Thimphu to Dagana Trek

Thimphu to Dagana Trek

TashiChhoe Dzong, Thimphu

This is 12 days Bhutan tour itinerary combined with 6 days trekking tour in Bhutan. For booking you can contact HBT. An ancient trail used by Daga Penlops (Regional Governor) to travel to Thimphu. Ruin of Daga Penlop’s guest house. The Beautiful Dagala Lakes. Telltale signs of the presence of Grizzly Bear, Rufous Hornbill, Monal Pheasants and Red-Billed Chough. Variety of wildflowers in full bloom. Thimphu to Dagana Trek can be tailored to suit your preferences, both in advance and on the ground. HBT guides are well experienced for trekking tours in Bhutan. We offer best treks in Bhutan. Enjoy the trekking tours of Bhutan. Heavenly Bhutan is trekking organizer in Bhutan. Book your Bhutan Tours with Heavenly Bhutan. Thimphu to Dagana Trek. 6 Days Thimphu to Dagana Trek.

Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 Hr)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. In the evening we will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities. Take the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong: Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built in 17th century. Visitors are open for an hour in the evening and closed during official meeting or gathering. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is located at the lower part of Motithang in upper Thimphu, on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu Town below. The main relic of Changangkha Lhakhang is the Chenrigzi in an 11 headed thousand arms manifestation. Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 03: Genekha to Gur campsite
The morning after breakfast, we will drive to the village of Genekha through narrow farm road, from where our trek begins. Geneyzampa (2850m) Northing 27° 18 48.7” Easting 89° 38 04’’to Gur (3350m) Northing 27° 17 43.2” Easting 89° 38 25.5” Distance: 3.5km Cross the suspension bridge, then keep right. Climb steeply, then more steadily, through beautiful oak forest. The trees are draped with lichen. Along the trail there are old stone steps and resting places. Indicating that it was once a busy route. At 3200m, this is Dophu Jasey Dokha, with a nice view of the valley and surrounding mountains. On top of the ridge, at about 3350m, when the trail takes a sharp corner, look for an unclear side trail going down for about 50m to a campsite, Gur. Gur is about 1000m higher than Thimphu. It takes 2 hours to get here from Geneyzampa. “Bjob- Gay-She Ru Daga La Gey PhuMey Choe” (Even as a yak herder dies of old age, he still doesn’t know the area of Dagala) Old Bhutanese saying. Distance: 7 km, Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 3,290 m

Day 04: Gur to Labatama Campsite
The trail ascends to the main trek route until we reach to Pagalabtsa la(4170m) marked by four cairns. A beautiful high-altitude landscape opens up, with a fine view of Dagala range, including some rocky peaks. On the way we can find some yak herders camp. After travelling three hours, we reach to Watshachen (4100m), a good place to stop for lunch. There is a stone house at Watshachen. It takes one hour from Watshachen to Labatama campsite. At the bottom is a beautiful big flat campsite (4050m). We can still see ruin guest house of Daga Penlop at Labatama. The next day, visitors can plan to visit to numerous lakes. A variety of wildflowers in full bloom including rhododendrons, and numerous lakes like Lang-Tsho, Tsho-Kharim, Rilang-Tsho, SerTsho, Yu-Tsho and Bjagoed-Tsho (Dagala Trail is said to have 1000 lakes) also fall along the route throughout. There is a legend for every lake. For instance, Langtsho, Bull Lake, flows down to the Sunkosh on the right side of the Dagana Dzong. The villages on the either banks of the stream that flows from the lake are mostly plagued with bull calves. Locals say only one-fourth of the total cattle birth in the villages bear female calf. Distance: 12 km, Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 4,300m

Day 05: Labatama to Tsibsaba Campsite
The trail ascends until Lawagu (4426m). After crossing Lawagu, the trail descends until we reach to Tsibsaba campsite. A steep descent follows into Dagana valley. Walk next to a small blue mountain lake, Langtsho (ox) on a well-maintained path: this has long been an important route. The path stays on the eastern slope of the mountainside and leads in a southerly direction. We can see ruin of Daga Penlop’s guesthouse. The campsite is near the ruin guest house of Daga Penlop. Distance: 11-12 km, Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 4070 m

Day 06: Tsibsaba to Wangrapang Campsite
The trail starts slight descent through shrub and rhododendron forest. The trek runs through a range of varied ecological zones ranging from dry alpine scrubs, juniper, rhododendrons, fir, spruce, hemlock, blue pine forests to warm broadleaved forests, with an altitude ranging from below 1,500m to as high as over 4,000m. We can see ruin of Daga Penlop’s guest house at Dompa and a few nomad’s camps along the trail. Wangrapang campsite will be potential spot for nature base tourism such as flora and fauna, bird watching and wildlife. Distance: 11-12 km, Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 4000 m

Day 07: Wangrapang to Kunga Campsite
The trail now leads through broadleaved forest with masses of rhododendrons, becoming denser as the day progresses. Cross yak pastures to meet a good path through rhododendron forest. The first clearing reached is Pongukha, there is a small hut in the lower part. Keep left and descent in the forest. A steep descent follows through an oak and warm broadleaved forest. A pasture with a ruined house on the right side, this is Bjitekha. Again descend steep down to Toepchu stream (1972m) through subtropical vegetation. The trail ascends slightly through the warm broadleaved forest until we reach to Kunga campsite. We need to be aware of insects, leeches, mosquitoes and snakes. Distance: 12 km, Time: 6 hours, Camp Altitude: 2100 m

Day 08: Kunga to Dagana
The trail leads through a floral paradise. Many orchids can be spotted on the trees and you are surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation. The ponies have to go other path. The path is narrow and there are many cliffs. After 5 hours of hiking you suddenly climb and get a good view of Dagana Dzong. The trek end at Shetok (1790m). Distance: 12 km, Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 1790 m

Day 09: Dagana to Punakha (3.5 hrs)
Drive through quiet and peaceful forest to Punakha. Enjoy the bird watching at Sankosh river and enjoy few minutes ride through the tunnel. The drive will pass through the construction of hydro power which might be little dusty. Cross over Punatsangchu Hydro project: Drive from Tsirang to Punakha is very scenic. You will be seeing hydro projects on the way as well. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Join the nuns for evening prayer at Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery: Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is located above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba which serves as a Shedra (Buddhist College) and meditation center scatter the grassy site, home to a small and friendly community of nuns. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Day 10: Punakha to Paro (4 Hr)
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike through the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong:  ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 11: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique which offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood, placed on a ground level in quiet hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver. Overnight in Paro

Day 12: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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