The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a spectacular 5–7 day trekking adventure in Bhutan, renowned for its serene alpine landscapes and more than a hundred pristine glacial lakes. The trek starts from Thimphu or nearby trailheads and winds through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, gradually ascending to open meadows dotted with crystal-clear lakes. Along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum. The trail passes through traditional shepherd villages, offering glimpses into the rural Bhutanese lifestyle, and provides ample opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

This trek is considered moderate in difficulty, with altitudes ranging from 3,000 m to 4,300 m, making it suitable for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers. Each day presents a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty, culminating in an unforgettable experience of Bhutan’s untouched landscapes and alpine serenity.

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

Itinerary

Alpine Serenity in Bhutan

The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a scenic 5–7 day moderate trek in Bhutan, famous for its stunning alpine landscapes dotted with over a hundred pristine glacial lakes. Trekking through lush forests, high mountain passes, and open meadows, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum. This trek offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature photography, and cultural encounters with shepherds and local villages along the way. Ideal for trekkers looking for a moderately challenging journey with unspoiled landscapes and tranquil high-altitude lakes.

Highlights

Duration: 5 - 7 days
Altitude: 3,000 m - 4,300 m
Over 100 glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and Himalayan vistas
Moderate difficulty, suitable for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers
Cultural encounters with shepherds and remote villages

Day 01 :

GYNEKHA - GUR

The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

Day 02 :

GUR - LABATAMA

On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

Day 03 :

LABATAMA

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to taker an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

Day 04 :

LABATAMA - PANKA

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Day 05 :

PANKA - TALAKHA

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.

Day 06 :

TALAKHA - CHAMGANG

From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang.