8km, 5-6 hours

The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek offers a secluded adventure with stunning views of major Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Jumolhari, and Jichu Drake. This moderate trek features high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows, and traditional Bhutanese villages. After a 50-minute drive from Thimphu to Genekha, you’ll begin with a gradual ascent, resting on a scenic rock platform. The day concludes with camping near Kepchen Yak Herder’s Shed, where you might encounter semi-nomadic yak herders.

Starting elevation: ~2,800 meters. Campsite elevation: ~3,800 meters.

On today’s 12 km trek, you’ll traverse ridges and meadows adorned with rugged mountain vegetation and, in spring, vibrant carpets of flowers. The first pass, marked by a large cairn, offers panoramic views of the Dagala range and alpine meadows with yak herder camps. Lunch will be at a stone-built yak herder’s camp, where encounters with yaks and herders are common from spring to fall. After lunch, continue across hills and meadows to reach Yutsho Lake, known for its golden trout, where you’ll camp for the night.

Starting elevation: ~3,800 meters. Campsite elevation: ~4,300 meters.

8km, 5 – 6hours

After a 20-minute ascent, you’ll begin a descent from about 4,460 meters, enjoying spectacular views of the Himalayas. Your trekking leader will point out peaks such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jhomolhari, and Jowo Drake. Himalayan monal pheasants may also be spotted from a distance due to the local vegetation. You’ll camp for the night on a grassy meadow at Panka.

Campsite elevation: 4,000 meters. High pass: Approx. 4,500 meters.

14km, 8 – 9 hours

Today’s trek covers 14 km in 8 to 9 hours, crossing several impressive passes. You’ll encounter blue poppies (if trekking in June-July) and various mountain birds. After lunch at a trail junction leading to Talakha and Wangduephodrang, a gradual climb takes you to the last ridge of the Dagala range, offering stunning views of Thimphu valley. A final hour’s walk brings you to the last camp near Talakha Monastery.