Trip Overview
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture Tour is one of the most interesting short and off-the-beaten-path trekking routes in Bhutan, offering a great combination of culture and nature in a 10 days trip. While there may not be exactly thousands of lakes now, as the name suggests, it connects you to the local legends and myths about how it used to be the place with actual thousands of tranquil lakes in picturesque settings.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture Tour Itinerary of 10 days begins with your arrival at Paro; thereafter, you visit several cultural, historical, and natural landmarks, some even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is among the very rare opportunities to witness the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan. Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Thimphu (the capital city of Bhutan), and more—it is worth everything.
Mostly rugged and unspoiled, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with Culture Trip Itinerary is a fascinating journey into the unknown, a journey that is designed for adventurers keen to have an amazing insight into Bhutan’s rich culture, history, and nature. We are offering fixed departures in the spring and autumn of 2026 and 2027. Bookings are now open. Reserve your seat and enjoy exclusive discounts.
For early birds and groups with more than 10 members, we are offering a special discount on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture Tour Cost, valid for the years 2026 and 2027. Otherwise also, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with Culture Trip cost is reasonable, with coverage for all the essential logistics, including permits, lodges, meals, and transportation during trek days.
What to expect during the trek to Dagala Thousand Lakes and the Culture Tour?
Reaching the maximum elevation at around 4,300 m above sea level in Labatamba, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with the cultural trip is for individuals looking forward to exploring the hidden gems of Bhutan with a moderately high-altitude trek. Stealing glances at some of the major tops of the world, the primary goal is to arrive at the sacred lakes, where the visit to Paro, Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong, and Thimphu adds much to the experience.
Bhutan, also called the land of the Thunder Dragon, i.e., Druk Yul in the local Dzongkha, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with Culture Tour provides you an opportunity to visit the country's most cherished highlights. Suitable for a wide range of adventurers, including families with children and aged members, it is not necessarily extremely demanding; it is instead a pleasurable journey from start to end, especially with operators who are licensed for it.
One of the least trodden trekking routes of Bhutan
Despite the well-established trekking route fully supported by local lodges and camping staff from local and government-listed Bhutan trek and tour operators such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Hiking Trail remains one route that receives a relatively lesser number of tourists, trekkers, and travelers throughout the year, including during spring and autumn, considered the peak tourist season.
It has also allowed this part of Bhutan to conserve its authentic culture, customs, and traditions. Quiter, you have a perfect ambience to embrace the raw and genuine natural and cultural charms. Originally an ancient cattle migration route that features high-altitude ridges and alpine meadows, you can still observe the life of nomadic yak herders and locals leading a simple life engaged in agriculture as such seen during the Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, and Upper Dolpo Treks in Nepal.
Epic mountain views on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Hiking
Especially when you walk towards and reach the Dagala Thousand Lakes, you can witness views of several mountains opening up. On clear days, you can see Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Ganache Ta standing proudly against the blue sky. Above the alpine meadows, serene lakes, yak pastures, and typical Bhutanese-style villages, these peaks further magnify the scenery, with picture-perfect views making it a rewarding journey overall.
On day 6, you head to Panka from Labatamba, where you can expect the sweeping Himalayan views. Besides Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Ganache Ta, you are treated to visual delights of Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/the highest mountain in the world), Mt. Kanchenjunga (the third highest), Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang, Mt. Khangbum, and others, a paradise for snow-capped mountain enthusiasts.
The series of pristine sacred lakes at high altitude in Bhutan
Labatamba Valley, home to a cluster of alpine lakes, is the main highlight of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Hiking with Cultural Trip. An extra buffer day is separated here to explore the valley and its lakes. Although there might not be exactly 1,000 of these lakes, they are held highly sacred by locals following Vajrayana Buddhism. Reflecting dramatic mountain scenery, some may even make offerings and pray.
Utsho Tsho, Relitsho, Setsho, Hentsho, and Jagetsho: locals believe it to be the abode of Aum Jomo, the protective goddess of the Dagala range, a perfect place to seek divine self-reflection for those who keep faith in Buddhism, the religion of peace and non-violence. Each lake possesses magic of its own to remember for life, among which Utsho Tsho is further famous for its golden trout, yet another highlight of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek.
Bhutanese authentic culture and its cultural sites
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking Itinerary of 10 days for cultural tours does not conclude here; you also get to visit numerous cultural, historical, and religious sites like Tiger’s Nest, Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Also called Taktsang Monastery, it receives thousands of pilgrims each year due to its belief in being the meditation ground of Guru Rinpoche, the Buddhist spiritual leader.
Likewise, Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and features tourist sites like the National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile Museum, and Bhutan Museum, followed by Buddha Dordenma and the historic Tashichho Dzong. Punakha is famous for Punakha Dzong, and Paro is known for the Chimi Lhakhang dedicated to the divine Madman and Lama Drukpa Kuenely; you have an enriching experience during the Dagala Thousand Lake Trek.
Encounter with a wide range of flora and fauna
Bhutan, along with being one of the countries with the highest gross national happiness, is among the few nations in the world that are carbon negative. About 60% is covered by forests; no wonder it is a haven for nature and wildlife aspirants as well. En route to completing the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking route for a culture trip, you can look forward to spotting several species of wildlife in their natural habitats.
With blue monal, sheep, marmots, Himalayan birds like the monal, and seasonal alpine flowers throughout the hiking route, you have a soulful experience. Specifically, when you camp around the Dagala Thousand Lakes away from human habitational lands, you have a high chance of coming across this wildlife during the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with Culture Trek. Travel responsibly and observe from a distance.
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture Tour Itinerary and Cost, 2026 and 2027
Based on the 10 days for the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with Culture Trip Itinerary, the journey begins with your arrival at Paro. The iconic Tiger’s Nest from Paro is only a few hours of walking that you will hike up to as part of the acclimatization to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS) on the second day. Thereafter, on the third day, you move forth to Gur, passing via Genekha Village, and from here is when you trek to Labatama.
Trekkers cross the Paga Labtsa Pass and first arrive at Utsho Tso Lake. The rest of the other lakes you will visit on the very next day: Relitsho, Setsho, Hentsho, and Jagetsho. I.e., Day 5 on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with the Culture Tour Itinerary is also dedicated to yet another acclimatization day that includes spending the night at camp, enjoying stargazing amidst the serene air guarded by majestic snow-covered mountain ranges and lush hills.
However, the trip does not stop here; you will then descend to Panka, Talikha, Thimphu, Punkha, and back to Paro to fly back to your hometown, or your next trekking destination could be the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal. With more than 20 years of experience in crafting memorable Himalayan holiday trips in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, contact us now and make the best out of the journey.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek with Culture Tour from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks is reasonably priced. Grab this golden chance to explore the unspoiled wilderness of Bhutan and its harmonious way of life. The comprehensive package, i.e., Dagala Thousand Lakes Trekking with a culture tour, promises unforgettable memories of Bhutan's unmatched landscapes and timeless charm. Limited spots available for 2026 and 2027; book now!
