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6 Days
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
A high-altitude journey through hidden alpine lakes
Duration
6 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Destinations
Thimphu, Dagala
Best Time
April-June, September-October
Overview
One of Bhutan's most enchanting high-altitude adventures through the Dagala mountain range, where countless crystal-clear glacial lakes are scattered across remote yak pastures and panoramic ridgelines. From the Labatama lake district, enjoy extraordinary views spanning Mount Everest in Nepal, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, and Bhutan's own Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Search for the elusive Blue Poppy, Bhutan's national flower, and encounter nomadic yak herders in their traditional highland camps.
Journey Highlights
Labatama lake district - Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, Jama Tsho, Uthso Tsho
Views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake
Nomadic yak herder encounters
Blue Poppy - Bhutan's national flower
Talakha Gompa monastery
Tale La Pass (4,180m) crossing
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Gynekha Village to Gur
Drive to Gynekha Village, one of the region's oldest settlements. Trek 7km (5-6 hours) descending through terraced fields and farmhouses to river crossing. Ascend through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forests to natural rock platform with first panoramic views. Continue to Gur campsite (3,290m) in high meadows used by yak herders during summer. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Oak and rhododendron forest ascent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Gur yak pasture camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Gynekha Village trailhead along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Terraced fields and farmhouses to connect with daily life, local food, and community stories
Camping at Gur (3,290m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Gur to Labatama
Trek 12km (5-6 hours) steadily gaining altitude across high ridges. Climb through open grasslands with wildflowers to dramatic ridgeline pass with views of Kanchenjunga range in Sikkim and Bhutan's towering peaks. Descend past streams and yak herder huts to Labatama lake district. Camp beside Uthso Tsho (4,300m), a serene alpine lake surrounded by granite walls. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- High ridge crossing with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Yak herder hut encounters as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Uthso Tsho lakeside camp with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Kanchenjunga range views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Labatama (4,300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Rest and Exploration Day at Labatama
Acclimatization and exploration day at Labatama lake district. Optional guided hikes to surrounding alpine lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, and Jama Tsho, each with unique charm. Gentle trails through rocky outcrops, grassy knolls, and sparkling streams. Photography, journaling, or observe nearby yak herder lifestyle. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Acclimatization rest to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Photography and meditation with guided reflection rooted in Bhutanese spiritual practice
- Yak herder lifestyle observation with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Optional Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, Jama Tsho hikes
Camping at Labatama (4,300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Labatama to Panka
Trek 8km (6-7 hours) - the highlight day with most spectacular Himalayan panoramas. Climb ridgelines with uninterrupted views of Mt. Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Masang Gang, Khangbum, Tsende Gang, and Gangche Ta. Descend to Dala Tsho glacial lake, follow Doccha Chhu river to Panka campsite (4,000m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Panka meadow camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Everest and Kanchenjunga views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Spectacular Himalayan panoramas with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Dala Tsho glacial lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
Camping at Panka (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Panka to Talakha Gompa
Trek 8km (5-6 hours) across several small passes with changing perspectives. Spot Blue Poppy (Bhutan's national flower) and colorful mountain birds. Cross Tale La Pass (4,180m), descend through alpine forests and meadows to Talakha Gompa, a peaceful monastery perched above Thimphu Valley. Camp near monastery with sunset views of Bhutan's capital. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Blue Poppy and bird spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Tale La Pass crossing (4,180m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Talakha Gompa monastery visit for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Thimphu Valley sunset views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping near Talakha Gompa (3,080m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Talakha Gompa to Chamgang to Thimphu
Final trek 6km (3 hours) through peaceful forest paths and alpine streams to Chamgang Village where vehicle awaits. Short drive to Thimphu. Explore Thimphu's streets where modern life blends with traditional culture, shop for handicrafts, and sample local cuisine. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Trek completion celebration along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Forest descent to Chamgang along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Chamgang Village pickup to connect with daily life, local food, and community stories
- Drive to Thimphu as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board during trek
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Camping equipment and cook
- Pack animals for luggage
- Fishing gear (if interested)
- English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal trekking gear
Booking Protocol
Contact us to book this enchanting lake trek. Total distance approximately 41km over 6 days. Maximum altitude 4,300m. Ideal for travelers seeking moderately challenging adventure with breathtaking alpine scenery.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Destinations
- Thimphu, Dagala
- Best Season
- April-June, September-October
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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