Dagala Trek in Bhutan.
The 5-day Dagala Trek in Bhutan is a scenic journey that takes trekkers from Thimphu to the serene high-altitude glacial lakes. Known for its breathtaking views, this trek offers the chance to witness stunning alpine landscapes, with the possibility of spotting Mt. Kanchenjunga in India on clear days during winter and spring. Starting from Khoma and ending at Chamgang, it covers a total distance of 41 km. While the trek is generally easy with shorter trekking days, some steep climbs add a moderate level of difficulty. The highest point on the trek reaches an altitude of 4,300 meters.
The best time to embark on the Dagala Trek is from March to May and mid-September to mid-December, offering favorable weather and clear skies. This trek is ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a glimpse of Bhutan’s pristine wilderness.
Dagala Trek in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Scenic mountains and high altitude lakes.
- Meet local people.
- Ancient monasteries and temples.
- Pristine villages and visit to farmhouse.
- Majestic dzongs (Forts).
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 meters.
- Day 02. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 03. Paro – Geynekha – Gur (start – Dagala trek in Bhutan) | 47 km | Drive: 2 Hours | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3290 m.
- Day 04. Gur – Labatamba | 12 Km | Hike: 5 hours | Altitude: 4300 m.
- Day 05. Labatamba – Panka | 8 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4000 m.
- Day 06. Panka – Talakha | 8 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 3080 m.
- Day 07. Talakha – Chamgang – Thimphu (End of Dagala trek Bhutan) | 6 Km | Hike: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 08. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude 2334 m.
- Day 09. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours.
- Day 10. Paro – Departure | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.
Dagala trek cost:
The costs given below are inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
The Dagala trek costs / prices for different group sizes are below:
- 2 people: US $ 3490 per person.
- 3 – 10 people: US $ 3240 per person.
- 11 – 15 people: US $ 2780 per person. 50 % discount for 1 person.
Nature of trip: Private & guided Bhutan trip.
Detailed Itinerary for Dagala trek.
Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can explore Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and artifacts. Afterward, head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an impressive fortress-monastery known for its stunning Bhutanese architecture and strategic location.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and hospitality firsthand.
End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 2. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hours hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
Afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 03. Paro – Geynekha – Gur (start – Dagala trek in Bhutan) | 47 km | Drive: 2 Hours | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3290 m.
Begin your day with a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Geynikha, stopping en route to visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo. Pass through the charming villages of Bama and Chizhi before reaching Geynikha, where the trek begins. Hike past Tsochekha Village, enjoying lunch along the way.
The trail continues through lush oak forests, known for their mushrooms, and crosses a suspension bridge. Arrive at Gur, your campsite for the night, surrounded by Bhutan’s pristine nature. Trekking covers 7 km in about 4 hours, with an overnight camp at an altitude of 3,290 meters.
Day 04. Gur – Labatamba | 12 Km | Hike: 5 hours | Altitude: 4300 m.
Begin the day with a trek across a 4240-meter pass, offering breathtaking views of the picturesque Dagala village. The trail takes you through several herders’ camps, providing a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the region.
Continue the journey to the expansive Labatamba valley, situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, near the serene Utso Lake, surrounded by numerous other high-altitude lakes in the vicinity. The day concludes with a campsite set by the lake, offering stunning natural views.
The trek covers 12 km in about 5 hours, with an ascent of 1040 meters and a descent of 110 meters.
Day 05. Labatamba – Panka | 8 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4000 m.
The trail ascends along the western side of the lake, reaching an altitude of 4500 meters, where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. From this vantage point, the trek descends steeply to another beautiful glacial lake situated at 4350 meters, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. A short distance beyond this lake leads to a lush valley that gradually unfolds as you continue the hike.
The trail then descends further, eventually arriving at Panka, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. This section of the trek offers a unique combination of stunning alpine landscapes, shimmering lakes, and diverse flora, making it a memorable experience. Covering a distance of 8 kilometers, the hike takes approximately 6–7 hours, with an ascent of 260 meters and a descent of 520 meters. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite in Panka.
Day 06. Panka – Talakha | 8 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 3080 m.
The route begins by heading north, crossing a pass at 4000 meters, and continues with a climb along the ridge to a crest at 4270 meters. From this elevated point, trekkers are treated to a stunning panorama of the Dagala mountain range and a distant view of Thimphu to the north. Following this, the trail descends steeply through lush forests, leading to the Goemba and the charming village of Talakha, located at 3080 meters. This section of the trek showcases a mix of breathtaking landscapes and serene natural beauty.
The day’s hike covers a distance of 8 kilometers and takes approximately 6–7 hours, with an ascent of 180 meters and a descent of 1100 meters.
End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite in Talakha.
Day 07. Talakha – Chamgang – Thimphu (End of Dagala trek Bhutan) | 6 Km | Hike: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
The final day of the Dagala Trek begins with a steep downhill walk to Chamgang (2640 meters), where your vehicle will be waiting to pick you up. This section of the trek covers a distance of 6 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours, with a descent of 440 meters.
Upon completion of the trek, drive back to Thimphu for lunch and a well-deserved rest at the hotel. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the administrative center and home to Bhutan’s central monastic body. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude 2334 m.
Start the morning with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then, explore the tallest sitting Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang, standing 51.5 meters tall. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu’s oldest monastery built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo, and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal, believed to be a mix of a cow and goat. Enjoy the scenic Sangaygang Viewpoint, offering stunning views of Thimphu Valley, and visit Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries.
Have lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum, an immersive cultural experience. In the afternoon, visit the Painting School, which showcases Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. End the day witnessing an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, Bhutan’s national sport.
Conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours.
In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha Valley, stopping at Dochu La Pass (3140 m) to enjoy the breathtaking view of the higher Himalayas. Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, holds historical significance.
On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman.” The temple is affectionately called the “Temple of Fertility” as Drukpa Kuenley used humor, songs, and unconventional behavior to spread his teachings of salvation through sex.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, the venue for the annual Punakha Festival, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monk body.
In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 10. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan adventure. Farewell and safe travels!
FAQs - Dagala Trek.
Can I do Dagala trek in reverse direction ?
Yes, you can do Dagala trek in reverse direction starting from Chamgang and ending at Geynekha in lower Thimphu.
Why is Dagala trek in Bhutan called thousand lakes trek ?
There are many small and big lakes in the Dagala area fed by the melting glaciers and monsoon rain. The trekking trail passes through some of these beautiful high altutude lakes. Hence it is also called Dagala thousand lakes trek.
What is the food like in Bhutan?
Bhutanese cuisine is simple but flavorful, with a focus on rice, vegetables, meat (mainly pork, chicken, and beef), and chili. A popular dish is Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish. Tea is a staple, and butter tea is commonly consumed.
Is the riding pony included in the Dagala Trek cost ?
You have to pay separately for riding pony @ US $ 10 and is not included in the Dagala Trek cost mentioned above.
What should I pack for a tour in Bhutan?
Pack modest, comfortable clothing for visiting monasteries and temples. In the cooler months, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop, especially in the highlands. It’s also advisable to carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
What to pack for a trek
- Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season).
- Strong comfortable trekking boots.
- Sunscreen.
- Flash light.
- Rain coat.
- Headgear / hat / cap; sun and rain protection.
- Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
- Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
- Lots of socks.
- Warm clothes.
- Sunglasses.
Optional items:
- Head gear.
- Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
- One towel.
- Wet – packed tissue paper.
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