Reasons Why Dagala Trek is Every Trekkers Dream
Many places in Bhutan feels so remote that you can imagine you are the first person ever to visit the vicinity. All treks in Bhutan must be arranged as camping trips because there are only few villages in the high country and no lodges or hotels in the hills or highland besides handful of homestays. All your personal gear, plus tents , kitchen and food are carried by pack horses or at higher elevations yaks.
Dagala trek is not difficult and most trekking days are short but there are some long, steep climbs. Since the trail is considered as one of the most beautiful trekking destination in Bhutan, many tourists trek during favorable season. However, during off season you will probably encounter no other trekkers except nomads living on their pastureland.
The trail is used only by yak herders, woodcutters and handful of trekkers but it was once a major trading route between Thimphu and Dagana. This accounts for walls, well crafted stones staircases and other developments along portions of the route. The trail transverses into a side valley, crosses streams through birches and varieties of rhododendrons species. As the trekkers ascends, the vegetation changes to spruces, dead firs and larches.
The six days’ trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you will be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world highest peaks including Mt Everest, Jomolhari, Masagang, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Tag and many more. During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fly fishing and resting. Its said that there are massive trout’s found in the lakes of Dagala.
While this is a 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.
Highlights
Favorable Weather- The recommended times for this trek are April and late September through October. Snow in winter and early spring often blocks the route and makes it necessary to retrace ones steps to the starting point.
Stunning Landscape - Trekkers treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world highest peaks including Mt Everest, Jomolhari, Masagang, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Tag and many more.
Campsite – the location of campsites is fascinating. One would wake up to surreal sunrise and snow capped mountain.
Home to wild Rhododendrons- The route towards Dagala is filled with varieties of Rhododendrons and other flowers like Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan are found along the trail.
Shimmering Lakes – Dagala is known for its shimmering lakes located in between the glories and rugged snow capped mountains. According to the ancient myth, its believed that in olden days, there use to be thousands of glacier lakes however with passage of time and impact of climate change, some lakes have dried up.
Nomad Huts - Trekkers will come across nomads/ highlanders living along the trekking routes on hamlets. The nomads raise Yaks at the higher altitude during summer and in winter they migrate towards southern villages. The materials used to built huts are mostly stones unlike ordinary Bhutanese houses.
For details , Watch travelogue by DrukAsia
