- Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Airport transfers and private transportation.
- Comfortable accommodation and camping during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Licensed Bhutanese guide, trekking crew, and driver.
- Horses/yaks for luggage transport.
- Camping equipment and trekking logistics.
- Sightseeing entrance fees and permits.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek in Bhutan is an amazingly beautiful trek through the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan. This trek begins in Thimphu – the capital city of Bhutan and takes you through a range of landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and high-altitude lakes. You will take through several of Bhutan’s most amazing national parks.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes trek takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery as well as pristine alpine lakes, lush forests, meadows, and local villages.
Along the way, you will have an opportunity to visit the local villages and monasteries, learn about Bhutanese traditions, and meet warm, welcoming people. There are also plenty of chances for wildlife spotting, including black-necked cranes, snow leopards, and Takin – the national animal of Bhutan.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes trek is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Bhutan and is suitable for all levels of trekkers.
The best months to do this trek are April to June and September to October.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Experience the stunning beauty of the lake district of Bhutan
- 02
Visit the pristine and secluded Dagala Thousand Lakes
- 03
Trek through the picturesque alpine meadows, pine forests, and rhododendron groves
- 04
Enjoy delicious Bhutanese cuisine and stay in comfortable lodges and guesthouses
- 05
Explore the impressive ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Taktshang Monastery
- 06
Take part in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
Day by day
10 days · 1 region
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
When you arrive at Paro International Airport, one of the most beautiful mountain airports in the world, you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and then taken to your hotel. The drive passes traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, prayer flags, and the beautiful Paro Valley. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and acclimatize to Bhutan's fresh mountain air. If time permits, take a gentle walk through Paro town, visit local handicraft shops, or explore nearby cafés. In the evening, your guide will brief you about your upcoming trek.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Overnight
- Hotel in Paro
- Altitude
- 2,250m
Today's highlight is the unforgettable hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), Bhutan's most sacred landmark. Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, the monastery is believed to be where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century after arriving on the back of a flying tigress. The trail winds through fragrant pine forests decorated with colorful prayer flags before reaching spectacular viewpoints and the monastery itself. After descending, continue exploring Paro Valley with visits to Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's finest fortresses, and the National Museum housed in the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. Return to your hotel for the evening.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Paro
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Altitude
- 2,250m
NoteTiger's Nest Monastery (3,120m)
After breakfast, drive to Genekha village, the starting point of the Dagala Trek. Meet your trekking crew before beginning a gradual climb through alpine meadows and yak pastures. The trail passes traditional farming settlements before entering forests of rhododendron and juniper. As you gain elevation, magnificent views begin opening toward the surrounding valleys. Arrive at Gur campsite, beautifully situated on an alpine ridge surrounded by rolling meadows.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Camping
- Distance
- 14 km
- Altitude
- 3,290m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk slowly
Today's trail climbs steadily across alpine ridges and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can admire snow-capped peaks stretching across the Bhutanese Himalayas. The route descends gradually toward Labatama, one of the most beautiful campsites in Bhutan, nestled beside crystal-clear alpine lakes. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and untouched, making it an excellent place for photography and wildlife spotting.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Camping
- Distance
- 15 km
- Altitude
- 4,300m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk slowly
Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular alpine lakes surrounding Labatama. Hike to the pristine lakes of Relitsho, Hentsho, and Jamatsho, each reflecting the surrounding snow-covered mountains in calm weather. These sacred lakes are rich in local folklore and are surrounded by colorful alpine flowers during summer. The area is also home to blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and various high-altitude birds. Return to camp for another peaceful night under the stars.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Camping
- Altitude
- 4,300m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk slowly
Begin with a short 20-minute ascent before crossing one of the trek's highest ridges. From the pass, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Kang Bum, Tsherimgang, Masagang, Tsendegang, and Gangchenta, weather permitting. The trail then descends through beautiful alpine valleys to reach Panka campsite, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and yak grazing areas.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Camping
- Distance
- 8 km
- Altitude
- 4,000m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk slowly, highest Pass (4520m)
Today's trail descends through dense forests filled with rhododendrons, junipers, and alpine vegetation. Along the way, cross small streams, traditional yak grazing areas, and quiet mountain ridges before arriving at Talekha village. This lower elevation offers warmer temperatures and a pleasant final night of camping surrounded by forests and traditional Bhutanese landscapes.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Camping
- Distance
- 8 km
- Altitude
- 3,080m
NoteHigh-altitude, stay hydrated, walk slowly
Enjoy your final morning on the trail with an easy downhill walk through beautiful forests to the roadhead where your vehicle awaits. Bid farewell to your trekking crew before driving back to Thimphu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and comfortable accommodation after several memorable nights in the mountains.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Thimphu
- Distance
- 6 km
- Altitude
- 2,320m
Enjoy a relaxing day at your own pace. Browse Bhutanese handicraft shops, purchase traditional textiles, handmade paper, prayer flags, wood carvings, and local artwork. You may also visit cafés, museums, spas, or revisit attractions you may have missed earlier. This free day offers an excellent opportunity to experience daily life in Bhutan's capital.
After breakfast, head to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. When you leave Bhutan, take with you unforgettable memories of sacred monasteries, Bhutanese hospitality, inspiring Himalayan landscapes, and the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, one of Bhutan’s most amazing high-altitude adventures. Safe travels!
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Distance
- 55 km
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Paro
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Paro
Thimphu
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Single supplement (if required).
- Personal trekking gear and equipment.
- Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Expenses due to flight delays, weather, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Any services not listed under Cost Includes.
Before you go
Trip Information
Before you go
Frequently asked
More about travelling in Bhutan
