Drukpath Trek – 10 Days
Combining a short 6-day trek along an ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimphu with visits to all of Bhutan’s premier cultural sites, the Druk Path Trek is the perfect holiday for anyone looking for a complete and colorful experience in Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon. Offering a challenging but accessible short trek, through a pristine landscape, and a real taste of Bhutanese culture, this popular holiday provides an unforgettable introduction to the unique, welcoming and utterly fascinating Kingdom of Bhutan.
After flying to Paro, we will receive a warm welcome from our Bhutanese guides before setting off to hike to the gravity-defying Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, one of the most iconic Buddhist sites in the entire Himalaya. Next, we begin our journey along the Druk Path where our first day of walking will take us from Paro up to a camp just below the Jeli La and its tiny hilltop Dzong. During the succeeding 4 days, we trek above the tree-line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m), before descending down to Thimphu. En route, we camp beside clear mountain lakes and enjoy splendid panoramas of the snowy peaks on the border with Tibet, all whilst being taken great care of by our expert guides and our wonderful trek crew. Post trek we’ve time for sightseeing in Thimphu and Punakha.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 01 : Welcome to Bhutan. Tour Paro
- Day 02 : Visit Tiger's Nest
- Day 03 : Trek to JeleDzong
- Day 04 : Trek to Jangchulakha
- Day 05 : Trek to Jimilangtsho
- Day 06 : Trek to Simkota
- Day 07 : Trek to Phajoding
- Day 08 : Trek to Thimphu
- Day 09 : Paro
- Day 10 : Depart Bhutan
The flight offers you beautiful view of mountain and landscape. On arrival and after visa formalities, you will be received by your tour representative and proceed for sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong, which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8km, 4-5 hours. 1090m ascent
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow capped mountains. Above the camp is Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Altitude 3480m
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10km, 3 – 4hours. 310m ascent, 50m descent
Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We may also see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude 3770m.
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11km, 4 hours. 230m descent, 330m ascent
The trail follows the ridge, and when the weather is clear views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant sized trout. Altitude 3870m.
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11km, 4 hours. 820m ascent, 400m descent
The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janeetsho. Today we may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10km, 4 hours. 130m ascent, 680m descent
Today begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt.Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. You may also view a host of other peaks from Phume La (4080m). The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite. Altitude 3610m.
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: City Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in the year 1972. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts where the students are taught to master the 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may also visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan and Tashichhodzong. In the early evening depart for Paro.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
