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Dodena-to-Chagri-Monastery-Hike-in-Thimphu:

​​​​​​Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside of Begana village before reaching Dodena. It is located 16 km away from Thimphu town and takes about 45 minutes to reach here. After crossing the gushing milky river on one of the oldest wooden cantilever bridges in Bhutan, enjoy your hike through the off-beaten tracks leading to the tranquil surrounding of the hilltop monastery where monks and wildlife mingle freely.

The hike is steep but there are big trees to give us shade and ease the hike.  As we ascend we may encounter various species of birds, commonly Laughing Thrust, Eurasia Nut Cracker, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughing Thrush, Fire capped Tit, Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrushes, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and White-collared Blackbirds. This hike would be a treat to bird and nature lovers.

The name Chagri has been derived from “Cha” which means “Iron” and “Ri” meaning “mountain”. It was established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1620 as per the prophecy that says; “At the belt of the mountain that looks like a heart there will emerge meditation retreats that will liberate beings from suffering”; now it is a place of retreat for monks undergoing their three years, three months and three days retreat. The monastery was built around the spot where Phajo Drugom Zhigpo meditated three centuries earlier.  

Dodena-to-Chagri-Monastery-Hike-in-Thimphu
Sakten Wildlife Sanctuary