Druk Path Trek

Day 1

Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro will provide a great opportunity to witness spectacular views of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt Jichu Drake of Bhutan.

On arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will receive and escort you to yourr Hotel. Depending on the flight arrival timing sightseeing will be organised such as visit to the Ta Dzong, built in 17^th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in the 17^th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of the monastic community. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Free evening to stroll in the Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2

Hike to Paro Taktshang for acclimatization before the trekking

Drive north of the valley and embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery (popularly known as Tiger’s Nest), one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan, for acclimatization, before venturing the Jhomolhari trek. Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, acquired its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8^th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated there for three months. The hike to the Monastery is a gradual climb which will take about 4-5 hours from the car park. After the hike in the late afternoon, drive to Drukgyal Dzong (the victory fortress) which is now in ruins. It is about 10 miles away from Paro town. On a clear day one can get a breath-taking view of Mt. Jhomolhari while you drive to the Drukgyal Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3

Paro / Jela Dzong

Beginning of the Trek from Paro to Jela Dzong (distance 6.2 miles, five to six hours, 13,448 ft ascent, camp altitude 11,460 ft).

The start of the Druk Path Trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The first day is long, as you have to climb more than 3,280 ft elevation. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days overlooking the paro valley, you descend about 328 ft to the campsite.

Day 4

Jela Dzong / Jangchulakha

Jela Dzong to Jangchulakha (distance 6.2 miles, four to five hours, 980 ft ascent, 160 ft descent, camp altitude 12,140 ft).
Begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

Day 5

Jangchulakha / Jimilang Tsho

Jangchulakha / Jimilang Tsho (distance 7 miles, six to seven hours, 665 ft descent, 1,080 ft ascent, camp altitude 12,770 ft).
The trail starts off with a gradual climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Jhomolhari can be seen and the beautiful valleys. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.

Day 6

Jimilang Tsho / Simkotra Tsho

Jimilang Tsho / Simkotra Tsho (distance 7 miles, six to seven hours, 2665 ft ascent, 1300 ft descent, camp altitude 13480 ft).
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron and junipers while passing through Janeytso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Day 7

Simkotra Tsho / Phajoding

Simkotra Tsho / Phajoding (distance 6 miles, three to four hours, 427 ft ascent, 2170 ft descent, camp altitude 12,300 ft).
Today the trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. After crossing the highest pass on this trek at 13,500 ft the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing for a night halt. The camp is above Phadjoding.

Day 8

Phajodhing / Mothitang (End of Trek)

Phajodhing / Mothitang (distance 3 miles, two to three hours, 3708 ft descent).
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours and our transport will meet at the road end at Sangaygang. During the drive to hotel on the way you can visit the mini zoo to see the unique Takins (the national animal of Bhutan).

Day 9

Thimphu

Today you will be sightseeing in Thimphu. isit the Memorial Stupa of 3rd King built in 1974, Changangkha Lhakhang, Jungshi Paper factory where they make traditional Bhutanese paper, the National Library that houses the world’s largest book, ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, visit the Folk heritage Museum which is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. In the afternoon visit the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS), the only charitable art school in the Kingdom which gives opportunity to the economically disadvantaged students from different parts of Bhutan. Students of Choki Traditional Art School graduate with traditional arts and crafts skills which they can put to use to earn good living back in their home village. A presentation by the principal will be organized followed by a campus tour and visit to the classrooms where the guest can interact with the students. Later visit the Tashichho Dzong in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10

Thimphu / Paro – Departure

Drive to Paro International Airport accompanied by our representative – this is approximately a one hour drive.

Terma Linca Resort and Spa
Thimphu

Taj Tashi
Thimphu

Namgay Heritage
Thimphu

Uma by COMO – Paro
Paro

Amankora
Paro