Druk Path Trek (12 Days)

Trekking in Bhutan

Day – 1 Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air. During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International airport, you will be received by our representative and escorted to your Hotel.

Day – 2 Paro – sightseeing
Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 kms away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical significance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess”, alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang view point.

Day – 3 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress – hence the name to meditate. The hike to Taktsang  Monastery takes about 4 hours. Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.

Day – 4 Paro – Jele Dzong (trek starts)
Distance – approximately 7 kms. Alt.2576 mtrs.
This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

Day –5 Jele Dzong – Janchulakha
Distance – 10 kms. Alt 2879 mtrs.
You begin with about an hour and half’s climb. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders around your camp site.

Day – 6 Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso
Distance 11 kms. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valleys are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Lake Jimilangtso.

Day – 7 Jimilangtso – Simkota. Distance –11kms.alt. 3485 m.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake.

Day – 8 Simkota – Phajoding. Distance-10kms. Alt. 2879 mtrs.
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount “Gangkhar Punsum”, the highest mountain in Bhutan as well as other Himalayan mountain ranges from the Dochula pass. From here, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt.

Day – 9 Phajoding – Thimphu. Distance-8kms. Alt. 2439
The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Overnight in Hotel.

Day – 10 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school.
Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.Visit the painting and wood craft schools where traditional art and painting are kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the Third King who reigned from 1952-1972.Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Visit Simtokha Dzong (6kms from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. the simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.

Day – 11 Thimphu – Excursion to Punakha/Wangdi
A days trip to Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77 kms) from Thimphu and wangdi is 16 Kms away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as “Phochu Mochu” (male and female river). The drive takes about three hours, one way. Evening : drive back to Paro.

Day – 12 Departure from Paro airport.