Bhutan9 days
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek — 9 Days
High-altitude alpine circuit through Bhutan's remote lake country, crossing two passes above 4,300 metres
This trek traverses Bhutan's least-visited high country, a region of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and unobstructed views of the eastern Himalaya. The route crosses two substantial passes—Pagalabtsa at 4,250 metres and Talela at 4,180 metres—with the highest camp situated at 4,100 metres. Between passes lies a full day of exploration around the Thousand Lakes plateau, a landscape of shallow tarns and open grassland where few trekkers venture. Thick conifer forests, rushing snowmelt streams, and evidence of traditional yak herding anchor the higher sections. The trek requires sustained fitness and comfort at altitude; weather in the alpine zone changes rapidly.
Best time to go: spring
Highlights
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery at 3,120 metres above Paro Valley
- Ascend Pagalabtsa Pass (4,250 metres) for views of Mount Kangchenjunga
- Day of lake exploration on the Thousand Lakes plateau at 4,100 metres
- Traverse high-altitude meadows and rhododendron forests above 4,000 metres
- Cross Talela Pass (4,180 metres) with descent through juniper woodland
Day by day
1Arrival in ParoParo International Airport · accommodation · Paro town
Arrive at Paro International Airport at 2,200 metres. Check into accommodation and visit Paro town.
2Hike to Tiger's Nest MonasteryTiger's Nest Monastery · halfway café · cliff face to the monastery
A steep dirt track climbs 520 metres over 4 hours to Tiger's Nest Monastery at 3,120 metres. The route passes a halfway café, then descends and climbs stone steps along the cliff face to the monastery.
3Genekha Village to Gur CampsiteGenekha village · Gur campsite · suspension bridge
A 90-minute drive reaches Genekha village and the trek's start. The route crosses a suspension bridge, then climbs gradually on dirt trail through forest, descends to river level, and climbs again to the Gur campsite at 3,290 metres. The day covers 7 kilometres and 230 metres of elevation gain over 4 hours.
4Gur to Labatama: Ascent to Pagalabtsa PassGur to Labatama · Pagalabtsa Pass · alpine meadows
The route climbs across open ridges and grassy slopes, gaining 1,010 metres in 6 hours over 12 kilometres. Pagalabtsa Pass at 4,250 metres offers clear sightlines to Mount Kangchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan crest. Beyond the pass, the trail descends through alpine meadows dotted with yak herder shelters, reaching Labatama camp at 4,100 metres.
5Labatama Halt: Highland Lakes ExplorationThousand Lakes plateau
Visit multiple glacial lakes surrounding camp on the Thousand Lakes plateau at 4,100 metres. Open grassland and untracked terrain offer stillness and solitude across the alpine highlands.
6Labatama to PankaLabatama to Panka
A steep ascent over open meadows with unobstructed Himalayan views precedes a rocky descent along a river to Panka campsite at 4,000 metres. The day gains 220 metres, covers 8 kilometres, and takes 5 hours.
7Panka to Talela Pass and Thimphu Road HeadTalela Pass · alpine meadows · juniper and rhododendron forest
The trek climbs gradually on dirt track to Talela Pass at 4,180 metres, then walks along ridges through alpine meadows. A long descent through juniper and rhododendron forest on rocky and dirt trail leads to a feeder road at 2,300 metres. Despite a 100-metre elevation gain, the day involves 14 kilometres and 7 hours of hiking due to the steep descent and trail surface.
8Thimphu: Museums and City CentreBuddha Dordenma statue · Folk Heritage Museum · Textile Museum · Craft Bazaar · Kaja Throm Farmers Market
Morning visit to Buddha Dordenma statue (54 metres high), the Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Museum. Afternoon includes the Craft Bazaar and Kaja Throm Farmers Market, with time for independent exploration.
9Departure from Thimphu
Depart.
Where you go
- 1Paro International Airport
- 2Paro town
- 3Tiger's Nest Monastery
- 4Buddha Dordenma statue
- 5Textile Museum
- 6Kaja Throm Farmers Market
Included
- Accommodation at 3* standard hotels during non trek days
- All meals
- Private vehicle transfers
- English speaking tour/trek guide
- Permits/Entrance fees
- Sleeping Tents and Mats
- Dining Tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent
- Camp Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef &
- assistants
- Horses to carry equipment’s
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa fee $40 per person
- Sustainable Development Fee (payable to the government)
- Sleeping bag
- Laundry
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, transfers
- Anything not included in inclusions