Experience the Best
Famous Paro Taktsang Monastery
Traditional Bhutanese Lifestyle
Scenic valleys, cultural villages and glaciers
Breathtaking Himalayan Landscapes
Land of the Thunder Dragon
Tour Overview
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek: Bhutan’s Hidden Alpine Paradise
A 5-day journey through glacial lakes, wildflower meadows, and the world’s greatest peaks
Tucked away in the mountains above Thimphu lies one of Bhutan’s best-kept secrets — the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Despite its name, this route passes far more than lakes: sacred glacial pools, yak herder camps, ancient monasteries, and ridgelines with front-row views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. Best of all? It begins and ends just 45 minutes from the capital.
This is the Bhutan most travellers never see — and exactly the kind of journey Ling Travel Bhutan was created to share.
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Total Distance | ~41 km |
| Highest Camp | Labatama (4,300m) |
| Optional Summit | Jomo Peak (5,050m) |
| Start / End | Thimphu → Genekha Village → Chamgang → Thimphu |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Best Seasons | April–June & September–November |
| Bonus | Blue Poppies in bloom (June–July) |
Gallery
We begin with a 45-minute scenic drive from Thimphu to Genekha Village, famous across Bhutan for its prized matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. The trail sets off along time-worn mule paths, winding through terraced fields and fragrant coniferous forests rich in alpine flora and birdlife.
A short descent leads to the river, then a gentle two-hour climb brings you to a natural rock platform at 3,350m — the first of many photo stops. Beyond it, the path rolls onward to your first campsite at Gur (3,290m), set in a natural amphitheatre of wildflowers. Welcome to the mountains.
Today the landscape opens up. The trail crosses wide ridges carpeted in wildflowers and wild asparagus (in spring), weaving through meadows and across sparkling streams beneath scattered birch and rhododendron.
The day’s crescendo is Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250m), marked by towering stone cairns. From here, the panorama is staggering — Kanchenjunga rising over Sikkim, backed by a procession of Bhutan’s greatest Himalayan peaks.
Descending into the Dagala range, the valley unfolds into a mosaic of alpine pasture and yak herder camps. After lunch with a local herder family, the trail follows the valley past traditional huts to Utsho Lake (4,300m), where golden trout glide through crystal-clear water. Tonight, you camp right beside the lake.
A well-earned day to slow down and soak it all in. Your guide leads you to one of the neighbouring sacred lakes — Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho, or Jagetsho — each steeped in local folklore and alive with trout. A lakeside lunch with 360° Himalayan views is an experience you’ll never forget.
Feeling strong? Take on the optional climb of Jomo Peak (5,050m) — the trek’s highest point and its finest vantage. Return to camp by dusk for a warm meal under a sky bursting with stars.
The most photographed day of the trek. Following the western shore of Dalatsho, you climb to a saddle at 4,520m — and the entire Himalaya seems to rise before you:
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🏔️ Mt. Everest (Nepal)
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🏔️ Kanchenjunga (Sikkim)
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🏔️ Masangang, Tiger Mountain, Tsendagang & Jichu Drake (Bhutan)
From the saddle, descend past yak herder huts to the Doccha Chuu River, then trace the valley high on the slopes to Panka (4,000m). Keep your binoculars ready — the vibrant Himalayan monal, Bhutan’s national bird, is a common sight here, along with grazing yaks and sure-footed mountain horses.
The grand finale. Today’s route crosses a series of passes, each more dramatic than the last, through meadows where rare Blue Poppies bloom in June and July.
At the trail junction, one path leads to Talakha, the other to Wangduephodrang — a scenic lunch spot. Beyond, an hour’s steady climb delivers you to the final pass: Tale La (4,180m), with sweeping views over the Dagala range and Thimphu valley below.
Then comes the long, beautiful descent through forests of spruce, birch, juniper, and rhododendron to Talakha Goempa (3,080m), a hilltop monastery with a story for every stone. The trail winds on through apple orchards to Chamgang Village, where your Ling Travel Bhutan vehicle awaits for the drive back to Thimphu — legs tired, camera full, and heart changed.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
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.
Why Trek Dagala with Ling Travel Bhutan?
| ✅ | What You Get |
|---|---|
| 🥾 | Expert local guides who know every lake, legend, and hidden viewpoint |
| 🏕️ | Premium camping — quality gear, fresh meals, lakeside campsites |
| 📋 | All permits handled— you just show up and walk |
| 🐦 | Wildlife & nature insight — from monals to blue poppies |
| 🤝 | Authentic connections — yak herder visits, monastery stops, local stories |
Good to Know
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Fitness: A good level of fitness is required — you’ll be walking 5–8 hours daily at altitude
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Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed for gradual ascent, with Day 3 as a built-in acclimatization day
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Pack: Layered clothing, down jacket, rain gear, sun protection, sturdy hiking boots
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Weather: Mountain weather changes fast — be prepared for sun, wind, and rain in a single day
Ready to Walk Among a Thousand Lakes?
The Dagala Trek doesn’t demand weeks of your time — just five days, a sense of adventure, and the willingness to be amazed. Let Ling Travel Bhutan take care of everything else.
📩 Get in touch today to plan your trek. The lakes are waiting.
Ling Travel Bhutan — Crafting Himalayan journeys you’ll carry for a lifetime.
Know Before You Travel
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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