The 9-day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek in Bhutan is a scenic and less-traveled high-altitude trek that takes you through pristine alpine meadows, yak herder camps, and numerous crystal-clear glacial lakes. Offering sweeping views of the Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest, Jomolhari, and Kanchenjunga on clear days, the trek is known for its natural beauty, solitude, and rich biodiversity. Starting and ending near Thimphu, this moderate-level trek combines cultural encounters with Bhutanese pastoral life and peaceful immersion in nature, making it a perfect choice for trekkers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Distance: 2 km / 1.25 miles
Duration: Approx. 5 hours (including 2-hour drive)
After departing from the campsite, we begin with a steep ascent before gradually trekking through an oak forest. The trail becomes gentler as we continue, winding around the hillside through a large birch forest that eventually transitions into bamboo. Before long, we arrive at our campsite in Gur. Although we could have reached this spot in a single day, Gur is situated about 1,000 meters higher than Thimphu, so we must be mindful of the altitude. The Gur campsite is located within the recommended altitude gain for a safe and gradual ascent.
Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
Duration: 2 hours
A wide, well-marked trail takes us through a stunning high-altitude landscape adorned with gentians, offering panoramic views of the Dagala Range and its rocky peaks. Soon, we enter a spacious valley dotted with several yak herders’ huts. We continue to the far end of the valley, where we set up camp just below the cliffs near the lake. If you’ve secured a fishing permit, this is a perfect opportunity to try your luck at catching golden trout.
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Duration: 5 hours
The lower route crosses a pass at 4,300m, which is preferred by pack animals and horsemen due to its easier terrain. For those seeking more adventure, the high route offers an ascent to 4,520m, with the option to climb further to a scenic viewpoint at Jomo Peak (4,716m), where, on clear days, views of Jumolhari and Kanchenjunga can be seen.
Afterward, we encounter several short climbs through minor valleys before reaching a small saddle marked by a cairn. From here, we tackle one final climb of the day to arrive at our campsite at Kiwi Chowa, located next to a small stream.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
We ascend to a pass where four trails converge and follow the path leading towards Talakha Gompa. The trek to the gompa requires caution due to large loose stones, which can be challenging for horses. The trail then takes us through a meadow before embarking on a long descent through a mix of fir, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Finally, we reach the beautiful Talakha Gompa, surrounded by a well-maintained garden and offering stunning views of the Thimphu Valley. Below the gompa, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Thimphu.
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Overnight: Stay in Paro.
