Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

This is a short trek near Thimphu .Although this trek is not difficult and short duration, you may find the climbs very steep. You will have to drive 29 km to reach the junction of the starting point. While trekking you will come across many high altitude lakes. Since this route is not popular you will not encounter many trekkers.

Day 1- Geynikha to Geynizampa(2 km. 1 hour. 150m descent)

Here you will be passing by Chortens, villages and ruins of houses. Further down you will come across a Chorten and an excellent camping site in a forest of blue pines alongside the Geynitsang chhu at 2800m. There are two villages, Zamto and Chhochhenkha, further up the village, are the destination for a day hike described in the Royal Society for the protection of Nature Mild and Mad Hikes books.

Day 2 - Geynizampa to Gur(5km. 4 hrs.550m ascent, 60m descent)

Here the trek starts by crossing a suspension bridge, then you come across a stream where you will have to cross on a log bridge and the climb uphill through a forest of oaks. This trail was once a major trading route between Thimphu and Dagana. Climbing further more the trail becomes gentler ascending towards the top of a ridge. Make a turn and you are at the campsite.

Day 3 - Gur to Labatamba (12 km. 5hrs. 1040m ascent, 110 descent)

The trek from here leads you to a different vegetation– spruces, dead firs and larches. Then it takes you through several tiny streams and then comes to a pass – Pangalabtsa. From here the whole of Dagala range can be viewed. At this point there are many Yak herders’ camps all across the Labatamba valley. Descending down and climbing beside a stream you will come to a campsite at 4300m near Utsho Tsho. There are plenty of golden trout fish.

Day 4- Labatamba to Panka (8km.6-7hrs.260m ascent, 520 descent)

The route to this trek is not so clear. However it climbs up the lake Dajatsho from where you will have a good view of the mountains. Descending down you will come across many herders’ camps. Then you come across Dochha Chhu, the trail then takes you to Panka. It is better to descend further down to camp as there is a water problem in spring.

Day 5 - Panka to Talakha (8km. 6-7 hrs. 180m ascent, 1100m descent)

This route leads to north. Then you will come across a steep slope called Talakha climbs, up to the ruins of a house. From here you will have to take a long walk to have a view of the Dagala range and of Thimphu Town. Descending further down you will come across bamboo forests and then to the goemba at Talakha (3080m).

Day 6 - Talakha to Chamgang (6 kms. 3 hrs.. 440m descent)

This steep trail leads to Simtokha where there are many apple orchards along the way. At Chamgang the motor road begins so a vehicle will be arranged to pick you up.