The Druk Path Trek is a moderate, six-day trek. This popular trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes teeming with fish. There will be a number of temples and dzongs to visit on the way, and in the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. As well as being able to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu before and after the trek, you may also enjoy a day excursion to the Punakha valley to visit the imposing PunakhaDzong.
Season: This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September to December.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 01: Bangkok/ Delhi /Katmandu – Paro
Day 02: The Taktsang Experience
Day 03: Paro – Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha
Day 04: Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho
Day 05: Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho
Day 06: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding
Day 07: Phajoding – Mothitang
Day 08: Discovering Thimphu
Day 09. Departure from Paro
WHAT WE INCLUDE
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Druk Path Trek DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Paro
Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our company’s representative and escort you to the hotel. One of the unique and charming things you will see in all over Bhutan is our architecture. The Paro valley (2200m) is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating. This beautiful terraced valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest temples and home to our International Airport. The valley is known for growing red rice in Bhutan which is main staple diet for the people.
National Museum: After lunch visit Ta Dzong built in 1649 as a watch tower to defense the valley from Tibetan invaders. In 1968 His Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan converted into a National Museum to exhibit the cultural and artistic artifacts of Bhutanese civilization, heritage and tradition.
Paro Rinpung Dzong: It is also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built during time of Zhabdurng Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional cantilever bridge. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong offers a good view of the architecture wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.
Overnight: Paro
Day 2 : Paro
Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
Taktsang: This morning, hike to visit Taktshang (Tigers nest), the land mark of Bhutan kingdom, be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. Regarding the hike it is approximately 4 hours hike for round trip. The Monastery was built in 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as lotus born and refers as second Buddha in Mahayana tradition.
Kychu Temple: Atfer the hike visit Kychu, one of the oldest temples in Paro valley dates back to 7th century by first Tibetan Buddhist King. It is believed to build over the left foot of ogress who was stopping the king from spreading the Buddhism over Himalayan region. After the hike relax yourself at the hotel and later enjoy your dinner with local cultural show.
Complimentary: Cultural Show
Overnight: Paro
Day 3: Paro/Jili Dzong
Accommodation: Camp Site
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Camp Altitude |
| 10km | 3-4 hours | 1,090m | 10m | 3,480m |
After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3,490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a lear day, the views of Paro town far below and of mount Jomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking.
Overnight: Jili Dzong
Day 4: Jili Dzong/Jangchulakha
Accommodation: Camp Site
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Camp Altitude |
| 10km | 3-4 hours | 310m | 50m | 3780m |
The day begins with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Overnight: Camp Site
Day 5: Jangchulakha/Jimilangtsho
Accommodation: Camp Site
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Camp Altitude |
| 11km | 4 -5hours | 330m | 230m | 3880m |
The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day offers you an enchanting view of the mountains and valley. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Overnight: Camp Site
Day 6: Jimilangtsho/Simkota
Accommodation: Camp Site
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Camp Altitude |
| 11km | 4 -5hours | 820m | 400m | 4110m |
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Lake.
Overnight: Campsite
Day 7: Simkota/Phadjoding
Accommodation: Camp Site
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Camp Altitude |
| 10km | 3-4 hours | 1300m | 680m | 3750m |
The day 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 several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Overnight: Camp Site
Day 8: Phadjoding/Thimphu
Accommodation: 3 Star Accommodations
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, set menu dinner
| Distance | Time | Ascent | Descent | Thimphu |
| 5km | 2-3 hours | – | 1130m | 2300m |
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Take a good rest with hot shower.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 9: Thimphu/Paro (1hr 45 minutes’ drive)
Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room
Meals: Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner
After breakfast explore Thimphu city and after lunch drive to paro. Thimphu officially became the capital city of Bhutan in 1960s during the time of His Majesty 3rd King of Bhutan. There are one hundred thousand inhabitants; the board valley represents mostly the urban way of life. Just like any other place in Bhutan, this valley is clothed with beautiful trees from valleys to the hill tops and with beautiful buildings built and maintained with traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the memory of late 3rd king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the father of modern Bhutan. A multi- storied stupa will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
Buddha Point: One of the largest sitting posture statue of present Buddha in the world, 169ft tall. Inside the statue there is a big shrine which has hundred and twenty five thousand statue of Buddha donated by devotes around the world. One can do offerings, meditation and prayers inside the shrine.
Arts and Crafts School: Built in 1974 to preserve invaluable heritage and promote arts in Bhutan. The student goes through comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progress through painting, wood carving, embroidery and sculpture. They also learn to understand the traditional meaning and spiritual values enshrined in Buddhist art.
Bhutan Post Office: Located in the heart of the town. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan and can make your own personalized stamps (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your own expense).
Iron Chin Bridge: On the way to Paro visit iron chain bridge, it’s just five minutes’ walk from the high way, built over the Pa chu (Paro river). The bridge was built in 15th century by Tibetan master known as Thangtong Gyalpo, was great Buddhist, a yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering engineer. He is said to have built many iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use.
Paro Town: On arrival in paro stroll around Paro town, where you can find plenty of handicraft shops and some good coffee shops.
Complimentary: Soak yourself in traditional hot stone bath to relax and heal your joints pain.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Paro/Exit
Meals: Breakfast
Say good bye to Bhutan. After breakfast we will escort you to airport for flight to Singapore.