeply, then more steadily, through beautiful oak forest draped in old man's beard lichen. Old stone steps mark this as a once-busy route. Camp is usually made at Gur, a small clearing just off the main trail, though fitter groups can push on to Gibze Kebze, a higher and more exposed site with a couple of herder huts.
The trail runs in and out of side valleys, boulder-hopping several creeks, before climbing to Pagalabtsa La — a wide, grassy pass marked by four cairns, with gentians underfoot and views across the Dagala range. From here the trail continues to Labatama, a broad valley of yak herders' huts near the lake Utsho Tsho, where camp is pitched for two nights.
A recommended rest day at Labatama to explore the lakes that give this trek its name — Utsho Tsho, Serbho Tsho, and Jatsho among them. For fit trekkers, an optional climb to Jomo Peak (4,716 m) — the highest point reachable on the trek — rewards the effort with views to Jhomolhari and Kanchenjunga. Jomo is considered a sacred peak; guides ask that nothing be left behind at the summit.
The lower, more direct route crosses Labajong La, a saddle with a distant view of Dongkha Lhakhang on a far hillside, then descends through rhododendron bushes to the Dochha Chhu stream before a final climb over Chole La to camp at Kiwi Chowa, near a yak herders' hut.
The final pass, Tale La, gives a full view over the Thimphu valley and, in clear weather, a wide sweep of the Bhutan Himalaya — Kanchenjunga, Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and the mountains of Lunana to the east. From the pass the trail descends through mixed forest — badly burned in places by past fire but recovering well — to beautiful Talakha Gompa, with its well-kept garden and superb view over the Thimphu valley. A vehicle meets the trek on the road just below the monastery for the transfer back to Thimphu.
Our itineraries are always customisable — you can shorten, extend, or adjust the pace to suit your needs. Contact us to tailor this trek to your group.
Inclusions &
Exclusions
Included
- ✓Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- ✓Licensed expert Bhutanese trekking guide
- ✓Certified camp cook & kitchen assistant
- ✓All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- ✓High-quality dome tents & foam mattresses
- ✓Sleeping bags & blankets
- ✓Dining tent, toilet tent & cooking equipment
- ✓Pack horses & horsemen (full portage)
- ✓Filtered & boiled drinking water throughout
- ✓Hot washing water morning & evening
- ✓Communal first aid kit & oxygen canisters
- ✓All internal transportation (private vehicle)
- ✓Bhutan visa processing assistance
- ✓Monastery & site entry fees
Not Included
- ✕ International airfare to/from Paro
- ✕ Travel & trekking insurance
- ✕ Personal trekking gear & clothing
- ✕ Alcoholic and soft beverages
- ✕ Personal expenses & gratuities
- ✕ Any services not listed above
Tour
Cost
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveller (1 pax) | Contact for quote | Fully private experience |
| 2 Travellers | Contact for quote | Shared support crew |
| 3–4 Travellers | Contact for quote | Best value small group |
| 5+ Travellers | Contact for quote | Group discount applicable |
All prices include Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Trekking surcharges are additional to SDF, guide fees, and vehicle charges. Rates vary by season and group size. Contact us for a personalised quote — every trek is tailored to your group, dates, and preferences.
Payment &
Cancellation Policy
We believe in transparent, fair terms. Please review our complete Payment Terms and Tour Cancellation Policy before confirming your booking.
Read Full PolicyEssential Tips for the Dagala Trek
The Dagala Trek covers roughly 37km over 6 days with three passes, the highest at 4,400m (4,716m with the optional Jomo Peak climb). Begin cardio and leg-strength training several weeks before departure. A moderate baseline fitness level is sufficient — this is less demanding than longer treks like Jomolhari, but the repeated high-altitude passes still require respect.
The trek reaches 4,400m on the standard route (4,716m with the optional Jomo Peak climb), with camps mostly above 3,500m. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and watch for headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue. Consult your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before travelling if you're concerned about altitude.
Essentials include: a layering system (thermal base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell), warm hat and gloves, broken-in waterproof boots, a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, sunscreen SPF 50+, and a headlamp with spare batteries. Nights at the higher camps are cold even in the trekking season.
April–June and September–October are the two trekking windows, avoiding the summer monsoon and heaviest winter snow at the passes. Clear skies at the higher camps can reveal views toward Jomolhari and, on exceptional days, distant Everest.
All trekking in Bhutan requires a licensed guide — independent trekking isn't permitted. Found Bhutan handles your visa, Sustainable Development Fee, and trekking permit as part of your booking.
Mobile coverage disappears once you're away from Geynikha. Your Found Bhutan guide carries a first aid kit and emergency evacuation protocols. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is essential.
Dagala Trek
FAQ
How hard is the Dagala Trek?
Rated moderate. Over 6 days (including a rest day at Labatama) you'll cross three passes, the highest at 4,400m, covering roughly 37km. It's less demanding than longer treks like Jomolhari, but the altitude at the passes still requires a reasonable fitness level and sensible acclimatisation.
What is the maximum altitude on the Dagala Trek?
The highest point on the standard route is Labajong La at 4,400m; those who take the optional Jomo Peak side climb on the rest day reach 4,716m. Camps sit mostly above 3,500m throughout the route.
Do I need a permit for the Dagala Trek?
Yes — a trekking permit and a licensed Bhutanese guide for the full route, same as every trek in Bhutan. Found Bhutan arranges this as part of your booking.
When is the best time to do the Dagala Trek?
April–June and September–October, avoiding the summer monsoon and heaviest winter snow at the higher passes.
How much does the Dagala Trek cost?
Pricing depends on group size, season, and exact itinerary. See Tour Cost above, or request a personalised quote — pricing includes your guide, permits, SDF, camping equipment, and all meals on trek.
Real Photos from
Our Guests
These are real, unedited moments captured by travellers who explored Bhutan with Found Bhutan. Every photo tells a story — and your story is next.
Explore the full collection of guest photos from across Bhutan.
View All Guest Photos
Customise Your
Bhutan Tour Today
Fill in the form and our expert team will get back to you within 24 hours.
More Bhutan Trekking
Druk Path Trek
Embark on The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan, exploring breathtaking landscapes, high passes, and sacred sites for a unique adventure.
Bumdra Trek
Embark on the Bumdra Trek to explore Bhutan's lush landscapes, pristine wilderness, and ancient monasteries, experiencing cultural and natural wonders.
Jomolhari Trek
The Jomolhari Trek offers stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari, high passes, and serene meadows, showcasing Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes.
