The 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek & Bhutan Cultural Journey combines one of Bhutan's most beautiful moderate treks with immersive cultural experiences in Paro, Thimphu, and the surrounding Himalayan landscapes.
The 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek & Bhutan Cultural Journey combines one of Bhutan's most beautiful moderate treks with immersive cultural experiences in Paro, Thimphu, and the surrounding Himalayan landscapes.
Often referred to as the "Thousand Lakes Trek", this spectacular route traverses alpine meadows, remote yak-herding pastures, high mountain ridges, and pristine glacial lakes scattered across the Dagala mountain range. Throughout the trek, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan's snow-capped Himalayan peaks while experiencing the tranquillity of some of the country's most untouched wilderness.
Balanced with time exploring Bhutan's cultural landmarks, monasteries, and fortress dzongs, this journey offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and heritage.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek requires a moderate level of fitness and is suitable for active travellers looking for their first multi-day Himalayan trekking experience.
Expect 4 to 6 hours of trekking on most days, with gradual ascents, some steep sections, and elevations reaching approximately 4,500 metres. No previous trekking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking for several consecutive days on uneven mountain trails.
Regular breaks are included, and your trekking guide will maintain a comfortable pace throughout the journey.
This trekking journey focuses on:
From USD 2,900 per person
Travel on your preferred dates
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your Bhutanese guide will welcome you to the Himalayan kingdom.
Enjoy a scenic drive through river valleys and mountain landscapes as you travel to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Depending on your arrival time, begin your introduction to Bhutan's culture, traditions, and way of life.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Spend the day discovering Bhutan's cultural and administrative centre.
Visit the towering Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley, the National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichho Dzong. Learn about Bhutan's unique philosophy, Buddhist traditions, and cultural heritage while exploring the city's most important landmarks.
Overnight in Thimphu.
This morning, drive to Genekha, the starting point of the trek.
Begin your ascent through forests, alpine meadows, and mountain ridges as you leave civilisation behind. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views across the surrounding valleys and the first glimpses of Bhutan's highland landscapes.
Arrive at your campsite surrounded by pristine mountain scenery.
Camp overnight at Gur.
Today's route follows a series of ridges and alpine meadows, offering some of the trek's first panoramic Himalayan views.
As you gain elevation, the landscape opens dramatically to reveal distant snow-capped peaks and pristine mountain lakes. The trail passes traditional yak-grazing areas where herders continue centuries-old traditions.
Camp overnight at Labatama.
Spend the day exploring the remarkable alpine region that gives this trek its name.
Scattered across the mountains are numerous glacial lakes, each reflecting the surrounding peaks and skies. The area offers exceptional opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and simply appreciating the tranquillity of Bhutan's remote wilderness.
Weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of some of Bhutan's highest Himalayan peaks.
Camp overnight at Labatama.
Continue through high-altitude landscapes as the trail traverses mountain passes and rolling alpine terrain.
Prayer flags flutter from ridgelines while sweeping views stretch across valleys, lakes, and distant peaks. This section of the trek showcases the dramatic beauty and remoteness that make the Dagala region so special.
Camp overnight at Panka.
Begin your gradual descent through forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes.
As the trail drops in elevation, the scenery transitions from alpine wilderness to dense forests and traditional grazing areas. Along the way, enjoy uninterrupted views across Bhutan's central valleys.
Camp overnight at Talakha.
Complete the final stage of the trek and return to civilisation.
After descending through forested trails and traditional settlements, transfer to Paro Valley. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your trekking adventure and enjoying the comfort of your hotel.
Overnight in Paro.
Conclude your Bhutan journey with a visit to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest.
Perched dramatically on a cliffside high above Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks. Walk through pine forests lined with prayer flags while your guide shares the stories and legends associated with Guru Rinpoche and the monastery's spiritual significance.
After the hike, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
As you leave Bhutan behind, take with you memories of remote mountain lakes, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, and meaningful cultural experiences.
