14 Days | Alpine Lakes & Cultural Highlights
Dagala 1000 Lakes Trek
Discover the Dagala Trek in Bhutan, a 14-day journey through alpine lakes, sacred valleys, traditional villages, and Himalayan landscapes. This itinerary combines scenic trekking with cultural highlights in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha, making it ideal for travelers who want a rewarding high-altitude trek balanced with Bhutan’s monasteries, dzongs, and local heritage.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
14 Days 13 Nights
Tour Type
Trekking
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
Apr – Jun & Sep – Nov
Trip Style
Private & Customizable
Altitude
1,200m – 4,520m
Ready to plan your Dagala Trek? Send us your travel dates and interests, and we’ll help customize the itinerary.
Dagala 1000 Lakes Trek Overview
The Dagala Trek is a scenic Bhutan trekking route known for alpine lakes, open ridgelines, yak pastures, and Himalayan views. This 14-day itinerary combines high-altitude trekking with cultural sightseeing in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha, giving travelers a balanced experience of Bhutan’s landscapes and heritage.
This 14-day itinerary combines the trek with a rich cultural journey through western and central Bhutan. Begin in Paro with cultural sightseeing and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike, then travel to Thimphu before starting the trek from the Genekha area. After completing the trek, continue to Punakha and Phobjikha Valley for a softer cultural ending, with visits to dzongs, temples, villages, and the glacial landscapes of Gangtey.
This Dagala Trek itinerary is designed for travelers who want a short high-altitude trek in Bhutan without missing the country’s cultural highlights. The Dagala Trek can also be customized around your travel dates, fitness level, and preferred pace.
If you are comparing Bhutan trekking routes, you may also like our Druk Path Trek or Jomolhari Base Camp Trek itineraries. For planning details, see our Bhutan Visa & SDF and Bhutan Travel Cost guides.
Tour Highlights
- Hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest in Paro
- Explore Paro and Thimphu’s dzongs, museums, temples, and traditional craft centres
- Trek through the scenic Dagala Thousand Lakes region
- Camp beside high-altitude alpine lakes and yak grazing meadows
- Enjoy Himalayan views on clear days, including distant snow-capped peaks
- Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress-monasteries
- Experience the peaceful glacial valley of Phobjikha / Gangtey
- Balanced itinerary with cultural sightseeing before and after the trek
For official Bhutan travel updates, entry rules, and visitor information, please refer to the Department of Tourism Bhutan.
Day 01 | Arrival in Paro and Cultural Introduction
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide from Phuentshok Tours & Treks will welcome you. After completing arrival formalities, begin with a gentle introduction to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historic regions.
Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese fortress architecture, and the National Museum, housed in the old watchtower above the dzong. If time permits, take a short walk through Paro town to explore local shops and cafés.
Overnight: Paro
Day 02 | Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside above Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.
The hike usually takes around 4–5 hours round trip, depending on pace. The trail passes through pine forest, prayer flags, and beautiful viewpoints before reaching the monastery. After the hike, return to Paro and, if time allows, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Paro
Day 03 | Paro to Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The journey follows the Paro and Thimphu river valleys, passing traditional houses, farms, and small settlements.
In Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue overlooking the valley, followed by the Memorial Chorten, where locals gather for prayer and circumambulation. Later, explore the town area or visit a local handicraft shop.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 04 | Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s cultural landmarks while also preparing for the trek. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, and National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress-monastery that houses government offices and the central monastic body. In the late afternoon, meet the trekking crew for a briefing and final gear check.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 05 | Thimphu to Genekha and Trek to Gur
After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to the Genekha area, the starting point of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. The trek begins with a gradual climb through villages, forests, and open pastures.
As the trail ascends, the landscape becomes quieter and more remote. You may pass yak herders’ camps and forested sections before reaching the campsite at Gur, surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
Trek: Approx. 4–5 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,290m
Overnight: Gur Camp
Day 06 | Trek from Gur to Labatama
Today’s trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows, ridges, and yak pastures. As you gain altitude, the views open up across the Dagala range. On clear days, you may see distant Himalayan peaks and wide mountain landscapes.
The route passes near several high-altitude lakes before reaching Labatama, one of the most scenic camping areas of the trek. The campsite is surrounded by alpine lakes and open mountain terrain.
Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,300m
Overnight: Labatama Camp
Day 07 | Explore Dagala Lakes and Acclimatization at Labatama
Spend a full day exploring the beautiful lakes around Labatama. Depending on weather and trail conditions, you may hike to nearby lakes such as Relitsho, Hentsho, or other alpine lakes scattered across the region.
This is one of the most rewarding days of the trek, offering time to enjoy the high-altitude landscape without moving camp. The day also helps with acclimatization before crossing higher sections of the route.
Trek/Walk: Approx. 3–5 hours, flexible
Highest Point: Approx. 4,500m
Overnight: Labatama Camp
Day 08 | Trek from Labatama to Panka
After breakfast, continue across open ridges and high mountain terrain. The trail may climb to viewpoints offering excellent Himalayan panoramas on clear days, including distant views toward some of Bhutan’s major snow peaks.
The route then descends gradually through yak pastures and alpine landscapes toward Panka. This is a beautiful trekking day with a mix of high ridges, lakes, and open valleys.
Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,000m
Overnight: Panka Camp
Day 09 | Trek from Panka to Talakha
Today’s trail crosses several small passes and ridges before descending toward forested areas. The landscape gradually changes from open alpine terrain to rhododendron, juniper, and mixed forest.
As you approach Talakha, the views begin to open toward the Thimphu Valley. The campsite near Talakha offers a peaceful final night on the trek, with a sense of returning from the high mountains to the cultural valleys below.
Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,080m
Overnight: Talakha Camp
Day 10 | Trek to Chamgang and Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
After breakfast, make the final descent from Talakha toward Chamgang, where your vehicle will meet you. From here, drive toward Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass, marked by 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days.
Continue descending into the warmer Punakha Valley. After several days in the mountains, the lush valley scenery and comfortable hotel stay offer a welcome change of pace.
Trek: Approx. 2–3 hours
Drive: Approx. 3–4 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Day 11 | Punakha Valley Cultural Exploration
Spend the day exploring Punakha, one of Bhutan’s most historically important valleys. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The dzong is widely admired for its architecture, history, and beautiful setting.
Later, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. If time permits, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge for views of the river and surrounding valley.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 12 | Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha Valley, a wide glacial valley known for its natural beauty, traditional villages, and winter habitat of the endangered black-necked cranes.
Visit Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingma monastery overlooking the valley. Later, enjoy a gentle walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, passing through pine forest, meadows, village homes, and open valley views.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 13 | Phobjikha to Paro
After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey to Paro, driving back through Wangdue, Punakha, Dochula, and Thimphu. The long drive offers a final opportunity to enjoy Bhutan’s changing landscapes, from glacial valley to forested mountains and river valleys.
Upon arrival in Paro, the evening is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or a relaxed farewell dinner.
Overnight: Paro
Day 14 | Departure from Paro
After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities. Your guide and driver will be waiting to escort you on the scenic drive to Paro International Airport.
At Phuentshok Tours & Treks, every Bhutan Experiences™ journey is thoughtfully planned to make your trip smooth, personal, and well supported from arrival to departure. Our trekking tours combine Bhutan’s spectacular mountain landscapes with cultural experiences, allowing you to explore remote trails, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and iconic landmarks along the way. Each journey is private and customizable, with accommodation, meals, transport, licensed guides, trekking support, permits, sightseeing, and essential travel arrangements carefully organized for you.
Below is a clear overview of what is typically included and excluded in our Bhutan trekking tour packages. Final details may vary depending on your itinerary, trekking route, hotel category, travel dates, group size, camping requirements, and personal travel preferences.
Includes
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Private transport with driver
- Airport transfers in Bhutan
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Bhutan visa arrangement support
- Route permits where required
- Bottled drinking water
- Government Sustainable Development Fee
- Standard trekking equipment and camp setup
- Pack ponies to carry trekking equipment
- Trekking support crew
- Sleeping mat
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Spa and wellness services
- Tips for guide and driver
- Sleeping bag
- Optional activities
- Any services not mentioned
Ready to plan your Dagala Trek? Send us your travel dates and interests, and we’ll help customize the itinerary.