DAGANA TREK
The Dagana Trek, a newly established route for tourists, follows the ancient trade route between Thimphu and Dagana. This trail, less known and largely undisturbed, winds through a verdant paradise rich in wildlife and isolated villages. Trekking down to Dagana reveals an impressively diverse and rugged landscape, with a well-paved trail that remains untouched by modern development and seldom visited by Westerners. The journey begins at the southern end of the Thimphu Valley, where trekkers embark on a gentle ascent to high altitudes before descending through densely forested territories. These forests are home to wild tigers, leopards, and bears, providing a thrilling backdrop of Bhutan’s untamed wilderness. The Dagana Trek offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing adventurers to explore untouched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The ancient trade route, with its historical significance and unspoiled scenery, offers a sense of stepping back in time, away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. As trekkers traverse this path, they encounter the pristine beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes and the tranquillity of its remote villages, making the Dagana Trek an ideal choice for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. This trek, with its blend of natural splendour, rich wildlife, and historical intrigue, promises an unforgettable adventure through one of Bhutan’s most secluded and captivating regions.
Trip Details
Embark on the breathtaking Dagana Trek, a six-day high-altitude adventure in Bhutan, offering scenic views of farmhouses, settlements, and apple orchards. Encounter fertile valleys, remote monasteries, and colorful prayer flags fluttering along mountain passes. With panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and enchanting high-altitude lakes, this trek blends natural splendor with cultural heritage, promising an unforgettable journey.
Duration
11 Days 10 Nights
Group Size
Minimum 03 Members
Trip Type
Adventure, Nature, Landscaping, Trekking and Culture Trip
Include
The tour prices cover a multitude of benefits, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Included are accommodations in premium hotels, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your stay. Transportation is provided for the entire itinerary, allowing you to travel with ease and convenience. Meals featuring authentic local cuisine are included, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary delights. Additionally, entrance fees to select sites are covered, eliminating the hassle of purchasing tickets. The expertise of knowledgeable guides is also provided, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of each location you visit. This comprehensive package ensures a worry-free and memorable journey.
- Rate inclusive of all three meals both local and continental healthy cuisine.
- Rate inclusive of all accommodation [three-star hotels with double/twin sharing basis]
- Rate inclusive of air-conditioned tourist standard transportation.
- Rate inclusive of local tour English-speaking licensed guide on all your sightseeing tours.
- Rate inclusive of extensive choices of flexible comprehensive tour itineraries.
- Rate inclusive of Bhutan Government Royalty fees of $ 100 per person per nights.
- Rate inclusive of all entry fees, museum fees and historical attraction fees.
- Rate inclusive of all applicable taxes – BST 10%, Service Charge 10%
- Rate inclusive of one-time visa fee of USD 40.
- Rate inclusive of airport arrival and departure transfer in Bhutan.
- Rate inclusive of arrival refreshments.
- Rate inclusive of one bottle mineral water each a day.
- Rate inclusive of a small farewell gift on the day of departure.
- Rate inclusive of one-time cultural program for group exceedingly above 7 members.
- Rate inclusive of support team consists of qualified guide, cook, and several assistants.
- Rate inclusive of ponies and yaks used on trek are accompanied by their owners.
- Rate inclusive of dinning tent, toilet tent, dome or A-frame sleeping tent (twin-sharing), mattress, foldable tables & chairs, plates & washing bowl.
- Rate inclusive of basic First Aid kit box.
Exclude
Regrettably, certain elements are not encompassed in our Bhutan packages, necessitating clients to cover additional expenses independently. These include international airfare, which clients need to arrange on their own, and travel insurance, which is essential for covering any unforeseen incidents. Personal expenditures such as souvenirs, extra meals, and other incidental costs are also not included. Additionally, entrance fees to specific attractions are not covered, requiring clients to pay these separately. Clients must ensure they are prepared to bear these costs beyond the package provisions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
- Rate does not include incoming & outgoing Bhutan airfares and airport taxes.
- Rate does not include drinks and alcohols and non- alcoholic beverage.
- Rate does not include guides speaking language other than English.
- Rate does not include expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, potter, telephone/fax calls, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any insurance etc
- Rate does not include extra expenses or loss due to nature and un-foreseen events beyond the control of our management.
- Rate does not include any service outside Bhutan.
- Rate does not include onetime bank transfer charge of USD 45.
- Rate does not include tipping to guide, driver etc.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Journey where sacred and sublime seamlessly intertwine, immersing you in its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes.
2250M
Up on your arrival at Paro, your tour guide will greet you and your team and then transfer to hotel. After the short break drive to explore the enchanting Paro valley. Your half-day sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to Rinpung Dzong located on a small hillock just above the town. Visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower of Rinpung Dzong) now converted into a National Museum. From the museum you then drive to visit the Dumtse Lhakhang, located just outside of town. In the evening stroll around the town.
2950M I 04KM I 04HRS
Early start drives to the Tiger’s Nest base and hike to the goemba. Hike up to Taktshang Goemba is quite an uphill task and takes around 3-4 hours at an average speed. According to legend Ugyen Guru visited Taktshang in the 8th century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress. He meditated for three months in the cave donning his terrifying form of Guru Dorji Droloe subjugating the evil spirit. After exploring Tiger’s Nest, you then trace you way back following same path. Drive to visit the historical Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple is one of the first and oldest temple in Bhutan, dating back to 7th century. Later drive to your hotel.
CAMPSITE: 3300M I 07KM I 04HRS
After your leisurely breakfast in the hotel drive to the remote village of Gyenekha under Thimphu district. After taking the main road you then take the farm road for another 8km up to Gyenekha primary school. From the school a short descent takes you to the small riverbank where you will meet with your trekking team. Your adventure begins from this riverbank. The first day of the trek covers only 7km beginning with crossing the suspension bridge and gradually ascending uphill until you reach your campsite at Gur. The campsite is known for its winter pasturing ground for yaks, lies amongst abundance of wildflowers and surrounded by giant fig and juniper forest.
CAMPSITE: 4300M I 12KM I 07HRS
Today your trail winds you through fir, spurce, birch and rhododendron forest. The trail begins with an uphill task till you reach Pagalaptsa pass (4250m). From here you will walk through gentle slope whiles enjoying the affordable view of the rugged mountain vegetation. Appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the far end view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and other Himalayan Mountain peaks. As you continue you will sight yaks and yak herders stone house alone the trail with impressive view of the surrounding landscape. Your campsite is located close to Utsho Lake – a lake well known for golden trout.
CAMPSITE: 3870M I 06HRS
Leaving camp you the cross a small river. From here your trek gradually ascend for an hour to a cairn. On clear day you will enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Kangchenjunga. Leaving the pass you will reach the beautiful Langtsho (Ox) Lake and you then gradually ascend to Lawagu Pass (4200m). From the top you will have the breathtaking view of Mt. Jomolhari and the surrounding mountain peaks. From the pass you descend down to an open pasture. Continue downhill trail and in one hour you reach your campsite in an open pasture next to an old Daga Penlop (governor) guesthouse.
CAMPSITE: 2900M I 05-06HRS
Your trail begins with a slightly descent through rich forest of rhododendron. Continue downhill through rich forest of fir, rhododendron, spruce, hemlock and blue pine forest and gradually enter the warm broadleaved forest. The path is good but at some point, you will encounter muddy and wet trail. En-route you will encounter herds of yaks and horses. Your leisurely descend finally takes you to a large open meadow which is the perfect place for camping.
CAMPSITE: 2100M I 05HRS
Your trail begins with a downhill walk-through broadleaf forest, which become denser as you progress. Soon you will reach a small stream, crossing the stream the trail ascends a steep uphill for a short while and then continue through dense forest. You eventually reach your campsite at Kunga.
1790M I 07HRS
Leaving your camp climb a bit to catch the main trail. As you process you really get a sense of being in the wild jungle, seeing wealth of colorful birds, monkeys and hopefully deer. As you continue you will soon meet up a water pipeline to Dagana, which runs parallel to your trail. After a short walk you eventually emerge at the road-head, the end of the trail. At your early arrival at Dagana make a short visit to the Dagana Dzong built in 1655. After the dzong drive to your hotel.
2320M I 06HRS
Early hotel checks out drive to Thimphu. Arrival Punakha make a quick visit to Punakha Dzong. The dzong saddles on the confluence of two rivers and resemble a giant battleship. This extremely impressive fortress was built as far back as 1637. En route stop to visit the Chemi Lhakhang atop a small hillock. It is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the road head, through cultivated field and up a gentle slope. After exploring the temple drive to Thimphu.
2250M I 55KM I 01HR
Before you depart to Paro explore the sight and sound this capital has to offer. Thimphu is unlike most capital city of the world. There are no high-rise buildings and no traffic lights because of low traffic density. Your sightseeing includes a visit to Kuensel Phodrang, Paper Factory, National Memorial Stupa, Changangkha Lhakhang and the weekend vegetable market. Visit the Trashichhoedzong, can visited only after 5pm or after office hour. It is in its present incarnation and was consecrated as late as 1969. This dzong is truly a visual delight. Later drive to Paro.
After your leisurely breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport and depart to your onward destination. Here at the airport, you bid adieu to your helpful Bhutanese guide and driver.
BOOK THIS TRIP NOW
If you’re pleased with the itinerary, seize the opportunity and book now to revel in the divine beauty of Bhutan.