Trekking

10-Day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

A ten-day moderate trekking framework near Thimphu, camping beside the high lakes of the Dagala range with a rest day among the lakes.

Duration
10 days
Route
Paro – Thimphu – Dagala Lakes – Thimphu – Paro
Best time
April to May and late September to November; final trail dates depend on weather and local trekking advice.
Activity
Moderate multi-day trekking and camping, reaching about 4,520 m.

The journey

This ten-day Dagala Thousand Lakes trek framework combines time in Thimphu with a six-day trail window through the Dagala range, where high lakes sit among yak pastures. It reaches about 4,520 m and includes an acclimatisation hike before the trek and a rest day among the lakes. It suits walkers who have done multi-day hikes and want a moderate camping trek with fewer crowds.

How hard is the Dagala trek?

Dagala is usually graded moderate. Walking days are typically four to seven hours, with several days above 4,000 m. It is less demanding than the Jomolhari trek but involves more high camps than the Druk Path.

Prepare in Thimphu

The first days are spent in Thimphu, including a hike to a ridge at around 3,500 m to help your body adjust. Discuss your walking experience and equipment with the trekking team before choosing this route.

Agree the mountain route before booking

The final trek briefing sets out the daily stages, approved campsites, supplied equipment, meals, baggage arrangements and contingency plans. The trail window is flexible: weather and trail conditions can change the day-by-day programme.

Your itinerary and quote

We tailor the hotels, meals, visits and walking pace to your group. Your written itinerary and quote identify the agreed services, government fees and applicable GST before you book. See our visa, SDF and tax guide for the current fee breakdown.

Send your dates, group size and interests to request your itinerary and quote.

Tour highlights

  • Camps beside the high lakes of the Dagala range
  • Highest point of about 4,520 m with possible Himalayan views
  • Rest and acclimatisation day among the lakes
  • Acclimatisation hike before the trek
  • Time in Thimphu before and after the trail

Day by day

Day1Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu

Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Keep the first day light. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day2Thimphu

Visit Thimphu's main sights at an easy pace and review equipment and logistics with the trekking team. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day3Acclimatisation hike

Take a day hike to a ridge at around 3,500 m, such as Lungchuzekha above Dochula, and return to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day4Begin the trail

Drive to the trailhead and walk a short first stage up to a pasture camp. The guide confirms the route and camp around conditions. Overnight camping.

Day5Cross to the lakes

Cross a pass to camp near the lakes of the Dagala range. The precise camp is confirmed in the route briefing. Overnight camping.

Day6Rest day among the lakes

Rest, or take an optional walk to nearby lakes to help acclimatisation. Overnight camping.

Day7Over the high saddle

Climb past further lakes to the highest point of the trek at about 4,520 m, with mountain views in clear weather, then descend to camp. Overnight camping.

Day8Continue the descent

Cross the final pass and descend towards the valley. Meal, equipment and baggage arrangements are those listed in the final trek quote. Overnight camping.

Day9Finish the trail and drive to Paro

Walk down through forest to the road and drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day10Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your confirmed flight.

Good to know

Included

  • Accommodation in the hotel category and room arrangement stated in your quote
  • Private vehicle, driver and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary
  • English-speaking guide for the agreed programme
  • Meals and attraction entry fees specifically listed in your quote

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights unless expressly included in the quote
  • Travel insurance, personal purchases, laundry and gratuities
  • Optional activities and services outside the confirmed itinerary
  • Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee unless expressly included in the quote

Your questions

How hard is the Dagala trek?

It is usually graded moderate, with walking days of about four to seven hours and several nights above 4,000 m.

What is the highest point?

About 4,520 m. An optional viewpoint climb goes slightly higher if conditions allow.

Is Dagala harder than the Druk Path?

It reaches a similar height but spends more nights at high camps, so it suits walkers with some multi-day trekking experience.

Can I trek in Bhutan without a guide?

No. Trekking in Bhutan must be arranged with a licensed guide, and the trekking team, camps and equipment are part of your confirmed itinerary.

How cold are the camps?

Nights at high camps can be below freezing, especially in late autumn. Your trek briefing lists the equipment supplied and what to bring.

Is the tour price available?

Price is on request. Your written quote sets out the travel dates, group size, rooms, hotels, meals, SDF, visa charges and applicable GST, with payment and cancellation terms.

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A thirteen-day high-altitude trekking framework to the base of Jomolhari, with acclimatisation in Paro, a rest day at Jangothang and a loop over Bonte La.

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