A serene 5-day journey through the glacial lake country south of Thimphu — hundreds of shimmering alpine lakes, vast yak pastures, and panoramic views across the Bhutanese Himalaya.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is one of Bhutan's most peaceful and visually stunning routes. Located in the highlands directly south of Thimphu, the trail winds through a remote plateau dotted with hundreds of glacial lakes — known locally as the "Thousand Lakes" — set against a backdrop of the Bhutanese Himalaya.
The maximum altitude of 4,300m makes this accessible to reasonably fit trekkers, while the route is far less crowded than the Druk Path. Yak herders from the Dagala community use this high pasture seasonally, and encounters with these semi-nomadic families are one of the trek's true highlights.
Clear days bring superb views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak, as well as Jumolhari and Jichu Drake to the northwest. This is an excellent choice for trekkers who want solitude, stunning scenery, and authentic highland culture — all within reach of Thimphu.
Drive from Thimphu to the trailhead at Chamgang (1,800m), then begin ascending through dense oak and blue pine forest along the Dagala ridge. The first camp at Geynizampa sits in an open meadow with the first glimpses of the lake plateau above. A stream-side campsite with good views back toward Thimphu.
The trail climbs steadily from forest into open highland terrain. As the trees give way to rolling grassland, the first of the Dagala lakes appear — small mirror-clear pools reflecting the sky. Camp at Labatamba beside a larger lake with views of the surrounding peaks. Yak herder camps are often visible on the slopes above.
A dedicated exploration day on the lake plateau — the heart of the "Thousand Lakes" landscape. Walk from lake to lake across this extraordinary high-altitude terrain, reaching the day's highest point at 4,300m. The plateau stretches in every direction, studded with dozens of lakes of different sizes and colours. Brown trout can be seen in the clearer pools. Return to camp at Labatamba.
Begin the descent from the plateau, following a different ridge route south toward the Talakha monastery — a remote 9th-century temple perched at 3,080m above the Thimphu valley. The descent passes through a transition from alpine meadow back to rhododendron and fir forest. The monastery itself is a peaceful, rarely visited gem with incredible views across the valley.
The final descent through forest brings the Thimphu valley into view. A vehicle meets the group at the trailhead for the short transfer into town. Afternoon free to explore Thimphu — the Buddha Dordenma, the weekend Centenary Farmers Market, or simply a well-earned hot meal and rest after five days in the highlands.