The 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is an excursion through one of the most picturesque high-altitude regions of the country, offering the best in natural beauty, culture, and Himalayan expeditions.
It starts in Paro and moves through Thimphu to enter wilderness lands, alpine meadows, places where yak herders live, and high ridges with panoramic views of the mountain. The trail is famous for hundreds of glacial lakes with crystal-clear water, reflecting snow-clad mountains with untouched landscapes.
While trekking through this landscape, you’ll pass yak herder camps, see rare alpine wildlife, and enjoy sacred lakes tied to Bhutanese myths, thus having a complete Himalayan experience. The trek, with strategic campsite locations like Labatamba, offers challenging yet rewarding hiking with ample space for relaxation and absorbing nature.
An adventurous journey through tranquil highlands and spiritual Bhutan could be what the 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek offers for those who love adrenaline and nature.
Your 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek will start with a welcoming in Paro, a picturesque valley village in Bhutan. After arriving at the airport, you’ll be taken to your hotel and have a chance to see the National Museum, Paro Dzong, and Bhutanese architecture. Enhanced by the grandeur of the mountains, the town of Paro is a wonderful introduction to the Bhutanese culture and landscape.
Explore the beautiful streets, have a relaxing time, and taste the original Bhutanese cuisine. The day is leisurely, providing opportunity for rest and preparation for the upcoming high-altitude trek. Paro: the overnight experience prepares you for your trip to the beautiful lakes of Dagala.
On the Second day, Have breakfast and then begin an ascent to the most well-known attraction of Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), also known as Paro Taktsang, which is located on a cliff. The path goes through pine forests, over waving prayer flags, and presents the scenery of the Paro Valley below. Upon arrival at the monastery, experiment with the tranquillity of its chambers as it provides the breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
Following the sightseeing, head back to Paro and then to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where modernity coexists with tradition. Walk in the local markets, savour the city, or just rest after a satisfying hike. It is a day of culture and some soft acclimatisation, getting you ready for the adventure that lies ahead of you in the 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes trek. Overnight in Thimphu.
On the third day, This is where your trek starts. After a scenic, short drive to Genekha Village, one slowly climbs past terraced fields and forests. Fresh and dense greenery sets the mood for your adventure. Slowly ascending, you reach Gur Campsite at about 3,685 m above sea level, surrounded by alpine meadows and with breathtaking views of rugged peaks.
This campsite familiarises you with the calmness and beauty of the elevated lands of Bhutan. Camp under the stars with the sound of rivers and cool mountain breezes at your back —the beginning to remember the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek.
On the fourth day, you will continue the rewarding trail hike to Labatamba, which is the foremost camping site of the trek. The journey will take you past yak herder settlements, wildflowers, and rolling high-altitude pastures. As the altitude increases, the air turns more crisp, and one beholds panoramic vistas of the Dagala range.
Labatamba, situated at 4,275 metres, encircles the visitor with stunning lakes that glitter under the Himalayan sky. The stillness of the place, paired with exhilarating terrain, makes it one of the best campgrounds in Bhutan. Resting tonight in an embrace of nature, with sacred lakes and gigantic peaks providing a soothing and spiritual environment.
Today is the fifth day, which is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration. You can hike around the enchanting Dagala Thousand Lakes, each shimmering with crystal-clear waters and reflecting the snowy peaks. Bhutanese myths and spirituality deeply connect these sacred lakes. Some trails lead to higher ridges, offering even broader views of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga and Jomolhari on clear days.
This rest day helps your body adjust to high altitude while letting you fully appreciate the mystical beauty of this region. Enjoy the stillness, spot blue sheep or yaks, and capture the best photographs of your trekking journey.
Sixth day, the agenda is leaving Labatamba, followed by trails and alpine ridges glittering with the sun. You’ll wander through meadows lavished with flowers and will eventually pass herds of muscular yaks slowly descending to Pangkha Campsite. The area is famed for panoramic views of the Dagala mountains and faraway Himalayan giants.
On this stretch of the trek, the difficulty is on the moderate side, allowing for very much a pleasing mix of climbs and descents. The campsite offers peaceful surroundings amid splendid scenery and vast open valleys. Tonight the solitude will permit reflection on the journey so far. Contrast weighs heavily on the landscapes of Bhutan depicted in this day.
Your last day of trekking involves walking along beautiful alpine ridges and through forests, with distant views of Himalayan peaks. The route passes by Talakha Monastery, a spiritual site from which you can view the whole Thimphu Valley. The descent then follows through Chamgang, where your trekking ends.
The next and final is a short road drive that will take you back to Thimphu, the bustling capital city of Bhutan. Relax for an evening of hot showers, tasty food, and vibrant culture. This journey from distant wild to urban Bhutan is where the uniqueness of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek lies.
On the eighth day, after breakfast, you will spend the day sightseeing in Thimphu on a cultural tour that includes Tashichho Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, and colourful crafts markets. Next, drive to the valley of Paro and see picturesque rivers, terraced fields and lovely villages along the way. You can shop, stroll, or relax in your hotel.
The day is dedicated to sightseeing and relaxation, allowing you time to reflect on your trek. In the evening, have a farewell Bhutanese dinner to celebrate the completion of your trek 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Spend the night in Paro, where you will be ready to go away the next day.
On the final day, make memories to cherish forever as your magnificent journey through Bhutan draws to a close. After breakfast, your guide will take you to Paro International Airport to check in. Say goodbye to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and cast one last look at those green valleys, fluttering prayer flags, and snow-clad mountains.
The 9 Days Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek makes memories for a lifetime – the sacred lakes, wilderness intact, hospitality infused with Padmasambhava, and Himalayan views are out of this world. Though the journey must end, Bhutan’s spirit will always be with you, calling you to the magical Himalayas. Have a wonderful trip.
| No. of Pax | Starting Price | Enquiry |
| 1 pax | USD 1050 per person | Send Enquiry |
| 2 to 5 pax | USD 950 per person | Send Enquiry |
| 6 to 8 pax | USD 875 per person | Send Enquiry |
| 9 to 10 pax | USD 795 per person | Send Enquiry |
No worries! At Aura Trails, we specialize in crafting personalized travel experiences. Let us know your preferences, interests, and schedule, and we’ll customize the perfect itinerary just for you. Whether you want to add more adventure, cultural experiences, or relaxation time, we’ll tailor your journey to match your needs. Get in touch and create your dream trip today!
challenging and best for trekkers with some basic hiking experience. Each day involves 5–7 hours of walking through meadows, ridges, and high passes. Good fitness and proper acclimatization are important.
The best time is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendrons and greenery, while autumn offers clear skies and great mountain views.
Yes. All tourists need an official trekking permit in Bhutan, arranged by licensed Bhutanese tour operators. Independent trekking is not allowed.
Accommodation during the trek is fully tented camping, with comfortable sleeping tents, dining tents, and meals provided.
The trek reaches over 4,000 metres, so there is a slight chance of mild altitude sickness.
