Itinerary9 Days
Adventure · Trekking · Moderate–Strenuous
Dagala
Thousand Lakes Trek
A journey into an area adorned with multitudes of pristine glacial lakes, with stunning views of the entire Himalayan range — including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, and Jichu Drake — from the high Dagala plateau.
Duration
9 Days
Max Altitude
4,520m
Difficulty
Mod–Strenuous
Route
Genekha → Thimphu
Best Season
Apr–Jun · Sep–Oct
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01Arrival
Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
- Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
- Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
- Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
02Hike
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)
- After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
- The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
- Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
- Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
03Hike
Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike
- Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
- Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
- Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
- Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
- Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
04Start
Thimphu → Genekha → Gur (3,290m)
- Drive 45km from Thimphu to Genekha village (2,800m) — the trek starting point
- Trail through beautiful terraced fields and conifer vegetation
- Short descent to river, then climb to a rock platform at 3,350m with valley views
- Arrive at Gur (3,290m) amid yak pastures
05Trek
Gur → Utsho Lake / Labatama (4,300m)
- Trek across ridges through flowers, wild asparagus (spring), and large meadows
- Climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons to Pagalabtsa pass (4,250m)
- Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and most Bhutanese Himalayan peaks from the pass
- Descend into Labatama valley, ascend to Utsho Lake (4,300m) — golden trout in abundance
- Camp beside the lake
06Lakes
Excursion Day at Labatama — Sertsho & Jagetsho Lakes
- Day excursion to the pristine Sertsho and Jagetsho Lakes
- Hike uphill to Sertsho Lake — easy and scenic trail
- Walk over a small ridge and down to Jagetsho Lake
- Optional: attempt the Jomo peak (5,500m) — requires scheduling an extra day
- Return to camp at Labatama
07Trek
Labatama → Pankha (4,000m) via Labaguae Pass (4,510m)
- Climb along the western side of Dala Tsho to a saddle at 4,520m
- Majestic panorama: Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang and more
- Cross Labaguae pass (4,510m) — the highest point of the trek
- Descend via Docha Chu river to Pankha (4,000m)
08Finish
Pankha → Talakha / Chamgang → Thimphu
- Early start — cross several passes including Tseri La (4,150m) and Tala La (4,180m)
- Look out for the rare Blue Poppy (June–July) and mountain birds
- Long descent to Talakha Monastery perched on the ridge
- Trek ends at either Talakha or the Chamgang road head (2,640m) depending on conditions
- Driver meets you at the road head and transfers you back to Thimphu
- Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
09Departure
Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing
- Morning at leisure in Thimphu
- Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
- Trek package concludes at your departure point
What's Included
Included
✓All meals during the trek
✓Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
✓Licensed & certified trekking guide
✓Trained cook and kitchen staff
✓Pack horses or mules for gear
✓All ground transport & transfers
✓Visa & SDF documentation handled
✓In-country medical cover
Not Included
✕International flights
✕Gratuities — tipping to guides & crew (recommended)
Guides are the backbone of every journey. They bring your experience to life — sharing stories, navigating the terrain, and giving their very best so your trip is safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
✕Travel & medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
✕Personal trekking gear & sleeping bag
✕Monument & park entry fees
✕Personal expenses & shopping
Route: Thimphu → Genekha → Gur → Labatama → Pankha → Talakha / Chamgang → Thimphu ·
Max altitude: 4,520m (Labaguae Pass saddle) ·
Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous — prior trekking experience at altitude recommended ·
Best season: April–June & September–October
Ready to walk among a thousand lakes?
Contact us to book or customise this itinerary for your group.
hello@ohbhutan.com · +975 17637904 (WhatsApp)
