Trip Overview

The Daga La trek is regarded as one of the best treks in Bhutan which gives you the opportunity to be a part of a high altitude trek in the Himalayas. If you wish to witness untouched Bhutan and its fascinating natural beauty then this trek won’t disappoint you.

While being a part of this trek, you’ll also get the chance to walk through pristine valleys, age-old monasteries, river streams and also camp by the beautiful lakes. Throughout the duration of the trek you will be captivated by the magnificent views of snowy giants like Tshering Gang, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Gangche Ta, Jomolhari, etc.

This 7/8 days trek will have varying difficulty levels but can be completed by inexperienced trekkers as well. The prerequisite for the trek is good physical health and stamina.

The best part about this trek is that apart from the magnificent views of the snow-clad mountains and natural beauty all round, you’ll also pass different Bhutanese villages, attractive meadows and bird rich areas.

Itinerary

Day 1

You arrive at Paro International Airport and once you complete the formalities like customs and immigration, the Bhutan Excursions guide will receive you and take you to your hotel.

The beautiful town of Paro will immediately grab your attention with its breathtaking natural beauty as well as plethora of old monasteries and temples. Savor the views of Mt. Jomolhari towards the northern part of the valley while you prepare yourself to explore this little town.

Sightseeing will include the below mentioned places:

Rinpung Dzong

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in the year 1646 and he is believed to be the first temporal and spiritual leader of Bhutan. The place still serves as a monastic body, district court and seat of district administration. Walk along the Nemi Zam, a cantilever bridge that offers stunning views of the architecture of this Dzong and transport yourself back to time thinking of the ancient warriors who used to walk on the same. 

Kyichu Lhakhang

Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples – Jowo Temple of Kyichu which was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Also pay a visit to the Guru Temple which is located adjacent to the Jowo Temple and was built by HM Kesang Choden Wangchuk.

It is believed that the couple of orange trees located in Kyichu Lhakhang’s courtyard bear fruit all over the year.

After that, it’s time to stroll along the streets of Paro and experience the sights, smell and sounds of this charming town. You’ll find people working, doing their chores and walking the streets in traditional Bhutanese attire. You can also indulge is some souvenir shopping.

Paro is located at an altitude of 2300m and you will be staying overnight in a hotel.

Day 2

Tiger’s Nest Hike

On the 2nd day, you’ll be visiting the famous Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Built into a cliff face just above the valley of Paro, it is a wonder that attracts people from different parts of the world. According to legend, Padmasambhava, a Tibetan Buddhist saint flew across the snowy Himalayas on a tiger’s back and reached here, bringing the wisdom of Buddhism to this land. The trail to this monastery is something to cherish with beautiful prayer flags and pine forest.

After the visit to Tiger’s Nest, you’ll be guided further up where you’ll find temples on the hilltop. It would be a heavenly experience with all the silence and immaculate beauty surrounding you from all the sides. Spend some time in meditation and experience the bliss within.

While coming back, you’ll be guided through a different route that will take you through rhododendrons and oaks adorned with Spanish mosses.

Walking Time: Approx 6 hours

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Paro

Day 3

On the 3rd day you’ll be driven to the village of Geynekha from where you’ll start the trek. Almost all the villages located in this region are famous for chanterelle and matsutake mushrooms. Walk through terraced fields, and enjoy the views that stretch to infinity. After walking a distance, it’s time for a short descent which is again followed by two hours of uphill climb. You reach a big rock platform from where you can see the entire valley. Continuing the trek for another 2 hours which will take you to Gur where you’ll camp for the night.

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 4

Make the most of your trek by walking along the rugged mountain vegetation. During spring time, you’ll be greeted by wild flowers and wild asparagus. Once you reach the first pass, you will be mesmerized by the views of the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga along with several other Bhutanese peaks. Once you descend from the pass, expect an entire view of the Dagala range along with Yak herder’s camp and meadows. After descending into the Labatama Valley, you will walk past few Yak herders’ huts and reach Utsho Tsho (4300m). You’ll camp for the night by the lake where golden trout are available in plenty.    

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 5

The trail that you take on the 5th day goes along Dala Tsho’s western side to a saddle (4520m). From here you can watch the Himalayan peaks like Jichu Drake, Kanchenjunga, Tsenda Gang, Gangchhenta and Masang Gang. If you are an adventurous soul, you can also climb up the peak (4720m) to get better views of the Himalayan giants. Now you start descending to Doccha Chuu. Following a river, you will climb higher till you reach Panka. Keep a lookout for the Himalayan Monal which is quite frequent in this area.

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 6

On the 6th of the trek, you’ll be crossing several passes but it won’t require you to do some major climbing. The last pass, Tale La is located at an altitude of 4180m and from there you start a long decent till you reach Talakha Goempa. You will walk through pine forest and arrive at the motorable road in Changang (2640m) from where you will be transported to Thimphu.      

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7

Spend the day exploring the beautiful capital of the country which is also home to the Royal Family of Bhutan and the seat of the government. Places you’ll explore in Thimphu:

Motithang Takin Preserve

Walk along the road towards the telecom tower to a big fenced area that once used to be a zoo. However, considering the religious and environmental convictions of the country, all animals were released into the wild. But, the national animal of the country, the takins refused to wander into the wild and roamed the streets in search of food. Since there was no way, they were again put back into zoo. If you want to see this animal, visit the zoo early in the morning when they come near the fence

Buddha Dordenma Statue

The total height of this statue is 51.5m which makes it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The entire statue is made of bronze and coated in gold. There are 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha which have been placed within the main Buddha Dordenma statue (100,000 statues – 8 inch tall and 25,000 - 12 inch tall). The throne of Buddha is actually a large meditation hall.

Located in the Kuenselphrodang Nature Park, the Buddha statue fulfills an ancient prophecy and is believed to emanate happiness and peace to the world.

Tashichhodzong

Originally built in the year 1641, the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’ was rebuilt in the 1960s by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. It is the seat of Royal Government of the country that reflects the people and the culture of this amazing land.

Weaving Center

Textile in Bhutan is a form of spiritual expression and art. Developed over centuries, the handlooms are a pure reflection of the distinctive identity of the country. Cloth as well as readymade are garments are available to choose from. You can also get to see the weavers at work and have a chat with them.

Day 8

Departure

After you complete your breakfast, you’ll be dropped at the airport by the representative of Bhutan Excursions. It’s time to bid goodbye and very soon the legendary Dragon Kingdom will disappear from your sight and remain etched in your memory forever.          

Included

  • The government’s fixed rate of $250 is charged to all which includes:
  • Accommodation (twin-sharing basis)
  • Expert leadership
  • Transport
  • Meals        
  • Activities
  • Tax

A surcharge is applicable in case the group size is less than 3. For 2 people, it is $30 per night and for solo traveler, it is $40 per night.

Excluded

  • Air Fare
  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses
  • Medical Insurance

Good to Know

The trek would be a wonderful opportunity for you to explore untouched and pristine Bhutan and explore some of its hidden gems. In the event that you’re unable to join the trek because of adverse circumstances, take a look at the cancellation policy:

  • Cancellation within 30 days before the start of the program, 30% will be deducted from the total amount.
  • Cancellation within 21 days before the start of the program, 50% of the total amount will be deducted.
  • Cancellation post arrival in Bhutan or after the commencement of the program you will be liable to pay 100% penalty, which means no refund.

Itinerary

Day 1

You arrive at Paro International Airport and once you complete the formalities like customs and immigration, the Bhutan Excursions guide will receive you and take you to your hotel.

The beautiful town of Paro will immediately grab your attention with its breathtaking natural beauty as well as plethora of old monasteries and temples. Savor the views of Mt. Jomolhari towards the northern part of the valley while you prepare yourself to explore this little town.

Sightseeing will include the below mentioned places:

Rinpung Dzong

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in the year 1646 and he is believed to be the first temporal and spiritual leader of Bhutan. The place still serves as a monastic body, district court and seat of district administration. Walk along the Nemi Zam, a cantilever bridge that offers stunning views of the architecture of this Dzong and transport yourself back to time thinking of the ancient warriors who used to walk on the same. 

Kyichu Lhakhang

Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples – Jowo Temple of Kyichu which was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Also pay a visit to the Guru Temple which is located adjacent to the Jowo Temple and was built by HM Kesang Choden Wangchuk.

It is believed that the couple of orange trees located in Kyichu Lhakhang’s courtyard bear fruit all over the year.

After that, it’s time to stroll along the streets of Paro and experience the sights, smell and sounds of this charming town. You’ll find people working, doing their chores and walking the streets in traditional Bhutanese attire. You can also indulge is some souvenir shopping.

Paro is located at an altitude of 2300m and you will be staying overnight in a hotel.

Day 2

Tiger’s Nest Hike

On the 2nd day, you’ll be visiting the famous Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Built into a cliff face just above the valley of Paro, it is a wonder that attracts people from different parts of the world. According to legend, Padmasambhava, a Tibetan Buddhist saint flew across the snowy Himalayas on a tiger’s back and reached here, bringing the wisdom of Buddhism to this land. The trail to this monastery is something to cherish with beautiful prayer flags and pine forest.

After the visit to Tiger’s Nest, you’ll be guided further up where you’ll find temples on the hilltop. It would be a heavenly experience with all the silence and immaculate beauty surrounding you from all the sides. Spend some time in meditation and experience the bliss within.

While coming back, you’ll be guided through a different route that will take you through rhododendrons and oaks adorned with Spanish mosses.

Walking Time: Approx 6 hours

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Paro

Day 3

On the 3rd day you’ll be driven to the village of Geynekha from where you’ll start the trek. Almost all the villages located in this region are famous for chanterelle and matsutake mushrooms. Walk through terraced fields, and enjoy the views that stretch to infinity. After walking a distance, it’s time for a short descent which is again followed by two hours of uphill climb. You reach a big rock platform from where you can see the entire valley. Continuing the trek for another 2 hours which will take you to Gur where you’ll camp for the night.

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 4

Make the most of your trek by walking along the rugged mountain vegetation. During spring time, you’ll be greeted by wild flowers and wild asparagus. Once you reach the first pass, you will be mesmerized by the views of the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga along with several other Bhutanese peaks. Once you descend from the pass, expect an entire view of the Dagala range along with Yak herder’s camp and meadows. After descending into the Labatama Valley, you will walk past few Yak herders’ huts and reach Utsho Tsho (4300m). You’ll camp for the night by the lake where golden trout are available in plenty.    

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 5

The trail that you take on the 5th day goes along Dala Tsho’s western side to a saddle (4520m). From here you can watch the Himalayan peaks like Jichu Drake, Kanchenjunga, Tsenda Gang, Gangchhenta and Masang Gang. If you are an adventurous soul, you can also climb up the peak (4720m) to get better views of the Himalayan giants. Now you start descending to Doccha Chuu. Following a river, you will climb higher till you reach Panka. Keep a lookout for the Himalayan Monal which is quite frequent in this area.

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Day 6

On the 6th of the trek, you’ll be crossing several passes but it won’t require you to do some major climbing. The last pass, Tale La is located at an altitude of 4180m and from there you start a long decent till you reach Talakha Goempa. You will walk through pine forest and arrive at the motorable road in Changang (2640m) from where you will be transported to Thimphu.      

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7

Spend the day exploring the beautiful capital of the country which is also home to the Royal Family of Bhutan and the seat of the government. Places you’ll explore in Thimphu:

Motithang Takin Preserve

Walk along the road towards the telecom tower to a big fenced area that once used to be a zoo. However, considering the religious and environmental convictions of the country, all animals were released into the wild. But, the national animal of the country, the takins refused to wander into the wild and roamed the streets in search of food. Since there was no way, they were again put back into zoo. If you want to see this animal, visit the zoo early in the morning when they come near the fence

Buddha Dordenma Statue

The total height of this statue is 51.5m which makes it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The entire statue is made of bronze and coated in gold. There are 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha which have been placed within the main Buddha Dordenma statue (100,000 statues – 8 inch tall and 25,000 - 12 inch tall). The throne of Buddha is actually a large meditation hall.

Located in the Kuenselphrodang Nature Park, the Buddha statue fulfills an ancient prophecy and is believed to emanate happiness and peace to the world.

Tashichhodzong

Originally built in the year 1641, the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’ was rebuilt in the 1960s by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. It is the seat of Royal Government of the country that reflects the people and the culture of this amazing land.

Weaving Center

Textile in Bhutan is a form of spiritual expression and art. Developed over centuries, the handlooms are a pure reflection of the distinctive identity of the country. Cloth as well as readymade are garments are available to choose from. You can also get to see the weavers at work and have a chat with them.

Day 8

Departure

After you complete your breakfast, you’ll be dropped at the airport by the representative of Bhutan Excursions. It’s time to bid goodbye and very soon the legendary Dragon Kingdom will disappear from your sight and remain etched in your memory forever.          

Included

  • The government’s fixed rate of $250 is charged to all which includes:
  • Accommodation (twin-sharing basis)
  • Expert leadership
  • Transport
  • Meals        
  • Activities
  • Tax

A surcharge is applicable in case the group size is less than 3. For 2 people, it is $30 per night and for solo traveler, it is $40 per night.

Excluded

  • Air Fare
  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses
  • Medical Insurance

Good to Know

The trek would be a wonderful opportunity for you to explore untouched and pristine Bhutan and explore some of its hidden gems. In the event that you’re unable to join the trek because of adverse circumstances, take a look at the cancellation policy:

  • Cancellation within 30 days before the start of the program, 30% will be deducted from the total amount.
  • Cancellation within 21 days before the start of the program, 50% of the total amount will be deducted.
  • Cancellation post arrival in Bhutan or after the commencement of the program you will be liable to pay 100% penalty, which means no refund.