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Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Blog: Mountains are Calling & I must Go

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan. It offers breathtaking views of snow -capped peaks, stunning landscape, and traditional Nomadic Lifestyle.

Yaks Grazing at Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

 

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Map

The Dagala  Thousand Lakes Trek is a 5 day trek . However we can do this trek in 4 days , 5 Days or 6 Days as well.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Map Routes

Introduction

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek  is for mountain lovers and this blog is dedicated to them.

“Bjop Gey Sheru, Dagalai Phu Methong"

A Bhutanese oral saying, even the Nomads who are raised in Dagala pasture just can’t master this trek route. The reason is that, myriads of paths lead to these valleys and if you lose the path you will be lost in the maze. However you will be accompanied by Trekking guide so there is nothing to worry.

It offers  the most beautiful views of the world’s highest mountain including Mount Everest , Mount Kanchenjunga and other Eastern Himalayas. The trek route was used by Daga Penlop in the olden time to visit Punakha . Punakha was then the capital of Bhutan. It is one of the most Scenic Trekking in Bhutan.

Scenic Bhutan Trek

Most people claim that this trek is an easy trek, but ironically it is a high altitude trek and requires a lot of stamina. The campsite ranges from 3200 meters to 4200 meter. As you move through this trek you have to cross many passes above 4000 meters. However the view of crystal clear lakes and Eastern Himalayas is simply of another world.

The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages, so you can get a good idea of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.

Starting Point

Day 1: Genekha Village to Gur

Distance 7Km, Time 5 hours, Ascent 550m, Descent 60m, Camp Elev 3290m.

The Trek starts from the most beautiful village of Genekha ( 2750 meters) . The starting point of the trek is a susspension bridge at the foot of Genekha village.

Genekha Village the Starting Point of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Genekha Village

From here, we  follow the ancient trails followed by  Daga Penlop and his retinue in olden time.  We have to walk through the evergreen  forest of Blue Pine and Conifer till we reach the subalpine Zone,  called Gur, situated at an altitude of 3200m. We can have our campsite set at Gur Valley. There is a beautiful  forest below the Gur campsite . It is famous for the most expensive mushroom known as Masutake. If you are up to some adventure then we can  hunt for Matsutake mushrooms in the evening.

However you can also have the option to  camp at Watasachen instead of Gur, if the altitude is not a problem for you. Watasachen  is at an altitude of 4150m.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

From Gur you need to cross a pass known as Pagalaptsha (4250m) to camp at Watasachen . The Pagalaptsha Pass  offers the beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mount Everest, Jomolhari(7314m), Jichu Drakey (6989m), Tiger Mountain (6840m) and Tsheringmeigang .

Once at the Camp at Watasachen,  you can explore the village and lifestyle  of nomads of Dagala.  Though they live above 4000 meters, they stay clean, perhaps the cleanest nomads in Bhutan. Thanks to the support from UNDP for helping the Nomads with clean toilets, metal roof, solar panel and Gas Stove for cooking.

From the village of Nomads, if you hike another 20 to 30 minutes you can get a stunning view of Nychen Dongkola ,Kanchenjunga and the Phodrang/Palace of Aum Jumo of Dagala.

 

Day 2 : Gur to Labatama- Taju (Explore Lakes and hike to Taju)

The next day we can explore the Lakes (Tsho)  of Aum Jumo . Aum Jomo is the deity of Jomolhari  Mountain . The Lakes like, Yue – Tsho, Tsha-tsho, Thro Tsho, Bay Tsho, Dagay tsho, Bjagay Tsho, Jumo Latsho, Ser tsho,  is called as the procession of Aum Jumo . You may visit the meditation cave  in the small island of Bjaytsho Lake and feel the presence of divine mystic.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Vulture Lake (Jagay Tsho)

 

You can also check out the ruins of Daga Penlop Auchu Tshering’s at Labatama  known as Dophu Tshawa in between two small streams.

After checking on the ruins and beautiful lakes we will head towards  Taju La

We will stop for Lunch at Taju la at 4350 meters. There is a story of how the name Taju La came about which means ‘Horse Race Pass”

Daga Penlop  Auchu Tshering married a Girl who indeed was a manifestation of Aum Jumo. Two of them used to love watching the horse race . So at Taju la, they used to make their subjects compete in horse races. Ta- Horse Ju- Race and La- pass; this is how the name came about.

Dagal Thousand Lakes Trek

The campsite will be just below the Taju la pass from where we can get the magnificent views of Jomolhari, Mount Kanchenjunga and  Jichu Drake, Tsheringmeigang. The beauty of these mountains is further enhanced during sunset.

Campsite at Taju (Little Further From Labatama)

Day 3 ( Labatama/Taju to Pangkha )

After having a good breakfast, we can ascend to another pass known as Labagay. It is the highest point on this Trek  at 4450 meters.

From this pass if you climb another 100 meters up then you will be able to see Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga,  Mount Lhotshe and the last Himalayas in Bhutan including Gangkhar Punsum at the far end.

Dagala Trek Bhutan

Here we can really coexist with the sky, Mountains, Lakes and rivers. One can get the feeling of being on the top of the world.

After crossing the Labagay pass, we slowly descend down on the stony path that had been used by Daga Penlops while going to Punakha. This is the historic route which passes by the lake known as Dungkhar Tsho . The last lake on the Trek.

We also come across a very beautiful Nomad pasture  known as Laba Chung with the Yaks grazing.

If you happen to come in spring, this place looks like a Botanical Garden. The walk through the shrubs of Rhododendrons Anogosium will lead you to the bridge. After crossing the bridge, we will ascend slowly towards Pangka Camp 4000 meters. The walk is so lovely that people forget to walk at their own pace as they fall in love with flowers. Once, one of my friends told me, we have to be like Flowers,  they never try to compare their beauty with one another.

Pangka is one of the most beautiful campsites in this Dagala Trek . From here we can have a good View of the mountain starting from Sikkim to the Last Himalayas.

If you like we can take a day off and immerse ourselves in the scenic beauty of the Mountain.

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Camping Site at Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Pangka Camping Site at Dagala
Day 4 : Pangka via Talakha to Thimphu

14KM | 8 HOURS | 180M ASCENT | 1540M DESCENT

After a good breakfast we will take a walk from Pangka campsite. The walk  gradually ascends to the nameless pass with the best views of the Himalayas. Then descends down to a place known as Zorina and further  ascends to the Chari la Pass ( RainCoat Pass 4200 meters) . Chari la is a beautiful pass, from where you will be able to see the whole mountains of the world. You can also see many species of mountain birds on this trek.

If we are here in the right season, we may see the Blue Poppies and Yellow Poppies on the way up.

In olden times it is said that the strongest Soldier of Daga Penlop had to carry the stone from  Zorina to Chari la. So as to prove their worth.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Eastern Himalayas

The walk gradually descends towards another Nomadic place known as Kherkewa.

And from here we slowly ascend and descend to Gechula at 3850 meters and head towards Jeley Zey.

Ending Point of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek  in Bhutan

Once on top of Jeley Zey, you will not want to descend down. The sunrise and sunset will be the most beautiful from this point.

Slowly we will descend down to Pangserbu. We bid goodbye to Mount Kanchenjunga, who has been like a guiding star from the starting day of the Trek.

The walk down hill is more enjoyable. We  have to walk through the forest of Dead Trees and the Conifer Forest. At the end of the forest , we will bypass a logging farm road and then enter into a forest of pine trees.

Then slowly you will be Greeted by the small monks who are getting trained at 3000 meters under the strict Guidance of their respectable Teachers.

After making a visit to the Talakha Monastery,  and thanking the Guidance Deity ( Tshangkhap Jeley, for taking care of you and your teams and after getting a blessing from the old Kanjure printed from on Daphne plant,  we bid an Adieu to the Trek of 1000 lakes, sometimes knowns as Walking in the steps of Daga Penlop.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Mountains are Calling and I must Go
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek Package in Bhutan

Check  out Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek itinerary and cost here

Trek Highlights

Best Time to trek: April-June and September-October

Starting Point: Genekha Village

Ending Point: Talakha, Bhutan

Average Walking Distance: 12Km

Average Walking Time: 7 Hrs

Scenic Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Other Highlights of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek  in Bhutan
  • Be rewarded by the breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear lakes, and stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks.
  • Walkthrough the ancient trails
  • Traverse the trails of wild blossoms

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is highly recommended for travel photographers, nature lovers and trekkers who want to seek something out of ordinary.

TaggedDagala Thousand Lake TrekDagala Thousand Lakes TrekDagala Thousand Lakes Trek BlogHiking in BhutanTrekking in Bhutan

Google Reviews

Jenny ChuaJenny Chua
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!

Reviewed on: 1/14/2025

Terri KimTerri Kim
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Our first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience

Reviewed on: 12/24/2024

Suresh KaruSuresh Karu
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I had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .

Reviewed on: 9/30/2024

Charles VrtisCharles Vrtis
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Everything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!

Reviewed on: 3/30/2024

Brian NYCBrian NYC
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Huge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!

Reviewed on: 10/14/2023

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