Alpine Wonders & Cultural Gems
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Overview
This itinerary is designed for the true adventurer and nature lover. Journey beyond the classic trails to the pristine, high-altitude lakes of the Dagala range. This trek is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the entire Himalayan range, including Mount Everest (on a clear day), and its countless crystal-clear trout-filled lakes. It seamlessly combines the iconic cultural experience of the Tiger’s Nest with an unforgettable alpine trekking adventure.
Duration
8 days
Group Size
2+
Avg Walking Dist
10-11 KM
Trek Grade
Easy/Moderate
Trekking Seasons
March - June, September - November
Max Elevations
4450 M
Trek Highlights
- Conquer the Tiger’s Nest hike as a perfect start to your adventure.
- Witness spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Mount Kanjenjunga on clear days.
- Explore the stunning Dagala Thousand Lakes region, a pristine alpine wonderland filled with crystal-clear lakes.
- Immerse yourself in remote highland scenery and encounter nomadic yak herders.
- Experience the cultural contrast between the peaceful trails and the vibrant streets of Paro and Thimphu.
Detailed Itenary
Day 1
Arrive in the Himalayan Kingdom | Paro
- Experience: Your journey begins with a spectacular flight into Paro, surrounded by Himalayan giants. After visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town to acclimatize and soak in your first moments in Bhutan.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 2
The Iconic Ascent | Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Highlight: Conquer Bhutan’s most famous landmark first. The hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside 900m above the valley, is a challenging yet profoundly spiritual start to your adventure. This also serves as the perfect acclimatization for your trek.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 3
Trek Begins | Paro to Genekha to Gur (Trek Start: ~7km, 5-6 hrs, 550m ascent)
- Experience: Drive to the trek starting point at Genekha (2,800m). Begin your hike with a gentle climb through terraced fields and forests of blue pine and oak. Your first camp is set up in a beautiful meadow near the village of Gur (3,290m).
- Accommodation: Camping at Gur
Day 4
Into the Highlands | Gur to Labatama (~12km, 5-6 hrs, 810m ascent)
- Highlight: A rewarding day of climbing. The trail takes you over the Pagu La Pass (4,200m), where you are rewarded with your first breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Kanjenjunga(Sikkim) and the Himalayan ranges. You’ll then descend past several stunning alpine lakes before arriving at the Labatama valley (4,300m), your base for the next two nights.
- Accommodation: Camping at Labatama
Day 5
Exploration Day | Labatama (Acclimatization & Lake Exploration)
- Experience: A vital rest and exploration day to acclimatize properly. Choose from several spectacular day hikes:
- Explore the nearby Dagala Lakes, each more beautiful than the last and perfect for photography.
- This day is the absolute highlight of the trek, offering serenity and awe-inspiring vistas.
- Accommodation: Camping at Labatama
Day 6
Over the Labatama Pass | Labatama to Panka (~8km, 6-7 hrs, 230m ascent)
- Challenge & Reward: Today you cross the highest point of the trek, the Labatama La Pass (approx. 4,450m). The climb is strenuous but the views from the top are unforgettable—a sweeping panorama of mountains and valleys. The trail then descends into the Panka Valley.
- Camp: You’ll set up camp at Panka (4,000m), surrounded by a landscape of rugged beauty.
- Accommodation: Camping at Panka
Day 7
Final Descent | Panka to Chamgang to Thimphu (Trek Ends: ~14km, 7-8 hrs, 1500m descent)
- Experience: The final trekking day involves a few short climbs over smaller passes before a long and steady descent through forests of rhododendron and dwarf bamboo. You will likely meet yak herders in this remote area.
- Finale: Your trek concludes at Chamgang, where your vehicle awaits for the short drive to Thimphu. Celebrate your achievement with a hot stone bath and a comfortable hotel bed.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 8
Farewell, Bhutan | Thimphu to Paro Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a final Bhutanese breakfast. If time permits, take a quick tour of Thimphu’s key sights like the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint.
- Departure: Drive to Paro International Airport for your departing flight, filled with memories of mountains and lakes. Your guide bids you a heartfelt “Tashi Delek!”
Tour Package Conditions
Inclusions
- Sustainable development fees and internal taxes
- Accommodation in certified 3-star hotels (4/5-star upgrades available).
- All meals
- A licensed, English-speaking Bhutanese trekking guide.
- A private driver and comfortable tourist vehicle for all transfers.
- All entry fees to museums, monuments, and cultural sites.
- Equipment & haulage for trekking.
Exclusions
- Flight tickets.
- Alcoholic, sparkling water, and soft drinks.
- Tips for guides, drivers and trekking crews.
- Personal shopping and expenses.
Travel Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
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