Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Dagala trek is well known for the numerous crystal clear high altitude lakes sighting along the route between Paro and Thimphu valley, therefore the name Dagala thousand lakes. Although the trek route is not that well-trodden the interest for the excursion is gradually increasing within visitors. Camping site at altitude as high as 4300m, the crossing of lakes at a high altitude of 4500m and sighting of northern Himalayan range of Bhutan makes the trek exhilarating and adventurous.

Our Partner hotels

Day 1: Arrive Paro

Receive you at the Paro International Airport by our representative. After the traditional welcome ceremony at a farmhouse nearby, transfer to the hotel in Paro.

Visit Paro town in the evening.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing – Thimphu.

Early morning breakfast

Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. It was originally built as a watchtower in 1649, strategically located overlooking the Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley. The watchtower was renovated in 1968 and transformed into national museum. The round shaped structure houses collection of Thangkas, 3D map of Bhutan, egg believed to be laid by a mule, iron links from Iron Bridge at Tamchog and many ancient and modern artifacts.

Note: Photography and videography are not allowed inside the museum.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Paro. Originally built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, it’s one of the 108 temples he built in the region. The temple is believed to have spiritual treasures concealed by Guru Padmasambhava and the two orange trees in the courtyard defy the natural way of orange trees usually growing in lower altitude and it’s believed to bear fruit throughout the year.

Drive to Thimphu which takes about 40mins.

Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing

Breakfast

Visit the National Memorial Chorten (Stupa), built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit the Art School and Changangkha Lhakhang (a temple built in 12th century by a Tibetan saint).

Lunch

Visit the National Takin Reserve Center to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan and Trashichhodzong (fortress of glorious religion). Trashichhodzong in its current form was completed in 1968 and it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. It is also a center of monastic body and houses main secretariat building. The majestic Dzong located along the Wangchu (Thimphu River) has a Tendrel Thang which is the venue for Thimphu Dromchoe and Thimphu Tsechu, the annual Thimphu Festival where thousands of people fill the courtyard to witness the mask dances, traditional dances, and many more.

Visit Semtokha Dzong, five miles from main Thimphu town, the Dzong is considered to be the first ever built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629, therefore the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Located on a ridge overlooking the entire valley, the Dzong houses a chapel for protective deities Yeshe Goenpo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo of Bhutan.

Visit handicraft market and centenary farmers market.

Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Genekha (14km 4 hours)

Drive for 45 mins from Thimphu to reach the starting point of the trek. Follow the trodden mule path till Genekha Primary School through beautiful rice terraces of surrounding farmers and coniferous forests.

Reach the campsite nearby a stream at 2800m

Overnight at the camp.

Day 5: Genekha – Gur (15km 4 hours)

Trek through alpine forests which offer a chance for communion with the pristine nature’s flora and fauna. Ascend gradually through the platform of huge rocks till Gur.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 6: Gur – Labatama (12 km 6/7 hours)

Continue the trek amidst flowers and wild asparagus usually in the spring season. With often the beautiful views of Dagala range with the clear weather approval, continue the trek crossing hills and reach the campsite at Utso lake at 4300m.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 7: Labatama Halt

Spend a day at Labatama for an excursion to any of the three lakes: Relitsho, Hentsho or Jamatsho.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 8: Labatama – Panka (8km 4 hours)

Ascend gradually towards Panka, the route offers a grand view of Himalayan peaks. Reach a campsite at Panka at an altitude of 4460m.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 9: Panka – Talikha (8km 4 hours)

Trek route demands to cross off several high passes, look out for varieties of blue poppy (in the month of June and July) and mountain birds. Reach across trail route one which leads to Wangduephodrang and other to Talikha.

Stop for lunch.

Continue the gradual ascend to the peak of Dagala range from where spectacular Thimphu valley can be seen. Follow the route to campsite little above the Talekha Monastery.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 10: Talikha – Thimphu – Paro

Descend down through mixed vegetation and apple orchards towards the nearest motorable road in Thimphu. End of the trek.

Drive to Thimphu town for lunch.

Drive to Paro in the evening.

Overnight at Paro.

Day 11: Departure.

Peak Seasons

Months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.

daily tariff:USD 250 Per person per night

surcharges:

Solo Traveller: USD 40 per night

Dual Traveller: USD 30 per person per night

Three travellers and above: surcharges not applicable

Visa fees: One time payment of USD 40 per person.


Lean Season

Months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.

daily tariff:USD 200 Per person per night

surcharges:

Solo Traveller: USD 40 per night

Dual Traveller: USD 30 per person per night

Three travellers and above: surcharges not applicable

Visa fees: One time payment of USD 40 per person.

A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).

All meals

A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay

All internal transport (excluding internal flights)

Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours