Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is off the beaten track; you will probably encounter no other trekkers along the way. It’s not particularly demanding (despite a few steep climbs), and most trekking days are short. The route is best walked in April and late September through October. However, snow in the high country can often block out the route, compelling you to return.

Its 29 km drive from Thimphu to the Junction of an unpaved road, which crawls up 8km to a Basic Health Unit (BHU) at Khoma, high above the Geynitsang Chhu at 2850m. The trail head lies another 3km ahead at the suspension bridge in Geynizampa.

Summary

A short trek near Thimphu, to a number of lovely, high-altitude lakes (far fewer, however, than the name Suggests).

The Trek at a Glance

Duration: 5 Days
Max Elevation: 4520/4720m
Difficulty: Medium
Season: April to June, September to
November
Start: Geynizampa
Finish: Thimphu
Access Towns: Thimphu

Day-1: Geynizampa (2,850m) to Gur (3290m)

5km. 4 hours – (550m ascent, 60m decent)
Crossing the suspension bridge, the trail turns south along the east side of the Geynitsang Chhu (river left) to a side stream, the Dolungu Chhu. Cross the stream on a wooden bridge and start uphill on an eroded trail through oak forests. Currently used only by yak herders, woodcutters and a handful of trekkers, this trail was once a major trading route between Thimphu and Dagana, headquarters of Dagana Dzongkhag. This accounts for the walls, well-crafted stone staircases and other developments along portions of the route.
A long climb leads to an outstanding lookout point at 3220m. The ascent is now gentler, and the trail climbs to the top of the ridge where it makes a hairpin turn at 3350m. The way to the campsite is an inconspicuous path that leads off the trail here, going southward through the forest to Gur, a mid yak pastures 3290m.

(Dinner & Overnight at the Camp

Day-2: Gur(3290m) Labatamba (4300m)

12km. 5 hours (1040m ascent, 110m descent.)
Climb back from camp to the main trail and continue gently up the ridge on a wide track. A long, stiff climb through blue pines leads to a rocky outcrop where the vegetation changes to spruces, dead firs and larches. The trail traverses into a side valley, crosses a stream at 3870m and begins a long, gentle climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons, weaving in and out of side valleys and crossing several tiny streams. At Pangalabtsa, a pass marked by cairns at 4250m, there is a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. This is prime yak country, with numerous herders’ camp scattered across the broad Labatamba valley. Descend from the pass to the first herders hut at 4170m and traverse around the head of a small valley to the main valley floor. Climb beside a stream to Labatamba, a camp at 4300m near Utsho Lake, a beautiful high-altitude tsho (lake) with a thriving population of golden trout. The area near lakes bursts with alpine wildflowers in September. There are numerous other pretty lakes in the vicinity, and you could schedule an extra day here to explore them.

Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.

Day-3: Labatamba (4300m) to Panka (4,000m)

8km. 6-7 hours (260m ascent, 520m Descent )
There are two possible routes ahead, and pack animals will take the lower one. The trail here is undefined (more of a cross-country traverse), and climbs along the western side of the Dajatsho lake to a saddle at 4520m, with good mountain views. If you want a better view, you could scramble to the top of a 4720m peak to the east. From the pass, the trail descends past several herders’ camp before dropping to the Dochha Chhu, rejoining the lower trail at about 4200m. Subsequently, it climbs over three ridges and descends to Panka at 4000m. Water is scarce here during spring, and it may thus be necessary to descend to an alternative camp 20 minutes below.

(Dinner & Overnight at the camp)

Day-4: Panka (4000m)- Talakha (3080m)

8km. 5-6hours (180m Ascent, 1100m Descent.)
The route leads north to a crest at 4100m, where several trails lead off in different directions. The trail to Talakha climbs steeply up a slate slope to the ruins of a house. From here, it is a long traverse to Tale La at 4180m, which offers a view of the Dagala range and Thimphu, far away to the north. Finally, it’s a long descent- first through a mixed forest of spruce, birch, juniper and rhododendron, and then through bamboo to the goemba at Talakha (3080m)

(Dinner & Overnight at the Camp)

Day-5: Talakha(3080m) – Chamgang(2640m)

6km. 3hours (0m Ascent, 440m Descents.)
There is a road passing just below the goemba, and you can choose to end your trek here by requesting a 4WD pick-up. However, it’s a rough and bumpy ride to Simtokha, so it’s better to walk three hours down the road, taking a few short cuts to avoid switchbacks, and reach Chamgang at 2640m, where you can meet your vehicle. There is an alternate trail that leads to Simtokha, but it is steep and eroded, with numerous apple orchard fences standing in the way, and is best avoided.

(Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel)