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Dagala Trek

Tour Overview : Dagala Trek

The Dagala trek in Bhutan starts near Thimphu to a large number of scenic high altitude glacial lakes. It is easy and most trekking days are short but there are some long steep climbs. It starts from Khoma (near Thimphu) and ends at Chamgang, Thimphu. On a clear day in winter and spring, you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga in India. The highest altitude on Dagala trek is 4300 m and the difficulty level is moderate. Total distance covered is 41 km.
The best time for Dagala trek in Bhutan: March – May & mid September – mid December.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro airport, your guide will receive you and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, visit to Ta dzong built in 1656 which now houses the national museum of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the evening, visit to a Bhutanese farmhouse. 

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, a short drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hours hike till the Paro Taktsang monastery. The primary temple was built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tigress, Dorji Drolo. This trail is also a part of the beautiful Bumdra trek. Afternoon – visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. In the evening, explore Paro town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Geynikha (1 ½ hours). On the way, view Tamchog monastery built in 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo. We drive further to Genekha. The road passes through the villages of Bama and Chizhi. We disembark at Gyenekha and walk past Tsochekha village. After lunch, we hike to Gur crossing a suspension bridge through oak forest famous for its mushrooms. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Distance: 7 km, walking time: 4 Hours, campsite altitude: 3290 

We pass though several herders camps enroute to the foot of the broad Labatamba valley at 4300 m near Utso lake. There are so many lakes in the vicinity. Camp near the lake at 4300 m. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance: 12 Km, time: 5 hours, ascent: 1040 m, descent: 110 m.

The trail climbs along the western side of the lake at 4500 m, where there are good mountain views. From the pass there is a steep descent to another lake at 4350 m. A short distance beyond the lake leads to the valley and then to Panka at 4000 m. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance 8 km, time: 6-7 hours, ascent: 260 m, descent: 520 m.

We then climbs along the side of the ridge to a crest at 4270 m. From here there is a view of the Dagala range and a view of Thimphu, far to the north. It is then a long descent through forests to the Goemba and village of Talakha (3080 m).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walking distance: 8 km, time: 6-7 hours, ascent: 180 m, descent: 1100 m.

Walk downhill on a steep trail to Chamgang (2640 m) from where the vehicle will pick you up. End of the Dagala trek Bhutan and drive to Thimphu.

Walking distance: 6 Km, time: 3 hours, descent: 440 m. After lunch, rest in the hotel. In the evening, visit to the Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Dinner and over night in Hotel.

– The tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
– Changangkha lhakhang, the oldest monastery in Thimphu built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
– Takin preserve center, a mini zoo that houses Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. It is believed to be a mix of a cow and goat.
– Sangay gang view point from where you can enjoy the view of Thimphu valley below.
– Dupthop lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum.

Afternoon – Visit to painting school (the school of 13 arts and crafts).

In the evening, witness archery match at Changlimithang.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of second king of Bhutan. On the way, visit to the Dochula pass (3140 m) with its well arranged 108 Stupas. 

– Visit Chimi Lhakhang (The temple of fertility) built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as “The divine madman”. He travelled throughout Bhutan and Tibet as Yogi using songs and humor to spread his teachings of salvation through sex. Afternoon, visit to Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. In the evening, we drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. Tashi Delek.

What's Included in Package

  • Bhutan visa fee
  • Government royalty & taxes
  • Dedicated English speaking tour guide
  • Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
  • 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included in Package

  • Flights to and from Bhutan
  • Personal expense/shopping
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
  • Travel insurance
  • Entry fees to parks and monuments
  • Tips for guide and driver

Visas are required for travelling to Bhutan, and applications are processed through Truly Shangri-La Travels Company in Conjunction with tour.

Advance tour payment in full for your entire tour must be sent to Truly Shangri-La travels by bank transfer at least 30 days in advance to conform your reservation. For more detail mail us at info@trulyshangri-La

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