Gagala lake Trek

Sept. 20, 2025, to : Oct. 2, 2025
12 Days


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Description

The 13-day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking tour gives you an amazing opportunity to trek through the region with an array of pristine crystal sparkling lakes and remote villages of the Bhutanese nestled in the mountains. It is one of a lifetime experience for you to indulge yourself in the impressive vistas of the entire Himalayan mountain and several highest peaks in the world – Mt. Everest, Masang Gang, Jomolhari, and many more.

Features

  • This short trek near Thimphu passes through numerous picturesque high altitude lakes. It is a moderate trek with short trekking days but with few steep climbs

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Paro

    Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and escorted to your hotel after completing entry formalities. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through Paro town and its local market.
    Overnight in Paro.

     

    Day 02: Explore Paro

    • Morning excursion to Drukgyel Dzong (1646), the ruined fortress that once defended Bhutan from Tibetan invasions, with a backdrop of Mt. Chomolhari on clear days.
    • Visit a local farmhouse and the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s most sacred temples.
    • Afternoon visits include the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and a walk down to the historic Rinpung Dzong, which today houses government offices and the monastic body.
      Overnight in Paro.

     

     

    Day 03: Paro – Thimphu (55 km / 2 hrs)

    Travel alongside the Paro River to its confluence with the Thimphu River, then drive up the valley to the capital. En route, stop at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress.
    In Thimphu:

    • Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the majestic Tashichhodzong, seat of the King’s secretariat and summer residence of the central monk body.
      Evening stroll around Thimphu town.
      Overnight in Thimphu.

     

    Day 04: Discover Thimphu

    Visits may include:

    • Institute for Zorig Chusum (traditional arts & crafts school).
    • National Library, home to priceless Buddhist manuscripts.
    • Institute of Traditional Medicine (exterior view).
    • Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum.
      Afternoon: Shopping at the Handicrafts Emporium and local artisan shops.
      Evening drive to a hilltop viewpoint with prayer flags for panoramic views of the valley.
      Overnight in Thimphu.

     

    Day 05: Thimphu – Genekha (Trek Start / 14 km, 4 hrs)

    A short drive brings you to the trailhead. Trek along terraced fields and pine forests to Genekha village (2,800m), where you camp near a stream.
    Overnight camp.

     

    Day 06: Genekha – Gur (15 km, 4 hrs)

    Start the day with a gradual climb through beautiful alpine scenery. Rest at a large rock platform offering sweeping valley views before continuing to Gur, known for its abundance of wildflowers in spring.
    Overnight camp.

     

    Day 07: Gur – Labatama (12 km, 5 hrs)

    Cross meadows and high ridges with stunning vistas of the Dagala range. Lunch at a yak herder’s camp, then continue to Yutsho Lake, home to golden trout.
    Overnight camp near the lake.

     

    Day 08: Labatama Excursion

    Day hike to the sacred lakes Relitsho, Hentsho, and Jamatsho, each with unique legends. Optional trout fishing.
    Overnight camp.

     

    Day 09: Labatama Extension Hike

    Choose from:

    • Trek to Setsho and Jagetsho Lakes, or
    • Summit Jomo Peak (5,050m) for breathtaking Himalayan views.
      Packed lunch en route. Return to camp in the evening.
      Overnight camp.

     

    Day 10: Labatama – Panka (8 km, 4 hrs)

    A short ascent followed by a scenic descent, with panoramic views of peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masagang, and Gangchenta. Birdlife, especially the Himalayan monal, is commonly spotted.
    Overnight camp at Panka.

     

    Day 11: Panka – Talekha (8 km, 4 hrs)

    Cross several picturesque mountain passes, often dotted with blue poppies (June–July). After lunch, continue to a ridge overlooking Thimphu Valley before descending to Talekha Monastery.
    Overnight camp.

     

    Day 12: Talekha – Thimphu – Paro (6 km / 2 hrs + drive)

    Descend through bamboo groves, wildflowers, and orchards to the roadhead. Drive to Thimphu for lunch and onward to Paro in the evening.
    Overnight in Paro.

     

    Day 13: Departure from Paro

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

     

Inclusions

  • Price Includes

    • A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
    • All meals / Tea & snacks
    • All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
    • Sightseeing with entrance fees
    • An experienced English speaking tour leader
    • Bottled water in the vehicle
    • SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees

     

    While on trek the following are included

    • Camp site Fees
    • Two person tents
    • All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
    • Eating utensils  
    • Foam mattresses
    • Dining & toilet tents
    • Pack Ponies to transport equipment

Exclusion

  • Price Excludes

    • Flights
    • Travel & Health Insurance
    • Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.

Additional information

Cancellation policy

Price Details

    Package Days Group Size Tour Price/day SDF/day Total per Person
    Standard (3★) 14 Solo 3570 1400 2,170
    Standard (3★) 14 2 pax 400 - 5600 200 - 2800 2,800
    Standard (3★) 14 3+ pax 600 - 8400 300 - 4200 4200
    Standard (3★) 10 Solo 2550 1000 1,550

    Details Tips

      23 Essential Tips for Visiting Bhutan

      1. Independent Travel

      Tour operators are still recommended for treks and festivals. SDF is $100/day until Aug 2027, with discounts for kids.

      2. Travel Insurance

      Not required, but highly recommended.

      3. Book Early

      Especially for festivals and treks in spring or autumn.

      4. Flights

      Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro. You can also enter overland from India.

      5. Carbon-Negative Country

      Bhutan maintains over 60% forest coverage.

      6. Safety

      Bhutan is extremely safe, even for solo female travelers.

      7. Vaccines

      No required shots, but stay current and consider rabies/Japanese encephalitis for long trips.

      8. Altitude

      Acclimatize properly. Save Tiger’s Nest for later in your trip.

      9. Medical Essentials

      Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, Diamox, and Dramamine.

      10. Healthcare

      Traditional and Western treatments available.

      11. Food

      Try local spicy dishes like ema datse.

      12. Water

      Don’t drink tap water—use bottled or boiled.

      13. Etiquette

      Say "Kuzu zangpo la", dress modestly, and bow instead of shaking hands.

      14. Tipping

      Appreciated for guides and trek crews, but not mandatory.

      15. Nightlife

      Thimphu has live music, clubs, and bars.

      16. Smoking

      Legal, but be discreet. Cannabis is illegal.

      17. Beliefs

      Local myths and spiritual symbols are part of the culture—keep an open mind.

      18. Clothing

      Pack layers, hiking boots, and consider wearing traditional dress.

      19. Money

      Bring cash. Use goBoB or MyPay for digital payments.

      20. SIM & Wi-Fi

      Buy a local SIM or rent pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.

      21. Religious Sites

      Be respectful—remove shoes, dress properly, and walk clockwise.

      22. Bargaining

      Prices are usually fixed. Don’t haggle aggressively.

      23. Festival Calendar

      Use the lunar calendar to plan your visit for tsechus and other events.

    23 Essential Tips for Visiting Bhutan

    1. Independent Travel

    Tour operators are still recommended for treks and festivals. SDF is $100/day until Aug 2027, with discounts for kids.

    2. Travel Insurance

    Not required, but highly recommended.

    3. Book Early

    Especially for festivals and treks in spring or autumn.

    4. Flights

    Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro. You can also enter overland from India.

    5. Carbon-Negative Country

    Bhutan maintains over 60% forest coverage.

    6. Safety

    Bhutan is extremely safe, even for solo female travelers.

    7. Vaccines

    No required shots, but stay current and consider rabies/Japanese encephalitis for long trips.

    8. Altitude

    Acclimatize properly. Save Tiger’s Nest for later in your trip.

    9. Medical Essentials

    Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, Diamox, and Dramamine.

    10. Healthcare

    Traditional and Western treatments available.

    11. Food

    Try local spicy dishes like ema datse.

    12. Water

    Don’t drink tap water—use bottled or boiled.

    13. Etiquette

    Say "Kuzu zangpo la", dress modestly, and bow instead of shaking hands.

    14. Tipping

    Appreciated for guides and trek crews, but not mandatory.

    15. Nightlife

    Thimphu has live music, clubs, and bars.

    16. Smoking

    Legal, but be discreet. Cannabis is illegal.

    17. Beliefs

    Local myths and spiritual symbols are part of the culture—keep an open mind.

    18. Clothing

    Pack layers, hiking boots, and consider wearing traditional dress.

    19. Money

    Bring cash. Use goBoB or MyPay for digital payments.

    20. SIM & Wi-Fi

    Buy a local SIM or rent pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.

    21. Religious Sites

    Be respectful—remove shoes, dress properly, and walk clockwise.

    22. Bargaining

    Prices are usually fixed. Don’t haggle aggressively.

    23. Festival Calendar

    Use the lunar calendar to plan your visit for tsechus and other events.