Introduction
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the pristine landscapes of Bhutan with the Dagala Trek, a 11-day adventure that promises an immersive experience in the heart of the Himalayas. Your adventure begins in Thimphu, where you’ll explore the vibrant capital city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and the National Library. As you venture deeper into Bhutan’s wilderness, the trek takes you through picturesque villages, alpine meadows adorned with colorful flowers, and serene lakes, including the Utsho lake famous for golden trout. You’ll have the chance to witness the stunning Himalayan range, encounter unique wildlife like Himalayan Monal Pheasants, and explore cultural gems like Punakha Dzong and Taktsang Monastery. This journey is a blend of nature, culture, and adventure, providing an unforgettable experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Day 01: Delhi/Bangkok/Kathmandu – Thimphu
Destiny Bhutan staff will greet you upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000ft), transfer to Thimphu. At Thimphu check in Hotel and after lunch visit memorial Chorten built in the memory of Lt. His Majesty the King by Royal Queen Mother and drive to Buddha point, from where you can see the entire Thimphu valley. Evening scroll in the town. O/N Hotel
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Drive down to viewpoint from where you have magnificent view of Thimphu valley; visit National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, Folk Heritage museum where you can see the typical Bhutanese house and their way lifestyle and school of arts & craft (Painting School).
Afternoon visit weekend vegetable market, drive around the Parliament house, if time permit visit the house and have eyed view of King’s Palace and SARC building. O/N Hotel
Day 03: Thimphu – Khoma/Genekha (13 kms/5 hrs)
Drive towards the confluence at a junction 26 kms from Thimphu and follow the feeder road to Khoma and then to Genekha. Camp alongside a stream. Alt. 2800m.
Day 04: Genekha – Gur. (7 kms/5 hrs)
Cross the suspension bridge, then, steep climb to a saddle at 3200m and further to Gur at 3350m
Day 05: Gur – Labatama (12 kms/6 hrs)
It is a stiff climb up the ridge amidst variety of alpine flowers and across meadows to a pass at 4200m., past several yak-herders camp and enter Labatama valley. Camp near the Utsho lake known for golden trout.
Day 06: Labatama – Halt
With a lot of activities including walk to numerous lakes and even do some trout fishing and if it is during the month of September, you will see plenty of alpine flowers. Alt. 4300m.
Day 07: Labatama – Pankha (8kms/4-5 hours)
It is a day to see many lakes and the whole range of Himalayas from a peak at 4700m. Himalayan Monal Pheasants are also a common sight enroute.
Day 08: Pankha – Talakha/Simtokha (12kms/8 hrs) – Wangdue/Punakha
It is another fascinating day with lots of alpine flowers, especially a variety of Blue Poppy flowers and many mountain birds. There are also good view of the mountains from the last peak of the Dagala range. Descend to Talakha monastery and further down to Simtokha.
After lunch drive to Punakha & Wangdi crossing the Dochula Pass (10,000 Ft) from where one can see beautiful view of Eastern Himalayan Range on the clear sunny day. Descend to Punakha Valley. O/N Hotel
Day 09: Punakha – Paro
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, which is the summer residence of Central Monastic body. Later visit Chime Lhakhang the temple of fertility.
Later transfer to Paro.. At Paro Check in Hotel, Evening scroll in the town. O/N Hotel
Day 10: Paro Sightseeing
Morning drive till road end point and hike to Taktsang Monastery, hike take around 3 hrs for first timer and descend to road.
Afternoon visit Kichu Monastery, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts.
Evening walk around the Ugyen Pelri Palace and the traditional wooden bridge. O/N Paro
Day 11: Paro – Delhi/Bangkok Exit
