druk path trek
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Included in this Tour
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffel bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
Not Included in this Tour
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Tour Program
8 Days / 7 Nights
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts. The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phadjoding monastery would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see the views of Paro Dzong over looking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong ( watch tower), now the National museum, above the dzong. Our local Bhutanese guide will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. After exploring, walk till the road where your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in the country. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor . Drive to back to the hotel. Later stroll in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro To Jele Dzong
Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. 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 cear day, the views of Paro town far below and of mount Jomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.
Distance: 10km, Time: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 913m, Descent: 80m, Camp Elev: 3480m.
Day 4: Jele Dzong To Jangchulakha
Begin with gradually ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jhomolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our up hill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3,780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.
Distance: 10km, Time: 3-4 hours, Ascent: 290m, Camp Elev: 3780m.
Day 5: Jangchulakha To Jimilangtsho
The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
Distance: 11km, Time: 4 hours, Ascent: 410m, Descent: 310m, Camp Elev: 3880m
Day 6: Jimilangtsho via Janetsho lake to Simkotra
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.
Distance: 11km, Time: 4 hours, Ascent: 240m, Camp Elev: 4110m.
Day 7: Simkotra- Phajoding- Thimphu
Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4,150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4,210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajodhing (3,870m). Walk way down hill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the roadhead of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley. On arrival, check into our hotel. Later in evening stroll freely in Thimphu town.
Distance: 14km, Time: 5 hours, Ascent: 90m.
Day 8: Thimphu To Paro Departs
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for departure.
Further Details
All of our itineraries can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas, no matter how big or small, and we’ll start planning your unique trip.Our tailor-made tours are designed by local Travel Specialists who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
