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Dagala Thousand Lake Trek takes trekkers to Bhutan, a small Buddhist monarchy that sits on the lap of the Eastern Himalayan Range. This small nation which is often overlooked by travelers is a gem, an invaluable one, when we take into account its natural and cultural beauty. This beautiful obscured country has so much to offer to visitors with its abundant natural and cultural treasures. Dagala Thousand Lake Trek is one of the most popular treks that take travelers on a journey that allows them to savor the mesmerizing beauty of the Thousand Lakes of Bhutan along with the cultural, religious, and traditional enigmas of the nation.
Dagala Thousand Lake Trek is an exhilarating trek that can be done in Bhutan. The trek spans 8 days where 5 days are spent on the trail and the rest of them are spent exploring the cultural beauty of the Paro and Thimphu. The trek is graded as moderately challenging as it requires trekkers to trek through high-altitude passes with multiple days of camping at higher elevation areas. Dagala Thousand Lake is an ideal trek for all those adventurer travelers who seek to quench their thirst for exploration of the pristine land of Bhutan. This arduous thus rewarding trek will push your physical limits to the edge, and challenge you to surpass your limitations. With every twist and turn, ascending and descending you will be rewarded with the pristine and un-savored beauty of Bhutan.
With some beforehand cautions and instructions properly followed, the Dagala Thousand Lake trek can be completed by even a novice trekker. Just a few weeks of preparation will be enough to complete this rewarding trek.
Dagala Thousand Lake offers trekkers unsurpassed adventure and exploration opportunities. Before the trek begins, on the day of your arrival you will get a chance to witness the cultural, traditional, and religious beauty of Paro city. Then after, on the trail, you will be confronted with the verdant forest, enchanting landscapes, bucolic villages, and pristine lakes.
Dagala Thousand Lakes is the largest collection of glacial lakes at such a high altitude above 4,100 meters or 13,451 feet. These pristine water bodies are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hold religious significance, these lakes are revered by locals and are places of worship. Because of the presence of a large number of glacial lakes, the place is called Glacial Lake. Along with the mesmerizing sighting of a large number of glacial lakes trekkers will pass through several high-altitude passes like Pangalabtsa La (4,252m/13,950ft) and Tale La (4,182m/13,720ft). From Pangalabtsa one can observe Mt. Kanchenjunga of Nepal and Jumolhari of Bhutan, both prominent and tall mountains amongst all.
Along the way you will also get to pass through ancient ruins of fortresses and villages, and herding settlements, providing you hints in your attempt to understand the history of Bhutan. If you are lucky enough you will also get glimpses of the wildlife of Bhutan. Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, which means it sequesters more atmospheric carbon than it emits, thanks to its lush forest which occupies 60% of the nation’s land mass.
Varied flora and fauna that flourish in Bhutan are distinct and unique. You will pass through lush forest, and beautiful valleys beneath hills and travel along gushing rivers originating from glaciers. As you penetrate through low-altitude forests and enter high-altitude regions you will be in constant espionage of ginormous hills surrounding the whole trail. Trekkers will get to see the lifestyle of people living in the remotest region of Bhutan. Dagala Thousand Lake Package also consists of a city sightseeing tour of Paro and either Thimphu or Punakha, making sure that your visit to Bhutan is not devoid of cultural exploration.
This Dagala Thousand Lake trek will take you on a voyage to disclose the beauty of the eastern mountains of Thimphu and the obscured glacial in the vicinity of Labatamba campsite. You will get to visit beautiful Dzong and Monasteries in Paro and Thimphu. While on the trail you will come across Gur Campsite, Labatamba Pass, a collection of a large number of Glacial lakes, Tele La Pass, Talakha Peak and unblemished villages like Genikha, Chamgana, and many fascinating cultural and natural sites.
All in all, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is an ultimate, moderately challenging, and one of the most rewarding treks done in Bhutan. Get on board with Breakfree Adventures in this mesmerizing trek of a lifetime. Savor the natural and cultural flavors of Bhutan, and let Breakfree Adventures serve you these delicacies. We at Breakfree Adventures are pioneers when it comes to operating trekking and tours in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With an experience of almost double decades, you guarantee yourself an optimum adventure and comprehensive exploration with every booked trek and tour with Breakfree Adventures. Call us at +977 9851014557 or email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek or any services we provide.
Dagala Thousand Lake Trek is one of the most praised treks done in the whole of Bhutan. All thanks to its enchanting trail that passes through several mesmerizing terrains, villages, and landmarks that make this trek a special one. After the trekker is chauffeured to Genikha village in a vehicle the walk part of the trek begins. From Genikha trekkers will trek laterally before descending toward the river. After crossing the river, they will have to ascend through thick forest to get to Gur Campsite the first checkpoint of the trek. The next day following the trail, trekkers will hike through the mountain ridge and cross the Panglabtsa pass to reach Labatamba. The astounding view of mountain vista stretching to the distant horizon will surely astonish every person without any doubt. Labatamba is a checkpoint where trekkers will spend two nights, one being an acclimatizing day.
Close to the Labatamba Campsite, there are numerous glacial lakes. These pristine lakes are formed by the corrosion of the glacier on the land, and then the depression made by corrosion is filled by the melting glacier/ice or snow. After spending two nights on Labatamba trekker will resume the trek for completion. Then again traversing through the mountain ridge trekkers will get to Panaka Campsite, another checkpoint. Conclusively from Panaka, you will trek to Chamgana from where a vehicle will drive you to Thimphu. Next day trekkers will be taken on an exploration of Thimphu and later in the evening, driven to Paro.
This above-mentioned is a simplified explanation of the route of the Dagala Thousand Lake Trek. For more details regarding the route and trail, you can check the detailed itinerary.
Paro City
Paro is the first city any tourist will encounter, who are flying in Bhutan. This city has the only international airport found in Bhutan. The Paro city has luxurious hotels equipped with all the modern amenities. There are also newly constructed tourist establishments that can be found in Paro. Along with this modern establishment, the architecture of Paro City carries its bucolic beauty. Resembling the Tibetan form of architecture, the buildings, houses, and monasteries are beautifully constructed and never fail to allure visitors.
Paro Taktsang, one of the most important monasteries for Vajrayana Buddhists holding high religious significance, is situated 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles away from the heart of the city. Kitchu, Drugyel, Paro Dzong, Sangchoekhor, Tachog Temple, Tenchen Choeling Nunnery, Gorana, Kila Goenpa, Tsheto Goenpa, Dzongdra kha, Bumdra, Dangkala, Tara monastery, Kuenga Choling Goenpa, Tachog Temple and many other religious sites can be found in Paro. The presence of these religious sites makes Paro City a major attraction site, which a tourist must visit during their Bhutan Visit.
Thimphu City
Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan is situated between Paro and Punakha city. It is also the administrative capital of Bhutan. Surrounded by hills on both sides Thimphu Chu River flows piercing the capital. You can observe people working in farms and fields in Thimphu and get glimpses of the lifestyle of Bhutanese people. Thimphu is characterized by the presence of Dzong and Monasteries established in and around the city. Tashichhoe Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, Tango Monastery, Dechen Phodrang Monastery, and Cheri Monastery are prominent ones amongst many others. Buddha Dordenma is a religious complex, where one can find 59 meters/169-foot tall Buddha statue. This Buddha Statue is believed to have been constructed to fulfill the prophecy. All in all, Thimphu is a beautiful capital, where a tourist can immerse themselves in an exploration of the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of local people.
Labatamba Pass and Tale La Pass
Labatamba Pass and Tale La Pass are two high-altitude passes that one will cross through during the Dugala Thousand Lake pass. Labatamba pass appears earlier during the trek and is elevated 4,320 meters or 14,173 feet above sea level. One can spot a tall mountain vista that stretches to the distant horizon. Mt Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, and many other prominent tall mountains can be spotted from Labatamba Pass.
Similarly, Tale La pass will be reached later during the trek but before reaching the apex of Talakha Peak. From Tale La pass one can observe mesmerizing Dagala Mountain vista where earlier visited glacial lake is situated. Crossing Tale la pass will get trekkers towards civilization through Chamgana.
Thousand Lakes
Thousand Lakes are a geographical landmark at Labatamba where one can find numerous glacial lakes. These lakes are formed by glacial corrosion on land, and later on, these depressions are filled with melting glaciers or ice or snow. These pristine glacial lakes reflect the unblemished beauty of Bhutan. During the winter season, the lake is frozen, however, during summer the lake water sparkles as the sunlight hits its clear and reflective surface.
Dagala Thousand Lake Trek might not be a piece of cake everyone might like. It is moderately challenging requiring endurance and stamina from trekkers. If you are determined and focused on doing this trek then, even if you are an amateur and have never done a high altitude trek we can assist you to complete this trek. The trail passes through two high-altitude mountain passes, Pangalabtsa La Pass at an elevation of 4,320 meters or 14,173 feet, and Tale La Pass at an elevation of 4,180 meters or 13,713 feet. Traversing through such a high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which is why our guides will be monitoring your blood oxygen level routinely and act promptly in case of any issue. If you are a true nature aesthete who appreciates the beauty of mountains, rustic villages, verdant forests, and prowess of nature then, trust us Dagala Thousand Lake is calling you to relish its overflowing beauty and charisma.
Apart from the exploration of natural wonders, cultural enigma, and the adventure of a lifetime, trekking with Breakfree Adventures will allow you a stress-free trekking experience. Breakfree Adventures will be dealing with arrangements and possible issues that might occur during the trek. Our diligent team of experts will make sure that you will have the best trekking experience with us. Our experienced guides, cognizant of the terrain and all its adversities will address any of your queries regarding the geography, culture of the region, and the trek itself.
We at Breakfree Adventures are always on our marks to resolve your questions regarding the service we provide. Our responsive communication team will reach out to you as soon as possible with answers if not immediately. Breakfree Adventures has successfully established itself as a name to be reckoned with in this industry. With over 15 years of experience in satisfying clients with travel and tour services, we are more eager than ever to serve more clients. You can find us at Trip Advisor and see for yourself reviews left by the invaluable clients we have served here and decide by yourself.
After a 1.5 – 2 hour scenic flight overlooking the Himalayas, you will land in the beautiful city of Paro. Nestled among the hill ridges expanding from the northern mountains, Paro is the largest valley in the entire Bhutan, due to which only the international airport of the country was established here. Our tour operator will be waiting at the airport to welcome you to the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.
After lunch at Paro town, our guide will take you on the exploration of beautiful Paro City. You can visit sites like Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Dzong Drakha Temple, Drukgyal Dzong, Zuri Dzong Fort, Tago Lhakhang, Drak Po, etc. Depending upon the available time and your preference our guide will take you to visit above mentioned place. If you arrive at Paro during the weekend, you will get an opportunity to visit Paro Weekend Market, where people from surrounding localities come to Paro to sell and buy goods. Exploration of Paro City, indubitably is going to familiarize you with the vibrant culture, rich history, mesmerizing arts, and reverend religious beliefs of the Bhutanese people.
After your day excursion, you will get to your hotel at Paro where you will spend your night and prepare yourself for the next day’s trek.
After you have a hearty breakfast, you will be driven off to Thimpu. The Paro-Thimphu highway initially stretches along the Paro Chu River and from the amalgamation point with Thimphu Chu it stretches along Thimphu Chu.
Before reaching the bustling city of Thimphu, you will be stopping to visit a couple of beautiful places. The Buddha Point is where you can find a 51.5 meter/169 feet tall statue of Buddha and also gives you a comprehensive view of Thimphu. Subsequently, you will be taken for an exploration of King Memorial Chorten, Farmer’s Market, Folk Heritage Museum, and Tashicho Dzong, in Thimpu all with their unique charm and beauty.
Dzongs, Monasteries, Markets, and other monuments reflect the vibrant culture and history of Bhutanese people. The exploration of such sites will reveal to visitors the otherwise concealed beauty of Bhutan its people and culture.
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is where you will wake up in the morning. From the window of your bedroom, you will get another glance at the city, its streets, people, and surroundings, a rather different perspective from the previous day’s tour. Without further ado, you will embark on the beautiful Dagala Thousand Lake Trek.
From Thimphu, you will be driven to Genikha, from where the trek is going to begin. Traveling on the tortuous and narrow roads passing through rustic villages you will reach Genikha. From Genikha trekkers will start putting some strain on their legs. The first part of the trek will be descent until reaching a small stream which trekkers will have to cross. Then comes the ascent, the climb will be through lush Pine Forest which will get thinner and thinner upon approaching Gur Campsite. The last stretch of the hike is through open hill terrain along the ridge of the hill, which will provide trekkers with a wonderful sightseeing opportunity of the surrounding landscape.
Later the camp will be set on Gur Campsite, where trekkers will be spending the night.
The hike today is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire trek. It will take trekkers from the Gur Campsite to the Labatamba Campsite. The convoy traveling to Labatamba campsite will pass through Pangalabtsa pass sitting at an elevation of 4,430 meters or 14,534 feet above sea level. From Pangalabtsa hikers will get a mesmerizing view of tall and prominent mountain vistas on the distant horizon. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jumolhari, and many other mountain peaks along with enchanting views of surrounding hills and landscape become prominent and avoidable. The trek will embezzle the tiredness of every hiker and provide an insatiable sightseeing experience.
The trail will be mostly rocky and a bit more arduous than that of the previous day. Also, there won’t be any vegetation, as the trail is way above tree line elevation.
After reaching Labatamba the camp will be set and because it would probably be late evening by the time trekkers reach Labatamba, there would be no excursion of the nearby region for the day. Trekkers will spend the night at the Labatamba Campsite.
Gaining significant elevation in a relatively short period can cause altitude sickness, so to prevent that from happening the 3rd day on the trail is separated as a rest and exploration day at Labatamba. Nearby Labatamba Campsite there are numerous pristine glacial lakes which trekkers will explore today day. Reli Tsho, SeTsho, HenTsho, and JageTsho are prominent lakes found in Labatamba. Several small and unnamed water bodies can also be spotted in and around Jomo Peak and Labatamba but the center stage is occupied by earlier mentioned lakes. Trekkers can fish trout in these lakes as these lakes have a healthy trout population. We will acquire the required permits that will allow trekkers to fish in these lakes. Sitting by the side of these beautiful lakes trekkers will have their lunch surrounded by green pastures.
The ambiance of Labatamba is unfound in the chaos and clangor of the city, at Labatamba one will coalesce with nature and savor the enchanting beauty of it.
Overnight at camp in Labatamba.
Trekkers will wake up at Labatamba Campsite surrounded by green pastures and beautiful hills on all sides. Wildflowers blooming throughout the green pastures accentuate the beauty of Labatamba even more, making it seem as if it’s a part of something that’s out of the world.
After having breakfast of caught trout (obviously if lucky), trekkers will continue the trek. The trail will leave beautiful Labatamba heading towards Pangkha Campsite. The hike today is quite easy and short but the trail is quite rocky in some sections which requires more caution from trekkers.
The trail exits Labatamba campsite through the western side of Dala Tsho Lake. The trail then descends before traversing laterally along the hillside finally reaching Panka Campsite. The entirety of the trial provides unparalleled sightseeing opportunities. Trekkers will be able to catch sight of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, and many other tall peaks in the vicinity of the Eastern Himalayas.
Upon reaching Panka, a camp will be set up which will accommodate trekkers during the night.
Waking up to the fresh air of Panka and being able to spot majestic mountain peaks, just imagine what a beautiful morning it will be. The trek today will take the trekkers from nature to civilization and it is an easy hike as well.
Our team members will prepare breakfast and lunch which will fuel the day hike and after having the breakfast the hike will resume the trek.
The trail stretches laterally along the side of the hill. As the trail loses elevation vegetation starts to reappear. Ascend to Talakha Peak, a hill providing a picturesque view of Thimphu, mountain peaks, and nearby landscape, is an exquisite vantage point. Before reaching Talakha peak trekkers will have to pass several passes exiting one section of landscapes and entering another.
Throughout the day hike, trekkers will get to observe the beautiful blooming Blue Poppy which is the national flower of Bhutan.
From the Talakha hilltop, hikers will descend toward Talakha Goempa through a thick forest of Birch, Juniper, Rhododendron, and spruce. Talakha Goempa is an important cultural site which was built in the 15th century. The influence of Tibetan architecture is prominent in Talakha Goempa which points towards the intertwined history, culture, and religion of Bhutan with Tibet. From Talakha Goempa Trekkers will descend to Chamgana village from where a vehicle will drive our trekkers to the designated hotel at Thimphu.
On the 8th day of the trek, you will be driven to Paro via Thimphu-Paro Highway.
Your final day in Bhutan will be on Paro. Getting an opportunity to trek, visit, and observe the hidden beauty of Bhutan is in itself a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many people regret not having booked a longer stay, but we Breakfree Adventures will do our best to extract all the juices from your beautiful 11 days in Bhutan.
Depending upon your flight time you will be dropped off at the International Airport three hours before you depart for check-in formalities. Our representative will be there assisting you, bidding you farewell, and wishing you a safe flight back home as you head back towards your homeland with unforgettable experiences and tons of memories you made while exploring the untouched Himalayan gem.
At Breakfree Adventures we are always seeking ways to improve the travel and trekking experiences of our clients. We want to provide the best service at an unbeatable price.
All our hands are on deck to make your travel and trekking in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan an experience to last a lifetime. You are a call/email away from booking The Best Holiday with us.
The itinerary mentioned and explained above is standard. Depending upon your requirements and need we can tweak things here and there to either shorten or lengthen the duration of your Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Please contact us at: [email protected] or call +977-9851014557 for more information regarding the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek.
We also operated private trips.
Bhutan in an attempt to preserve its culture and nature had secluded itself from the outer world for the majority of the 20th century. It was only in 1974, that Bhutan was opened for the tourist to visit. The attempt was successful. Bhutan hasn’t been spoiled by external influence either culturally or naturally. It is the only country in the world that is carbon-negative. The culture, religion, and tradition are also unblemished.
Bhutan emphasizes on “High Impact, Low Volume” tourism policy. Due to this, the visa acquisition process is also a bit complicated and expensive. You have to book a tour with government government-registered tour company, to obtain your visit visa. You will be accompanied by a touring guide throughout the tour so that it will be well-regulated. Due to the rather complicated visa process and expensive pricing, tours to Bhutan are often overlooked which has resulted in it being less visited.
Well, another question that might appear on a tourist’s mind before traveling to a country with a monarchy is, “Is it safe?”. The simple answer to that question is Yes! Bhutan is very safe. Bhutan is a democratic nation, with the King being the Head of the state and executive power exercised by a cabinet led by the Prime Minister. As we have already mentioned Bhutan intends to preserve its nature and culture, and tours are well-regulated. So, as long as you don’t break the rules, don’t offend the locals, hamper the natural resources, and follow your guide your tour to Bhutan will be the safest tour. We suggest our clients do research regarding Bhutan before booking a tour so that if there is some specific place you want to visit that might not have been included in the tour itinerary you can make a special request. We will check the feasibility of that activity and do our best to fulfill your requirements.
Breakfree Adventures also operates other highly rated Bhutan tours and trekking such as the Bhutan Highlights Tour, Jumolhari Circuit Trek, Dagala Thousand Lake Trek, Punakha Tshechu Festival Tour, Enter The Dragon Tour, etc.
Since the Dagala Thousand Lake Trek is moderately challenging, trekkers are required to be physically fit. It is not essential to have a previous high-altitude trek, however, you should be able to walk for 5-6 hours daily with rest in between for rest, hydration, and meals. If you can’t walk for 5-6 hours you will have to build up stamina. Going on morning and evening walks, doing regular exercise, going on nearby short hikes, and taking good care of nutrition for 2-3 months can help you achieve essential physical ability. Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek trail passes through two high-altitude passes; Pangalabtsa La Pass and Tale La Pass both of which are above 4,150 meters or 13,615 feet. If you have previous experience of high-altitude trekking, it will be an advantage for you. There will always be a risk of altitude sickness while trekking above 3,500 meters or 11,482 feet, considering that we have provided training and vocational sessions regarding the prevention and dealing with altitude sickness. Our guides also will be measuring your blood oxygen levels regularly throughout the trek, to detect earlier signs of altitude sickness and act accordingly. To learn more about altitude sickness click here.
It depends upon if you are doing the trek privately with our support staff or joining a group. A private trek will cost more whereas joining a fixed group departure will cut down the cost. The trekking cost includes all our services from your personal and experienced trek guide, yak, or mules to carry your luggage, all camping equipment (personal tents/toilet tent/dining tent), and supporting staff (kitchen crew & all kitchen equipment).
Below are some points which you need to consider before your travel to Bhutan.
Traveling to Bhutan takes you to beautiful Buddhist monasteries and huge dzong fortresses, and see the vibrant cultural heritage and the mystic mountains. Here are 10 things you know before traveling to Bhutan.
Flights to Bhutan massively depend on the weather conditions. Flights aren’t operated in poor weather conditions or at night, so there can be delays or flight cancellations. Paro airport is especially dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000 ft. Keep necessities with you through any possible delays or unexpected stop-overs.
Accidents might happen due to the poor road conditions of Bhutan. Always wear your seat belt and driving by night isn’t suggested since roads are poorly lit and have many blind corners. If you have booked your trip with a travel agent, you will already have a car with a driver, so you don’t have to drive. Don’t leave your valuables inside the car when parking near tourist sites or villages.
B-Mobile SIM and Tashi Cell are the two mobile network provider companies in Bhutan. Your guide can help you get a SIM Card on arrival. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities but connectivity might be touch-and-go.
A dzong or monastery is a sacred site for Bhutanese so you need to dress appropriately. Don’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or notice if your jacket is unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or T-shirts are allowed inside. Make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.
Only the major towns have ATMs. Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank, and Druk Punjab National Bank are the three banks that accept foreign credit cards. You can withdraw cash from an ATM (Visa or MasterCard) but beware of the fees. You can exchange foreign currency for Nu, Bhutanese currency. USD 100 has a higher exchange rate compared to lower denomination bills.
Tiger’s Nest is closer to Paro town and is the most popular visited site in Bhutan among foreigners. It’s the most sacred Buddhist site located at 10,000 ft above sea level and was built in 1692. It can be reached upon 20 minutes drive from Paro to its base then hike above for about 4-5 hours. Using hiking boots and a walking pole will help the walk. Drink lots of water during the hike. Alternatively, you can also take a pony ride until halfway, as it is also too steep to walk for ponies.
You can travel to Bhutan through only the registered travel agency which shall provide you with a guide throughout your tour. Bhutan is in a remote location so having a guide to accompany you and also connect with the locals is a good idea and also important to enjoy your Bhutan journey.
Bhutanese food is spicy but delicious too. Bhutan’s most popular food is Ema Datshi which is rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese and usually with chilies, too. You can try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with chilies and radish. Dumplings or momos are everywhere in Bhutan if you love them. If none of these sounds appetizing, you can try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.
Ara is the traditional beverage in Bhutan which is a hot, highly alcoholic drink. It is also the national drink of Bhutan. The drink is made with yak butter, and eggs over rice whisky which is heated and then served. Ara is normally creamy, clear, or white.
The popular route tourist follows for the Bhutan tour is to visit Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha and fly back. If you want to discover more then traveling to the southeast from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar town is the ideal choice. From Samdrup, you can also cross the border to India via the Assam plains.
The eastern side of Bhutan is rarely visited by tourists which has so much to offer with secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Localities like Trashigang and Mongar have local festivals that are far different from the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.
The citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives, and India do not require VISA to enter Bhutan. People from other countries except from Bangladesh, Maldives, and India need a VISA permit while traveling to Bhutan. The VISA processing for Bhutan requires a readable color copy of the passport via email that has at least six months of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan. The file Scan Copy should be forwarded via email in JPEG or PDF format. The passport number and picture of the applicant should be visible in the e-document.
The application should be processed at least 10 days before the date of entry to Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan then issues a VISA clearance letter and fax or email it to the local travel agent. Please note that the VISA service is not offered in Bhutan, travelers have to buy a full-service package from the local tour operator. Travelers traveling by air are required to produce a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for the Druk Air flight. People traveling by land to enter Bhutan via Phuentshoking or Samdrup Jonkhar are required to produce a VISA clearance letter at the immigration center. The actual VISA is stamped in your passport on your arrival in Bhutan.
Several cities have direct flights to Bhutan. There are two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines running the flights to Bhutan. Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan. With its fleet of Airbuses A319-115 and ATR 42, the airlines fly from different Asian countries to the Paro International Airport, Paro (PBH); which is only the international airport in Bhutan. There are daily direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Paro International Airport.
The flights from Indian cities to Paro International Airport with the airport name and their codes are listed below:
Likewise, flights from other countries to Bhutan with the codes are as follows:
Note: The flight schedule and timings are subject to change. If you want to know more about the flight schedules and tour to Bhutan please feel free to contact us. We can also help to find you the cheapest fares available.
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan lies in south Asia between China and India. Climate and weather vary according to the altitude, season, and place of visit. Bhutan is open all year around for visitors but it is better to make the travel arrangements as per your preference and nature of visit.
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and Autumn/fall (September-November). These are considered to be the best times to visit Bhutan to get the maximum adventure and trouble-free experience. Summer and winter also have their specialties that could draw the attention of tourists during these seasons. During the spring the weather mostly remains clear and the climate is fantastic. It is also the best time to visit for nature lovers to experience the mystifying beauty of nature. Varieties of flowers and plants bloom in this season which makes your adventure an exotic one. The route opens for Dagala Thousand Lake treks from mid-April to May.
Summer (June-August) on the other hand could get tricky at times due to the early arrival of monsoon. The month of June would be great for traveling if the monsoon is pushed further. Usually, the monsoon is in full swing by early July. Travelers who would strive to get some trekking experience on the muddy trails while witnessing swollen rivers, green forests, and flourishing paddy fields could choose late summer to plan their adventure. The view of the open clear blue sky after the rain is something that strikes you with its mystifying beauty.
Fall (September-November) is another favorable and crowded season after spring. The weather gets mild despite cold mornings and evenings. Tourists from all around the world thong to Bhutan during this season to witness Black-Necked-Crane festival. The month of October has its significance and the valley turns into a shade of gold as the farmers prepare to harvest their rice crops during this month.
The winter season (December to February) is not that crowded with tourists in comparison to other seasons. Planning your adventure during the winter could be a better idea if you want to avoid the hustle-bustle of the peak season. During the winter Bhutan may see some snowfall. The temperature level goes down (even below freezing point) during some winter days.
Bhutan lies in South Asia between China and India in the Himalayas, weather in Bhutan depends upon the altitude. In the northern parts of the country where mountains rise to 7,000m/22,965ft, weather conditions are similar to arctic. Southwards, closer to India, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cool in winter. The monsoon rains are usually heavy. Winters can be a good time to visit the lower parts, but then the highest areas are freezing.
The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March) and autumn (late September – November) when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny but always throw in a couple of warm clothes into your traveling gear when you travel to Bhutan regardless of the season.
Bring your clothes according to the season and region of your travel. Based on your activity and the weather, you can make quick adjustments, by putting on more clothing if it is cold or taking off layers as it warms up. In the summertime, days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, light cotton clothing is recommended for the daytime. But in most of the tourist and trekking areas, light woolen clothes for evenings and heavy woolen / down jackets for winter are necessary. A waterproof windbreaker is important for trekking and outdoor activities.
You have a lot of opportunities to walk around in Bhutan, you will be glad you wore sturdy shoes that keep your feet comfortable. Good shoes will let you explore the rural and allow you to have a long day walk. Bring sandals or slip-ons to take off easily when entering temples.
Wear particularly conservative clothing in the towns, women should wear long pants or long skirts, men should wear long pants and shorts are not appropriate for anyone. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even three-quarter-length capri pants are not acceptable for women.
Be prepared for an occasional shower. A folding umbrella is a good idea to bring with you.
Hat, Sunglass, Sunscreen & lip protection.
The sun can be scorching in Bhutan. Be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout your day.
Other requirements:
