Overview
(15 Days/ 14 Nights) Entry and exit: Paro International Airport
“Bhutan being landlocked by difficult mountain terrains kept itself away and isolated from rest of the world forcing its children to live a life which most of the people around the world wouldn’t think of, Daga La trek offers visitors with a beautiful insights into real life challenges of fellow Bhutanese people by experiencing one of the most used and oldest trekking route still in use. Be ready to explore historical sites and some of the highest trekking route in Bhutan with excellent view of high mountains ranges in Eastern Himalaya. We have the best professionals and stakeholders to ensure proper service.”
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US$40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 hr)
Flight to Paro has spectacular views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and transfer to Thimphu by car/bus. One can wander on your own to stroll Thimphu streets or relax in your hotel
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m
Day 02| Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Handmade paper Mill, School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery view point.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03| Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ hrs)
Drive through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m
Day 04| Punakha – Trongsa (4 ½ hrs)
Check out of the hotel and visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. En route, stop in Wangdi. Stroll in Wangdi town and view the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (Fortress) which is now under renovation which happens to be the only fortress with the original roof. Continue to Trongsa over Pelela Pass at 3300m which forms the part of Black Mountain Range that divides the country into east and west. Evening relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude: 2200m
Day 05| Trongsa – Jakar (3 hrs)
Morning visit Trongsa town and visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals and the watch tower which houses a museum now. Drive pass by the second highest road pass in your trip at 3425m (Yotong La). En route stop over the weaving place, beside the road where “Yatha” (wool weaving) is done which the Valley of Bumthang is famous for, rest of the time relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Jakar | Altitude: 2650m
Day 06| Jakar Sightseeing
Make an excursion drive to the village of Ura. En-route visit the burning lake known as mebar Tsho with an interesting history. The drive will pass over the Shertang La pass at 3573m. On clear weather Bhutan’s highest
mountain Gangkar Puensum (7540m) can be seen dominating the northern valley. Visit the Ura village and return.
Overnight: Jakar
Day 07| Jakar Sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lakhang, the one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performing annually. Visit Kurjey Temple, the site where royals are cremated, one can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles.
Overnight: Jakar
Day 08| Jakar – Phobjikha (6 ½ hrs)
Retrace and enjoy the drive back to the valley of Black-Necked Crane. Black-necked crane is one of the rare species of the birds in the world, which migrates from Tibetan plateau to Bhutan in winters. On arrival at Gangtey visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Evening relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m
Day 09| Phobjikha – Paro (5 ½ hrs)
Check out from the hotel, take an easy valley hike to the Gompa which take about 2 hrs and called Phobjikha Natural Trail, further drive back to Paro. If time permits, in Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress on the heap of jewel) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 10|Dagala Trek Starts
Paro – Genekha (1 Hr) – Tueshi
Distance: 9 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3250 m
Early morning drive for the village of Genekha where the trek begins just before the Genekha village. Today’s hike is one of the easiest day of the trek just following the valley towards north and the small river. Crossing the ancient village of Tshotshekha. Camp just below Tueshi stupa.
Day 11| Tueshi – Shungkula / Cherigang
Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3500 m
Pass to cross: Japhula, 4185 m
The trail starts with gentle climb following the valley which slowly opens up as you start climbing the pass. Lunch in Japhula Pass. After the lunch, the trail is all downhill with magnificent landscape view. As you descent down you will realize how fast the vegetation changes. Camp by the big ground offering magnificent view of the northern ranges of Bhutanese mountains.
Day 12| Shungkula – Thimphu-Paro (trek ends)
Distance: 6 km
Walking time: 3 hours
Morning enjoy the sunrise view over the mountain peaks. After breakfast descend down through the mixed vegetation, finally reaching the main motorable road of Chamgang village. Our transport will be waiting for us. Bid farewell to the trekking staffs and the ponies. Drive to Thimphu in time for lunch. After lunch drive to Paro and relax in the hotel.
Overnight: Paro| Altitude: 2200m
Day 13| Paro – Haa – Paro (5 Hrs)
Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot which studs the rock cliff. Continue driving to Haa over the Chelela Pass, your highest point of the trip at 3899m. When the weather permits one can view the most scared mountain in the country Mt. Chomolhari (7314m). Visit the quiet, timeless Haa valley with a picnic lunch.
Overnight: Paro
Day 14| Paro Sightseeeing
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest temple, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. Afternoon on your way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 4 oldest Buddhist temples in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and Evening at leisure
Overnight: Paro
Day 15| Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. . Our tour representatives will drop you to the airport before 2hrs of your flight timing and bit you farewell. Ka din chey La
Tour Map
Frequently asked question
Itinerary is always flexible if you are travelling in a smaller group. You have a choice of eating in a different restaurant, however, the menu depends on the chef and usually it is a set menu but not necessarily the same menu every day.
It is in the tourism industry but it is not compulsory. It actually depends on the service rendered to you.
Yes, things that are not included in the tariff are all beverages, telecommunications, tips, laundry, massage and souvenir shopping.
Bhutan is well connected and every town has IDD services. Internet cafes are available almost everywhere. Cell phones can also be used but you need to get Bhutan prepaid SIM Card and recharge it. Recharge vouchers are available at every second shop in town.
You can exchange money in the banks as well as in the hotels were you are staying. Rates will be better in the banks plus US$ is acceptable in almost all of the shops in town.
It cannot be safer anywhere else in the world.
Bhutan is all season tourist destination for cultural tours. However the month of February, March, April, and September, October, November are considered the best time due to pleasant weather conditions. December and January are winter months and June, July and August, the rainy season. It is important to note that the climatic conditions during the winter months are not extreme. The average temperature would range from 10-17 degree Celsius during day time.
The money you have transferred will be with held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan till the day you depart. Travel Agents can only withdraw the money after your departure upon submitting your tour invoice. Therefore, your money is safe.
It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Decide the number of days you want to spend in Bhutan according to your interest and budget.
Decide the date and the port of entry (You can fly into Bhutan from one of these cities; Bangkok, Katmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Dacca) into Bhutan.
Fill up the visa application form (You can download the visa application form here).
Remit the total tour payment (You can download the money transfer details here). It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Once we have confirmed dates, port of entry, dully filled visa application form, and money received, we will process your visa.
Except for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to their arrival, which will be processed by us.
Tourism is not restricted but the minimum daily tariff is set by the government. It is also necessary that all tourists must come through a registered tour operator to plan your itinerary and process your visa. Tourist cannot come on their own unless they are invited guest.
Druk Air operates daily flight (once daily) from Bangkok (Thailand) and four flights a week from New Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta (India) and two flights a week from Dacca (Bangladesh). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For Druk Air schedules click on Flights Details or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.bt . You can also enter Bhutan via Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (West Bengal) in India. It has regular flights from New Delhi (twice daily).
Bhutan is connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom.