9 Days Dagala
Thousand Lakes Trek
Journey across remote Himalayan ridges, pristine alpine lakes, yak-herder country and dramatic mountain passes on one of Bhutan’s most rewarding high-altitude treks.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TREK →Experiences Along the Trail
Cross remote Himalayan terrain filled with pristine lakes, yak-herder camps and panoramic mountain viewpoints.
Pristine Alpine Lakes
Discover numerous sacred lakes scattered across the high-altitude Dagala landscape.
Himalayan Panoramas
Enjoy distant views of Bhutanese and eastern Himalayan peaks when weather conditions are clear.
Yak-Herder Country
Cross traditional grazing grounds and encounter seasonal yak-herder camps in the remote mountains.
High Mountain Passes
Traverse demanding ridges and passes surrounded by dramatic alpine wilderness.
Remote Campsites
Spend peaceful nights beside mountain lakes and open meadows far from Bhutan’s towns and roads.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Prepare for the trek with a memorable acclimatisation hike to Bhutan’s sacred cliffside monastery.
Experiences Along the Trail
Discover alpine lakes, mountain camps, historic landmarks and spectacular scenery between Paro and Thimphu.
Ancient Mountain Trail
Follow the traditional highland route that once connected the valleys of Paro and Thimphu.
Jele Dzong
Visit the historic hilltop fortress and enjoy expansive views across Paro Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Rhododendron Forests
Walk through blue-pine, fir and rhododendron forests, particularly colourful during the spring season.
Alpine Lakes
Camp near peaceful mountain lakes including Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho.
Himalayan Views
On clear days, admire distant views of Mount Jomolhari and other snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
Mountain Camping
Experience quiet nights surrounded by pristine wilderness, fresh air and brilliant mountain skies.
Your Dagala Trekking Journey
Open each day to view the walking route, cultural experiences and overnight destination.
DAY 01 Arrival in Paro Welcome and acclimatisation +
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your Evara Travel guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Spend the remaining day resting and gradually acclimatising to Bhutan’s elevation.
- Airport reception and private transfer
- Journey and trekking briefing
- Gentle orientation walk when time permits
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 02 Tiger’s Nest Acclimatisation Hike Approximately 4–6 hours +
Hike through pine forest to Taktsang Monastery, dramatically positioned on a cliff above Paro Valley. The hike provides valuable preparation for the trek.
- Steady forest ascent
- Taktsang viewpoint
- Guided monastery visit
- Final trekking equipment review
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 03 Paro to Thimphu Approximately 1–1.5 hours driving +
Travel to Bhutan’s capital and explore selected cultural landmarks while completing final preparations for the Dagala trek.
- Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Memorial Chorten
- Traditional arts or local market
- Final trek and safety briefing
- Overnight in Thimphu
DAY 04 Genekha to Gur Camp Approximately 4–5 hours trekking +
Drive from Thimphu toward Genekha village and meet the trekking team. Begin walking through forest and across streams before climbing toward Gur.
- Traditional village landscapes
- Forest and meadow trails
- Gradual first-day ascent
- Overnight at Gur camp
DAY 05 Gur to Labatama Approximately 5–6 hours trekking +
Climb from Gur through alpine meadows and yak-herding country. Cross elevated terrain before descending toward the lakes around Labatama.
- High mountain meadows
- Yak-herder settlements
- Views across remote valleys
- Overnight at Labatama camp
DAY 06 Dagala Lakes Exploration Flexible acclimatisation and exploration day +
Spend the day exploring the alpine lakes surrounding Labatama. Depending on weather and fitness, hike to a nearby viewpoint for wider Himalayan panoramas.
- Sacred alpine lakes
- Optional viewpoint hike
- Time for photography and rest
- Second night at Labatama camp
DAY 07 Labatama to Panka Approximately 6–7 hours trekking +
Cross one of the trek’s highest sections and follow exposed ridges through dramatic alpine terrain. Clear conditions may provide extensive mountain views.
- High passes and ridgelines
- Approximately 4,500 m at the highest sections
- Panoramic Himalayan views
- Overnight at Panka camp
DAY 08 Panka to Talakha and Thimphu Approximately 6–7 hours trekking +
Follow the final mountain ridges toward Talakha. The trail gradually descends through forest with views toward Thimphu Valley.
Meet your vehicle near the trail endpoint and transfer to Thimphu for a comfortable hotel stay.
- Final ridgeline crossing
- Forest descent
- Views across Thimphu Valley
- Overnight in Thimphu
DAY 09 Transfer to Paro and Departure Approximately 1–1.5 hours driving +
Transfer from Thimphu to Paro International Airport according to your flight schedule. Your guide will assist with departure arrangements.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Private airport transfer
- Departure assistance
What Your Journey Includes
Your confirmed quotation will clearly identify every accommodation, transport, trekking service and applicable fee.
Included
- Selected hotel accommodation
- Full-service trekking camps
- Sleeping tent and basic camping equipment
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed Bhutanese trekking guide
- Dedicated trekking support team
- Camp cook and camp assistance
- Pack animals for camp equipment
- Private vehicle and professional driver
- Airport and trailhead transfers
- Listed sightseeing and activities
- Applicable monument entrance fees
- Drinking water during the journey
- Visa-processing assistance
- Evara Travel support
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel and emergency medical insurance
- Emergency evacuation expenses
- Personal trekking clothing and footwear
- Personal sleeping bag unless confirmed
- Trekking poles and personal equipment
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Personal shopping and expenses
- Laundry and room services
- Tips for guides and trekking crew
- Optional activities
- Hotel or room upgrades
- Services not listed in the itinerary
Bhutan visa charges and the Sustainable Development Fee will be displayed separately in your confirmed quotation. Final inclusions may vary according to the selected package.
Preparing for the Dagala Trek
This is a remote high-altitude trek requiring good fitness, suitable equipment and preparation for changing conditions.
Fitness
Strong cardiovascular fitness is recommended. Prepare with regular hiking, stair climbing and long walks.
Altitude
The trail crosses elevations above 4,000 metres. Walk gradually, remain hydrated and follow your guide’s advice.
Camping
Accommodation during the trek is in supported tented camps prepared and managed by the trekking team.
Weather
Conditions may include cold nights, strong wind, rain, bright sunshine and occasional snow.
Recommended Season
Spring and autumn usually provide the most favourable trekking conditions and clearer mountain views.
Essential Equipment
Bring trekking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing, gloves, sun protection, a daypack and personal medication.
Travellers should hold comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation.