Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destination: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro
The 6 days Dagala botanical trek is one of the best ways to explore and study the wildflowers of Bhutan. The pristine environment and rich biodiversity of the surrounding region offers a garden growth of botanical flowers. The journey takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes with stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and if the weather is clear you will encounter some f the world’s highest peaks. While this is somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
At your arrival in the enchanting Paro valley, you will be welcomed with the traditional Bhutanese welcoming style by our tour guide and driver and after short refreshment; you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest day at leisure.
Day 02: Paro – Genekha – Gur
In the morning drive almost up to Chuzom and then take a rough 8km track up to Genekha Primary School, which marks the beginning of your adventure. The trek takes you through crossing a stream and then climb gently uphill through rich forest of oak, pine and rhododendron. The campsite lies in the area of yak pasture surrounded by blue and pink flowers that are ablaze.
Day 03: Gur – Labatamba
Today you have a tough and long trek, walking through fir, spurce, and birch and rhododendron forest. The path winds you through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers including Maconopsis bella, Maconopsis grandis, Gentiana phyllocalyx, Gentiana veitchiorum, Lomatogonium bracyantherum, Aster neolegans, Aster albescens, Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum platycarpum, Iris clarkei, Rhododendron hodgsonii, Rododendron cinnabarinum etc. Before crossing the high pass, if the weather is clear you will hava a spectacular view of several high mountain peaks including Kanchenjunga (Sikkim). Descending from the pass the trail leads you through the meadows and yak herders camp and finally takes you to your campsite right next to the lake.
Day 04: Labatamba Halt
Your day halt at Labatamba offers several opportunities where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the surrounding and mountain vegetation. As you wind through refreshing meadows, you will encounter several beautiful pristine lakes including nearby lakes like Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jana Tsho. You will also encounter several wildflowers that adorn the surrounding slopes including Primula uniflora, Cyananthus lobatus, Saussurea obvallata, Saussurea gossipiphora, Swertia multicaulis, Rhenum nobile, Plantago depressa, Rhododendron wallichii, Rhododendron setosum etc.
Day 05: Labatamba – Panka
Today in the morning hour, the trail begins with a gentle climb along the western side of the Dala Tsho that saddle at 4,520m. If the weather is clear you will have another spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks including Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, Tsherimgang, Masagang, Kangbum and Gangchenta. The trail is also surrounded by gardens of wildflowers that are in bloom including Rhododendron setosum, Lomatogonium brachyantherum, Saussurea sughoo, Gentiana veitchiorum, Gentiana phyllocalys, Meconopisis paniculata, Meconopsis grandis, Meconopsis bella, Aster himalaicus, Taraxacum officinale, Strobilanthes wallichii, Monotropa hypopithys, Saxifraga melanocentra, Iris clarkei, Euphorbia griffithii, Primula griffihii, Primula denticulate, Primula uniflora, Primula primulina, Cyananthus lobatus, Saussurea roylei, Swertia multicaulis etc.
Day 06: Panka – Talakha
Today you will cross several small passes but none of them requires a major climb. The trail takes you through passing several wildflowers that are grown abundantly in the surrounding areas. If you are careful, enough in observing the surrounding slopes there are several varieties of blue poppy including Meconopsis sherriffii, Meconopsis bella, Meconopsis grandis and Meconopsis paniculata. You will also spot different varieties of rhododendrons including Rhododendron hodgsonii, Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron cinnabarinum, Rhododendron campylocarpum, Rhododendron wallichii, Rhododendron setosum, Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron keysii, Rhododendron aeruginosum, Rhododendron triflorum, Rhododendron lepaidotum, Rhododendron lepidotum etc. You will also encounter several other beautiful wildflowers.
Day 07: Talakha – Thimphu
Today your trail takes you all the way downhill through rich forest of fir, birch and rhododendron till you reach the roadside where you will be pick up by your car and transfer to your hotel in Thimphu
Day 08: Thimphu – Paro
The affluent and vibrant capital Thimphu has been home to the Royal family and the government ministers for more than six decades. It serves as the cultural hub for ten and thousands of foreigners and locals. Well preserved cultural heritages, serene environment and easy accessibility of modern amenities are particularities that sets Thimphu apart from rest of the provinces in Bhutan. Your tour program and sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to Buddha point, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Mini-Zoo, Thimphu Dzong, Textile Museum, Weekend Vegetable Market etc. In the evening drive to Paro which is only 65km and can be negotiable within one hour.
Day 09: Hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest
We suggest you to make an early start since the hike to Taktsang Goemba is quite an uphill task and takes around 3-4 hours walk at an average speed. The Taktsang Goemba is one of the important pilgrimage sites in the entire Himalayas. It lies perched at 900m up on a cliff overlooking the valley below and is the place where Guru Rimpoche visited and meditated in the cave for three months in the 8th century. Returning back visit the historical Kyechu Lhakhang dated back to 7th century. It is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Dharma King Songtsen Gampo within a single day in the year 643. Later the place was visited by Guru Padmasambhava and hid many religious treasures and other sacred substances. It is truly worth a visit. After the temple drive to Paro town for your last day shopping buying gifts for your family and friends back at home.
Day 10: Board your flight
A sensational take-off through the scenic mountain views of the Himalayas.